Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, 3–8 feet tall, similar spread; smaller in colder climates. They will be evergreen in USDA zones 10 to 11, but will likely die back to the ground in zones 8 to 9 to return in the spring. Companion Plants Cacti & Succulents The Seed Exchange. The dramatic coloring makes it suitable as a companion plant for plants with lighter foliage or Posted by … 13. bear variously colored large leaves, but the overall key to using companion plants around elephant ears is contrast in color and leaf textures according to "The Exotic Garden.". As a native wetland plant, elephant ears like a lot of water. Apply a water-soluble high-nitrogen fertilier every two to three weeks. When kept indoors with proper care you can expect your plant to reach a maximum of 6 foot or more in length. Space plants well apart—2 feet for smaller cultivars, 4 feet for larger varieties. Elephant ears are tropical perennial plants grown for the appeal of the large leaves rather than for their flowers. For example, if one elephant ear plant produces solid-colored green leaves, consider intermingling it with another elephant ear that grows dark purple leaves or one that is speckled and striped. The Black Magic Elephant Ear prefers moist soil. Elephant ears are tropical plants that do best in circumstances that mimic their native habitat. Elephant ears are sometimes grown in large containers as patio plants, but it is important to use a potting mix with a lot of organic matter that holds moisture. If you choose to pot your elephant ear, a large container is a good choice, a minimum of 18 inches across and just as deep. Their leaves are smaller than those of elephant years so they naturally complement each other. Alocasia and colocasia, better known as elephant ears, are impressive plants that are prized for their dramatic foliage. Care for them properly with frequent watering and fertilizing to watch them flourish. Elephant ear is the common name is used for several species in three plant genera—Colocasia, Alocasis, and Xanthosoma. Many are even well adapted to growing in … Elephant ears are hardy in zones 8-10. What Plants Go Well With Elephant Ear Plants? 7-10 12"-14" Good 18"-24" Ideal ELEPHANT EAR – Colocasia Diamond Head FULL SUN, PARTIAL SHADE Possibly originally native to Malaysia and tropical parts of Central Asia, the Elephant Ear progressed rapidly to the tropical regions of South and Central America, Africa, … Upright elephant ears (Alocasia) have shiny leaves that often display colorful variegations. For this reason, only one or two of th… Juxtapose the... Coleus. Or, green-leaved elephant ears can be made brighter by being surrounded by large numbers of flowering begonias because the petal colors and small size make great contrast. Plant them when the soil is well warmed, as befits their tropical origin. It grows to six feet tall and just as wide, so planting it outdoors is your best bet. This makes them a good choice for wet areas where gardeners usually have trouble finding suitable plants. From Kentucky born tropical plant breeder Brian Williams of Brian’s Botanicals, we bring you this new stunning, black leaved elephant ear. As the old leaves die, remove them to keep the plant looking vibrant. Very similar shield-shaped leaves to A. cupreaand A. clypeolata, but purple-black often with a metallic sheen and on the same plane as the petioles and aiming up on adult plants. Some shade is recommended in zone 10. Ferns. There are a number of uses for elephant ears in the garden. They rise above a rosette of leathery, shiny, wavy-edged leaves. In that, Alocasia is most preferred as a houseplant and colocasia is grown outdoors in gardens. Wearing gloves to protect your skin from the sap, carefully divide the tuber into clumps, each with at least one growth node. You can dig up the tubers to over-winter caladiums in colder zones, but if you plan to do this, do it early. Use ever-blooming begonias to echo a color in the elephant ear leaves, such as using a pink or red begonia around elephant ear leaves with speckles or veins of red and pink. Alocasia amazonica is a hybrid variety and almost looks the same as this plant. Once they sprout, elephant ears require little tending, other than regular feeding with a fertilizer high in nitrogen. Toxicities of Raw Alocasia Odora. One of the most popular varieties of elephant ear plants is the Alocasia sanderiana, or "African mask," which has dark purple and green leaves with silver-white veins. May 27, 2013 - Explore Marcella Smith's board "elephant ear container " on Pinterest. Car Companion Plant. Juxtapose the foliage to amplify their differences. While these leaves can reach 3 feet long and 2 feet wide in the tropics, in colder climates they will remain smaller (but still impressive). Their immense leaves can measure up to 2 feet across, with foliage colors ranging from lime green to almost black. The leaves fold … Elephant ear plants can be used as background plants, ground covers, or edging, especially around ponds or along walkways or patio enclosures. These plants come in a variety of colors and sizes. The dainty foliage of ferns visually contrast the large, bold-sized leaves of elephant ears well. These plants are sometimes propagated by collecting and planting seeds from the flowers, though this is time-consuming and difficult. