Species

Colocasia esculentaTaro

27 other cultivars

perennial

Noble Gigante Elephant Ear

Colocasia esculenta 'Noble Gigante'

The Story

Plant Bio

Colocasia esculenta 'Noble Gigante' is a large, tropical perennial with massive, heart-shaped leaves that form a lush, clumping habit and produce tall stalks of attractive, dark green foliage.

This cultivar is noted for its very large, noble, blue-green leaves with prominent purple veins on the underside, held on dark purple-black stems.

Uses & Benefits:

Creates a lush, tropical atmosphere with large, striking foliage.

Provides shade and privacy in outdoor spaces.

Supports pollinators and improves soil moisture retention.

SpeciesColocasia esculentaTaro

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

84 inches

Width

60 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

High, requires consistently moist to wet soil

Humidity

Prefers high humidity

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Tropical Southeast Asia

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck tubers in well-draining, moist soil in spring
Keep soil consistently moist and rich in organic matter
Position in partial shade for best growth
Water regularly during hot, dry periods
Mulch around the base to retain moisture
Divide tubers every 3-4 years in early spring

Pro Tip

Ensure consistent moisture and partial shade for optimal growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist 💧
Mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature
Fertilize with a balanced aquatic plant fertilizer monthly

Don't

Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
Don’t expose to full sun in very hot climates
Refrain from over-fertilizing to prevent leaf burn

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-themed pond borderLarge foliage accent in shade gardensVanilla-scented border

Companion Plants

Ferns Hostas Caladiums Water lilies Canna

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Noble Gigante Elephant Ear questions

What zones can Noble Gigante Elephant Ear grow in?

Noble Gigante 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 Noble Gigante Elephant Ear deer resistant?

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

When does Noble Gigante Elephant Ear bloom?

Noble Gigante Elephant Ear typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Noble Gigante Elephant Ear need full sun?

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