Colocasia gigantea 'Thailand Giant' (Giant Elephant Ear)
Giant Elephant Ear
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, 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.Read More
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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 | Colocasia - Taro |
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) |
Water Needs | Average, High |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Poorly Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Tolerance | Wet Soil |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Bog Gardens, Patio and Containers, Ponds and Streams, Rain Gardens, Water Gardens |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden |
Chanticleer Garden, Walters Gardens
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 | 8
– 10 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Aquatic Plants, Bulbs, Perennials |
Plant Family | Colocasia - Taro |
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) |
Water Needs | Average, High |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Poorly Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Tolerance | Wet Soil |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Bog Gardens, Patio and Containers, Ponds and Streams, Rain Gardens, Water Gardens |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden |