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.
Hardiness |
9 - 12 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
9 - 12 |
Climate Zones | 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Araceae |
Genus | Alocasia |
Common names | Giant Elephant Ear |
Exposure | Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
Height |
12' - 15' (3.7m - 4.6m) |
Spread |
6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
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 |
Hardiness |
9 - 12 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
9 - 12 |
Climate Zones | 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Araceae |
Genus | Alocasia |
Common names | Giant Elephant Ear |
Exposure | Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
Height |
12' - 15' (3.7m - 4.6m) |
Spread |
6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
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 |
How many Alocasia macrorrhiza (Giant Taro) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Alocasia macrorrhiza (Giant Taro) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!