Alphabetical Plant Listing

Alocasia odora (Night-Scented Lily)

Night-Scented Lily, Asian Taro, Giant Upright Elephant Ear


A breathtaking beauty, Alocasia odora (Night-Scented Lily) is a rhizomatous evergreen perennial which is terrific for bringing a lush look to gardens or containers. Resembling the ears of an elephant, lustrous, brilliant green, paddle-shaped leaves are borne on strong stems. Large, they can reach 2 ft. in length (60 cm) and 1 ft. in width (30 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. The new leaves are almost lime green and glow nicely until they begin to age and are upstaged by younger leaves. Reminiscent of calla lily flowers, the blossoms consist of a pale peach spathe and spadix. They are wonderfully fragrant, most particularly at night, and bloom in late spring through summer. The seedpods, packed with shiny red berries, are unexpectedly bold. Excellent tender perennial as a focal or specimen plant. Thrives in heat and humidity.

  • Grows up to 4-8 ft. high (120-240 cm) and 3 ft. wide (90 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. Plants require regular watering and fertilization. Reduce watering in winter.
  • Perfect as a green houseplant, for containers or for the shade garden.
  • Watch for spider mites, scale, mealy bugs and aphids.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
  • Native to east and southeast Asia

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 – 11
Heat Zones 8 – 11
Climate Zones 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Alocasia - Elephant Ears
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 4' – 8' (120cm – 240cm)
Spread 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden

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Guides with Alocasia - Elephant Ears


By Alissala / Shutterstock

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 – 11
Heat Zones 8 – 11
Climate Zones 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Alocasia - Elephant Ears
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 4' – 8' (120cm – 240cm)
Spread 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden

Guides with Alocasia - Elephant Ears

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