Perennial – Elephant Ears ‘Taro’

Elephant Ears ‘Taro’

Botanical name: colocasia esculenta 

Beginner friendly?: moderate 

Average size at maturity: 3-7 ft in height and in spread 

Hardy zone: zones 8-12 

Growth rate: reaches fully mature size in 1-3 growing seasons 

Foliage color: green, red, purple 

Flower color: green, white 

Bloom time:  summer 

Pruning instructions: deadhead withered blooms and foliage as needed 

Propagation methods: propagate by tuber division in the spring 

Landscape use: tropical landscaping, rain garden, container plant 

Special features: disease resistant, flood resistant, heat tolerant, clay tolerant 

Light needs: no more than 4 hours of sun per day 

Watering instructions: keep soil consistently moist but not soggy 

Best time to plant: spring, fall 

Best type of soil:  clay, loam 

Companion plants: lemongrass, turmeric, ginger 

Toxicity level: toxic for humans and pets if ingested 

Invasive species: no