Perennial
Elephant Ear
Colocasia esculenta
Monrovia® varieties
Traits
Varieties We Carry
Black RippleColocasia esculentaTea CupColocasia esculentaBlack CoralColocasia esculentaMonrovia
Sizes & Pricing
#1MonroviaFrom$19.95
#2MonroviaFrom$39.95
3 galFrom$19.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Jun 15.
LightFull Sun to Part Shade
WaterHigh
Mature size3-6 feet × 3-5 feet
About Elephant Ear
Elephant ear (Colocasia esculenta), also known as taro, is a tropical Asian perennial grown for its massive heart- to arrowhead-shaped leaves, which can reach several feet across. In NE Florida it is reliably perennial, dying back after frost and resprouting from corms in spring; numerous cultivars offer dramatic foliage in dark purple, black, and variegated forms. Note: UF/IFAS lists the straight species as invasive in Florida waterways — choose named non-spreading cultivars for landscape use. Starting at $19.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Summer
- Flower Color
- White
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- Loam, Clay, Acidic, Well-drained, Wet
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Bloom season. Higher water demand in summer heat.
Foliage may begin to change or drop. Ideal planting window.
Dormant — drops foliage.
Care essentials
Light
Elephant ear tolerates full sun to full shade; in NE Florida's summer heat, part shade prevents leaf scorch and keeps foliage looking lush — morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal.
Water
Elephant ear is a heavy water user and performs best in consistently moist to boggy soil; water frequently during NE Florida's dry season, and it will thrive along pond edges, rain gardens, or any site that stays reliably moist.
Soil & Fertilizer
Plant in rich, moist loam or clay-loam soil with high organic matter; apply a slow-release balanced fertilizer or monthly liquid fertilizer during the growing season to fuel the rapid leaf production — corms overwinter in the ground in zone 9b and resprout in spring.
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Common questions
Is Elephant Ear a good plant for St. Augustine?
Elephant Ear is a perennial for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 3-6 feet × 3-5 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.