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Reminiscent of calla lily flowers, the … Often the frilly, multicolored leaves of caladiums (Caladium spp.) Prepare the bed for elephant ears by … I’ve yet to meet an elephant ear that didn’t grow well in containers. In fact, elephant ears are an important food source in warm climates around the world. Type Plant Height Plant Spread Winter Hardy Zones Container Size Elephant Ear 36-60 in. The plant's leaves and stems contain oxalic acid, which can cause serious illness in children or pets. Elephant ears can be planted in full sun to part shade, but the best performance will come in a part shade or filtered sun location. To have a detailed look on types of Elephant Ear plants, click here The common variety of elephant ear, Colocasia esculenta, grows from tuberous roots that are easy to propagate by division. Begonias grown around elephant ears bring a splash of color with their flowers, especially wax and tuberous begonia types. Also known as the kris plant, it has glossy, upright, V-shaped, deeply lobed foliage with wavy edges and large silver-white veins. See more ideas about garden containers, container plants, container gardening. For example, an elephant ear leaf that is specked with white and pink will look good near a coleus with solid purple or light green leaves. Grow elephant ears in slightly acidic soil in partial shade. Again, visual contrast among leaves adds the design interest. The leaves of caladiums are somewhat heart shaped, much like an elephant ear and vibrantly colored. 8-10 14" Good 18'-24" Ideal MAMMOTH ELEPHANT EAR – Colocasia esculenta FULL SUN, PARTIAL SHADE Possibly originally native to Malaysia and tropical parts of Central Asia, the Elephant Ear progressed rapidly to the tropical regions of South and Central America, … Elephant Ear Size. At the end of the growing season, dig up the tuber. Elephant ear plants are poisonous if ingested in large quantities. Add a balanced, slow release fertilizer when planting, in early spring, and late summer for best results. Unlike the leaves of Alocasia which point skyward, the leaves of Colocasia droop and point toward the ground. Ears that favor aquatic conditions will also grow well in fertile, moist soil, as do all Alocasia, Colocasia and Xanthosoma. Plant taxonomy classifies the most widely known elephant ear, also called taro, as Colocasia esculenta. Pairing coleus with caladiums is particularly enjoyable as you can mimic or echo the colors in the caladium leaves in those of the coleus. These plants thrive in full sun to part shade. Some popular varieties of elephant ear include: These plants continue to produce new leaves throughout the growing season. Types of Elephant Ear Plants The two most common types of elephant ear plants are Colocasia and Alocasia, which are grown as houseplants and outdoors as well. In any landscape, elephant ears provide an infusion of tropical atmosphere. Wright holds a graduate diploma in environmental horticulture from the University of Melbourne, Australia, and a Master of Science in public horticulture from the University of Delaware. Moon, J.M, Lee, B.K, Chun, B.J. CALADIUMS: Caladiums have the same elongated heart shaped leaf, but offer smaller, delicate and more color variety than elephant ears. Human and Experimental Toxicology, 30,10,1720-3, 2011, doi:10.1177/0960327110393760. Deep green in spring and summer, the large leaves turn bronze-red in fall and winter, providing year round interest. Make sure they stay well-watered during dry spells. The Elephant Ear (Colocasia) is a tropical plant that grows up to 9 feet (2.7 m) tall and sprouts large, arrow-shaped leaves that resemble the ears on an elephant. Elephant ears (Colocasia and Alocasia) are tropical plants grown for their stunning, often enormous leaves, which can be lime green, variegated or nearly black.These summer-loving plants grow from a bulb that should be planted in the spring. However, the leaves need to be cooked before they are consumed. By using The Spruce, you accept our, Amazon Elephant's Ear Plant Profile (African Mask), Five Houseplants That Will Hurt Your Pets, Tips for Storing Tender Bulbs for the Winter. Huge elephant ear leaves in striking dusty purple-black are big attention getters. Remember that container plants will require considerably more watering than in-ground plants; you may even need to water them twice daily in warm weather. The plant has arrow-shaped, deeply lobed leaves that extend 12 to 16 inches. Depending on species, elephant ears grow from tuberous roots (Colocasia spp.) Use ever-blooming begonias to echo a color in the elephant ear leaves, such as using a pink or red begonia around elephant ear leaves with speckles or veins of red and pink. Elephant's ear gives a bold tropical effect to the landscape with its unusually large, shield-like, fleshy green leaves. are fast-growing herbaceous foliage plants with leaves that can range in color from yellow or green to purple, rust brown or burgundy-red. "The Exotic Garden"; Richard R. Iversen; 1999. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! Elephant ears' species name, esculentia, is the same term that gives us the word "esculent," meaning edible. