Elephant Ear
Colocasia esculenta 'Chicago Harlequin'
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
60 inches
Width
48 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
7, 8, 9
Water
Consistent moisture
Humidity
Prefers high humidity
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Asia
Toxicity
All parts contain calcium oxalate crystals, causing severe discomfort if ingested raw.
The Story
Plant Bio
A tropical, tuberous perennial in the arum family, grown for its dramatic, long-stalked, heart-shaped to arrow-shaped leaves. It is a heavy feeder and requires consistently moist to wet, rich soil to thrive. The 'Chicago Harlequin' cultivar is distinguished by its unique variegation. Each large, green leaf features a central, dark purple-black blotch from which streaks and splashes radiate outwards. The pattern is unstable, with some leaves being all green, all black, or half-and-half.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck tubers into well-draining, moist soil in spring
- Water consistently to keep soil moist but not waterlogged
- Mist leaves regularly in dry periods for humidity
- Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Divide tubers every 2-3 years in early spring
Pro Tip
Use rich, moist soil and provide partial shade for best growth
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 💧
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate temperature
- Fertilize monthly during the growing season
- Divide tubers every few years to promote healthy growth
Don't
- Avoid waterlogging soil ❌
- Don’t expose to full sun in hot climates
- Don’t forget to mulch to prevent root rot
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Lift Store | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Propagate |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Elephant Ear questions
What zones can Elephant Ear grow in?
Elephant Ear is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Elephant Ear deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Elephant Ear, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Elephant Ear bloom?
Elephant Ear typically blooms in late summer through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Elephant Ear need full sun?
Elephant Ear does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Colocasia to compare
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Colocasia esculenta 'Black Runner'
Black Beauty Taro
Colocasia esculenta 'Black Beauty'
Taro
Colocasia esculenta
Black Magic Taro
Colocasia esculenta 'Black Magic'
Pink China Elephant Ear
Colocasia esculenta 'Pink China'
Elephant Ear Ruffles
Colocasia esculenta 'Ruffles'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Elephant Ear with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
