Planting Elephant Ears

Create a focal point in the garden, screen an unwanted view or extend a bold welcome to visitors with elephant ears.

Grow these beauties in containers or the garden. They combine nicely with caladiums, begonias and other annuals.

Plant the baseball-sized tubers, we often call bulbs directly in the garden, after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 65 degrees. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the tuber. Plant it pointy side up with the top of the tuber about an inch or two below the soil surface.

Cover with soil and water.

Or start them indoors about 4 to 6 weeks before the last spring frost. Plant the tubers in a container of quality potting mix and grow in a warm sunny location.

Fertilize and keep the soil moist for the biggest and best display.

A bit more information:  Black Magic and Mojito are two of the many outstanding elephant ear varieties. Black Magic has dark purple stems that match the heart shaped leaves. Mojito has green leaves with splotches, splatters and freckles of purple.  Each leaf is different, providing a unique look to gardens and containers.  Elephant ears combine nicely with caladiums, begonias and other annuals.  Those in zones 7a and colder can save these tropical plants overwinter as houseplants or store the “bulb” in a frost-free dark location.

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