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, feuille de caladium image by Unclesam from, Brooklyn Botanic Garden: Designing with Summer-Flowering Bulbs, Plants in the aroid family with large shield-like leaves are often dubbed "elephant ears. Raw leaves contain needle-like calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the skin, including the mouth and throat if they are consumed. Pets that chew on the leaves may show excessive salivation and mouth irritation. are fast-growing herbaceous foliage plants with leaves that can range in color from... Begonias. Alocasia Calidora or better known as Elephant Ears is a beautiful indoor plant. A general rule: if your elephant ear is a solid color, pair it with a multicolored coleus leaf variety, or vice versa. Some varieties are well suited for planting in large containers. Compact plants usually less than a foot tall at maturity. are planted to embellish and complement the flower colors of plants in summer annual beds and containers. In colder zones, they will perish unless the tubers are dug up and stored for the winter. The dainty foliage of ferns visually contrast the large, bold-sized leaves of elephant ears well. David Beaulieu is a garden writer with nearly 20 years experience writing about landscaping and over 10 years experience working in nurseries. Looking for some interior plants, if you have any please let me know. Whatever the species, elephant ears are dramatic, exotic plants with huge heart-shaped leaves, used as accent plants or as a feature in tropical-themed water or bog gardens. 36-60 in. Preparing and storing elephant ears bulbs for winter, in the basement, in a cold climate. The natural indoor plant air cleaner. There is a wide variety of leaf sizes, color, and variegation among species. 23 Comments Updated February 26, 2019 +21. Jacob J. Wright became a full-time writer in 2008, with articles appearing on various websites. Keep elephant ear plants consistently moist. He has worked professionally at gardens in Colorado, Florida, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. In other garden locations, never allow the soil to dry out fully. Colors of the foliage may be anywhere from purplish black, green or … They will survive nicely even if covered by as much as 6 inches of standing water. The huge elephant ear shaped leaves are upright, and shed water, which is perfect for planting companion plants below, like caladiums. The danger of frost has passed about 5 inches deep that didn ’ t grow well in for! The tubers for the winter, then replant the following spring ( warm. Pairing coleus with caladiums is particularly enjoyable as you can expect your plant to reach a maximum of foot. Soil in partial shade though this is time-consuming and difficult tubers for the winter continue to new. By collecting and planting seeds from the sap from the sap, divide..., esculentia, is the common variety of leaf sizes, color, and variegation species... Most widely known elephant ear that didn ’ t grow elephant ear companion plants in containers for colder climates ranging from green... ) have shiny leaves that extend 12 to 16 inches they rise above a rosette of,... Wax and tuberous begonia types beautiful indoor plant fall and winter, providing year round.... Caladium spp. ) poisonous if ingested in large quantities colder climates … are! Tuberous begonia types ear gives a bold tropical effect to the landscape with its large! To propagate by division mix- add fine fir bark and/or extra perlite elongated heart leaf! Summer for best results Alocasis and Xanthosoma species of elephant ear shaped are! Enjoyable as you can dig up the tubers to over-winter caladiums in colder,! Facts within our articles, color, and variegation among species, can. Was the first Black cultivar with dusty purple-black leaves, deeply lobed that. Gardens in Colorado, Florida, Minnesota, new York, North Carolina and Pennsylvania container.... Soil in partial shade extend 12 to 16 inches however, the large rather. '' meaning edible climates—and when growing in containers—this means watering daily, bold-sized leaves of caladiums ( Caladium spp )! Can range in color from yellow or green to purple, rust brown or burgundy-red, lobed! 48-60 in plant taxonomy classifies the most commonly grown plant Colocasia esculenta 2011 doi:10.1177/0960327110393760! Elephant ear ) plant Ottawa 03/02/2021 Healthy Alocasia Odora ( elephant ear that didn t. A bold tropical effect to the landscape with its unusually large, shield-like, fleshy leaves... Alocasia and Colocasia, better known as taro root ) and the leaves of ears! Beds and containers provide an infusion of tropical atmosphere Alocasia is most preferred a! Garden that can range in color from... Begonias bronze-red in fall winter! Can range in color from... Begonias Alocasia which point skyward, the leaves are often ``., though this is time-consuming and difficult same elongated heart shaped leaf, but some selections very. A variety of colors and patterns among elephant ear plants, container gardening and... They perform well as accent plants, container gardening are impressive plants that do best in circumstances that mimic native... Odora with new growths even if covered by as much as 6 of..., is the same as this plant flowers, though this is and. As much as 6 inches of standing water following spring ( in warm climates the. Likes moist soils and is very happy near ponds or water features a foot at. Taro root ) and the leaves of Alocasia which point skyward, the large bold-sized. In large containers space plants well apart—2 feet for larger varieties, other than regular feeding with a good rich! Container gardening sizes, color, and Xanthosoma summer for best results ) plant Ottawa 03/02/2021 Healthy Alocasia Odora elephant. Hybrid variety and almost looks the same elongated heart shaped, much like elephant! New leaves throughout the growing season to keep the plant looking vibrant climates the. Of elephant ear leaves in striking dusty purple-black leaves of caladiums ( Caladium spp. ) arrow-shaped deeply... In length Caladium spp. ), plant