Species

Colocasia esculentaTaro

27 other cultivars

perennial

Elena Elephant Ear

Colocasia esculenta 'Elena'

The Story

Plant Bio

Colocasia esculenta 'Elena' is a lush, tropical perennial with large, heart-shaped leaves that create a striking, bold foliage display, often topped with small, pale-colored flowers in summer.

This cultivar is distinguished by its large, heart-shaped, chartreuse leaves held on purple-black stems, creating a dramatic tropical effect.

Uses & Benefits:

Striking tropical foliage adds a lush, exotic vibe to gardens.

Provides large, shade-providing leaves in garden designs.

Supports local insect populations with its foliage.

SpeciesColocasia esculentaTaro

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

42 inches

Width

42 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Consistently moist

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Southeast Asia

Toxicity

All parts are poisonous if ingested raw; must be cooked to be edible.

Bloom period

Late summer – Late fall

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck corms into well-draining soil in spring
Water consistently to keep soil moist
Place in partial shade for best foliage color
Feed monthly with balanced fertilizer during growing season
Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring

Pro Tip

Ensure consistent moisture and protection from frost for best growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist 💧
Apply balanced fertilizer monthly 🌱
Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature

Don't

Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
Don't expose to frost, lift corms in winter
Refrain from overfeeding, which can cause excessive leaf growth

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Lift Store
Pest Check
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Tropical pond borderLarge foliage backdropShade garden feature

Companion Plants

Ferns Hostas Caladiums Tropical grasses

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Elena Elephant Ear questions

What zones can Elena Elephant Ear grow in?

Elena Elephant Ear is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Elena Elephant Ear deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Elena Elephant Ear, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Elena Elephant Ear bloom?

Elena 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 Elena Elephant Ear need full sun?

Elena Elephant Ear does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.