elephant ear plant up close Elephant Ear

elephant ear plant up close Elephant EarPRESALE Spring 2026 Shipping Schedule: 3 20 2026 Nothing screams tropical in the summer garden than the magnificent Elephant Ear! These beloved, easy to grow tubers produce the most dramatic, exotic foliage summer to fall. There are two main types of Elephant Ears Alocasia (upward pointing, glossy leaves) and Colocasia (tall stems with velvety leaves that hang similar to elephants's ears). Elephant Ears range in color, height, pattern and texture.

PRESALE

Spring 2026 Shipping Schedule: 3/20/2026

Nothing screams tropical in the summer garden than the magnificent Elephant Ear! These beloved, easy to grow tubers produce the most dramatic, exotic foliage summer to fall. There are two main types of Elephant Ears - Alocasia (upward pointing, glossy leaves) and Colocasia (tall stems with velvety leaves that hang similar to elephants's ears). Elephant Ears range in color, height, pattern and texture. Colocasia esculenta is grown in Hawaii for food and is commonly known as taro.

About this Variety

Elephant Ear Antiquorum Illustris has won awards for its beautiful foliage. A bold and impressive Elephant Ear classic. It is heat tolerant, fast growing, adaptable as a houseplant and can be used as a water plant since it loves moist areas. The foliage is green with purple-black shading, making it the perfect thriller in a tropical container combination planter. Looks great planted with Cannas.

Highlights

• Exotic, tropical foliage
• Grows well in containers
• Foliage summer through fall
• Thrives in moist areas, including standing water
• Easy to grow

Exposure:

Full sun to partial shade

Blooms:

Foliage Summer to Fall

Height:

Grows 36-60" tall

Spacing/Depth:

Plant 18-24" apart, 2-4" deep

USDA Zones:

Grow as Perennial in zones 8-10, Grow as Annual elsewhere.

Growing Instructions

Plant Elephant Ears outdoors in the spring after all danger of frost has passed. Elephant Ears thrive in a full sun to partially shaded spot in moist, rich soil. Elephant Ears will tolerate full sun but prefer to have a little shade. Plant tubers 2-4" deep and 18-24" apart. When planting a large number of bulbs in one bed, excavate the entire area to the recommended depth, work fertilizer into the bottom of the trench, set out bulbs and then cover all at once. Water thoroughly at planting. While actively growing, water frequently and thoroughly so that water will reach roots. Mulch to keep the soil cool and to prevent the soil from drying out. Fertilize at planting and during growing season every two to three weeks. In areas where Elephant Ears are not winter hardy, dig up tubers in fall before frost. Clean off roots and store at 50ºF. Replant tubers in spring after all danger of frost has passed.

Care Tip

Elephant Ears are suitable for large pots, raised beds and will grow in standing water. Water well during dry periods. Some varieties of Elephant Ears can be grown indoors in a very bright location in consistently moist soil.