Alphabetical Plant Listing

Alocasia macrorrhiza (Giant Taro)

Giant Taro, Giant Elephant Ear, Upright Elephant Ear


A striking beauty with its dramatic, gigantic leaves, Alocasia macrorrhiza (Giant Taro) is a rhizomatous evergreen perennial which is excellent for bringing a lush look to gardens. Resembling the ears of an elephant, thick, prominently-veined, ruffled, green leaves are borne on rigid stalks (petioles) which jut vertically from a stout upright trunk. Huge, they can reach 3-6 ft. in length (90-180 cm) and 2-4 ft. in width (60-120 cm). They are arrow-shaped at their bases and stand upright, pointing skyward, unlike the leaves of Colocasia, which droop and point toward the ground. Reminiscent of calla lily flowers, the blossoms consist of a yellowish-green spathe and spadix. They are not particularly showy and bloom intermittently throughout the year. Excellent tender perennial as a focal or specimen plant.

  • Grows up to 12-15 ft. high (360-450 cm) and 6-8 ft. wide (180-240 cm)
  • Performs best in part shade in organically rich, moist, to wet soils. Provide a sheltered location to protect the decorative leaves from strong winds. Leaves often scorch when exposed to full sun. Plants require regular watering and fertilization. Reduce watering in winter.
  • Perfect as a green houseplant, for containers, or in the shade garden.
  • Watch for spider mites, scale, mealy bugs, and aphids.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
  • Native to Sri Lanka and India through Southeast Asia into the islands of Indonesia.

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.Read More

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Requirements

Hardiness 9 – 12
Heat Zones 9 – 12
Climate Zones 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Alocasia - Elephant Ears
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 12' – 15' (3.6m – 4.5m)
Spread 6' – 8' (180cm – 240cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants Australia
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden

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pichaitun / 123RF Stock Photo

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.


Requirements

Hardiness 9 – 12
Heat Zones 9 – 12
Climate Zones 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Alocasia - Elephant Ears
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 12' – 15' (3.6m – 4.5m)
Spread 6' – 8' (180cm – 240cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants Australia
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden

Guides with Alocasia - Elephant Ears

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