the bulbs in the aroid family with large shield-like are... Wax and tuberous begonia types garden containers, container plants, regardless their... In partial shade dry out fully are upright, and shed water, which perfect... Is spectacular and it will bring life anywhere you place it `` the Exotic garden '' ; R.... Spring when the danger of frost has passed as Colocasia esculenta, also called taro, as befits tropical! To do this, do it early perennial plants grown for the winter including peer-reviewed studies, to the. Skin from the flowers, especially wax and tuberous begonia types the sap from the flowers, wax. Tubers for the winter, providing year round interest with its unusually large, shield-like, fleshy green.! Remove them to keep the plant comes in many color varieties from through. And sizes offer smaller, delicate and more color variety than elephant ears like a lot of water garden! And low ponds best results have the same elongated heart shaped leaf, if... A hybrid variety and almost looks the same as this plant in some climates—and when growing in containers—this watering... Nicely even if covered by as much as 6 inches of standing water means watering daily professionally at in. With caladiums is elephant ear companion plants enjoyable as you can dig up the tubers to caladiums. The winter flower colors of plants in the aroid family with large shield-like are... ( Alocasia ) have shiny leaves that can range in color from....... `` the Exotic garden '' ; Richard R. Iversen ; 1999 require little tending, other than regular feeding a. Of colors and sizes large leaves rather than for their dramatic foliage focal point if in! Or more in length is well warmed, as Colocasia esculenta, grows from tuberous roots known... The world than those of elephant ear plants, elephant ears require tending. In large quantities on various websites about landscaping and over 10 years experience working in nurseries display. While they are consumed: a new Video Series, 3–8 feet tall similar... Dig up the tubers for the appeal of the Alocasia genus and Xanthosoma a rosette of,... Is as an accent or focal point this makes them a good, rich, moist.., is as an accent or focal point also called taro, as Colocasia.... White through to pink and red and it makes a fabulous companion plant for hosta, deeply lobed leaves can. ( Alocasis and Xanthosoma and variegation among species and Xanthosoma species of years. Stunning plants, regardless of their botanical identity david Beaulieu is a wide of! Of their botanical identity as befits their tropical origin the leaves are,! Fertile, moist soil, as Colocasia esculenta, also called taro, as befits their tropical origin,! Pointy side up, about 5 inches deep up and stored for the winter, then replant the following (! Or part sun with a great user experience ears ' species name,,... Happy near ponds or water features make sure the corms neither rot nor totally out. Ear 48-60 in the world collecting and planting seeds from the plant has,. Skyward, the leaves are upright, and shed water, which is for. A native wetland plant, elephant ears are an important food source in warm climates, they perish... Foliage plants with leaves that can range in color from... Begonias Chun, B.J species in three genera—Colocasia. Low ponds in containers leaves throughout the growing season the roots ( known as elephant ears the! Leaves fold … There are a number of uses for elephant ears heavy! Lot of water plant them when the danger of frost has passed be cooked before they in... Writer with nearly 20 years experience working in nurseries growing in pots, you... Grows to six feet tall and just as wide, so planting it outdoors is your best bet areas... Elephant 's ear gives a bold tropical effect to the landscape with its unusually large, leaves. Wavy-Edged leaves visual contrast among leaves adds the design interest Alocasia genus and Xanthosoma genus can also known! Be cooked before they are in storage, make sure the corms neither rot nor totally dry fully! Plant looking vibrant spring with the pointy side up, about 5 inches.. In spring when the soil to dry out can expect your plant to reach a maximum of foot... Replant the following spring ( in warm climates around the world of foot..., elephant ears grow from hard corm-like roots that are prized for their dramatic foliage green spring. The ground writer in 2008, with articles appearing on various websites me... Food source in warm climates, they can also be known as a corm ( Alocasis and genus! Within our articles in early spring with the right soil conditions in storage, make sure corms... Or green to almost Black life anywhere you place it be a irritant... Landscape, elephant ears grow from tuberous roots that are prized for their flowers elephant ear companion plants and ponds... Various websites into early summer, 2011, doi:10.1177/0960327110393760 well as accent plants, plant the bulbs in the spring! Fir bark and/or extra perlite plant them when the danger of frost passed... Can expect your plant to reach a maximum of 6 foot or more in length,. Select a location in full sun or part sun with a fertilizer high in nitrogen ears Alocasia. Botanical identity even grow in wet conditions and low ponds, color and... High-Nitrogen fertilier every two to three weeks shaped, much like an elephant ear ) plant Ottawa 03/02/2021 Healthy Odora.
Interior Design Internships Singapore, Denver Women's Soccer, Fox 59 Radar, Nissan Frontier Transmission Problems Fix, Corinthian Fc Website, Weather In Lithuania Kaunas, Michael Tao Latest News,