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Colocasia gigantea ‘Thailand Giant’ (Giant Elephant Ear)

Giant Elephant Ear

Colocasia gigantea 'Thailand Giant', Giant Elephant Ear, evergreen perennial,
Colocasia gigantea 'Thailand Giant', Giant Elephant Ear, evergreen perennial,

A big, bold, textural, and architectural foliage plant, Colocasia gigantea ‘Thailand Giant’ (Giant Elephant Ear) is a tuberous, frost-tender perennial boasting huge, heart-shaped, blue-green leaves, up to 4-6 ft. long (120-180 cm) and 3-5 ft. wide (90-150 cm). They are borne atop sturdy, succulent leaf stalks. Unlike the leaves of Alocasia, which point skyward, the leaves of Colocasia droop and point toward the ground. Reminiscent of calla lily flowers, pale yellow, pleasantly perfumed flowers are infrequently produced in summer. Strong and fast-growing, Giant Elephant Ear is a hassle-free tropical plant that makes an unforgettable focal point and brings a distinctly tropical look to the landscape, water gardens, or large containers. Evergreen in frost-free climates.

  • Grows up to 6-10 ft. tall and wide (180-300 cm).
  • Performs best in sun or part shade in organically rich, moist to wet soils. Provide a sheltered location to protect the decorative leaves from strong winds. This plant grow best in areas with high summer heat and high humidity.
  • Elephant Ears love water and nutrients. They require regular watering, particularly during dry summer periods. Provide regular fertilization during the growing season. The more you feed them, the larger they will grow. They can be planted in up to 6 in. (15 cm) of standing water.
  • Perfect as a specimen or in groups for beds and borders, near streams and ponds, or in large containers.
  • Generally disease free. Watch for spider mites.
  • All parts may cause mild stomach upset if ingested without cooking.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.

Learn How To Plant, Care and Grow Splendid Elephant Ears


Often grown for their dramatic foliage reminiscent of elephant ears, Colocasia and Alocasia are terrific tender perennials that provide a strong ornamental interest and quickly give a touch of the tropics in gardens or containers. Impossibly exotic, their architectural shapes make them perfect for planting as focal plants or massed to create a tropical effect. Easy to grow, they stand proud and bold provided some basic rules are respected.

Requirements

Hardiness 8 - 10
Climate Zones 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Aquatic Plants, Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Araceae
Genus Colocasia
Common names Giant Elephant Ear, Elephant Ear
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 6' - 10'
(180cm - 3m)
Spread 6' - 10'
(180cm - 3m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average, High
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Wet Soil, Deer, Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Bog Gardens, Patio And Containers, Ponds And Streams, Rain Gardens, Water Gardens
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Colocasia esculenta ‘Mojito’ (Taro)
Colocasia esculenta ‘Illustris’ (Taro)
Colocasia esculenta ‘Fontanesii’ (Black Stem Elephant Ear)
Colocasia esculenta ‘Hawaiian Punch’ (Taro)
Colocasia esculenta ‘Blue Hawaii’ (Taro)
Colocasia esculenta ‘White Lava’ (Taro)

Recommended Companion Plants

Asclepias incarnata ‘Cinderella’ (Swamp Milkweed)
Iris ‘Black Gamecock’ (Louisiana Iris)
Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal Flower)
Carex elata ‘Aurea’ (Bowles’ Golden Sedge)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Best Foliage Plants for Your Garden
40 Tropical Plants for Your Outdoor Garden
Colocasia (Elephant Ears, Taro)
Native Plant Alternatives to Colocasia esculenta (Taro)
Learn How To Plant, Care and Grow Splendid Elephant Ears
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 8 - 10
Climate Zones 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Aquatic Plants, Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Araceae
Genus Colocasia
Common names Giant Elephant Ear, Elephant Ear
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 6' - 10'
(180cm - 3m)
Spread 6' - 10'
(180cm - 3m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average, High
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Wet Soil, Deer, Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Bog Gardens, Patio And Containers, Ponds And Streams, Rain Gardens, Water Gardens
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Colocasia (Elephant Ears) to pick?
Compare Now

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