Species
Colocasia esculentaTaro27 other cultivars
‘Black Runner’Black Runner Taro
‘Chicago Harlequin’Elephant Ear
‘Black Beauty’Black Beauty Taro
‘Pink China’Pink China Elephant Ear
‘Ruffles’Elephant Ear Ruffles
‘Black Magic’Black Magic Taro
‘Yellow Splash’Yellow Splash Elephant Ear
‘Heart of the Jungle’Heart of the Jungle
‘Elena’Elena Elephant Ear
‘Red-Eyed Gecko’Red-Eyed Gecko
‘Rhubarb’Rhubarb Elephant Ear
‘Diamond Head’Diamond Head Taro Elephant Ear
‘Black Marble’Black Marble Elephant Ear
‘Hawaiian Punch’Hawaiian Punch Elephant Ear
‘Blackwater’Blackwater Taro
‘Illustris’Imperial Taro
‘Distant Memory’Distant Memory Taro
‘Big Dipper’'Big Dipper' Elephant Ear
‘Jacks Giant’Jack's Giant Taro
‘Tiger Stripe’Elephant Ear Tiger Stripe
‘Coffee Cups’Coffee Cups Taro
‘Noble Gigante’Noble Gigante Elephant Ear
‘Elepaio’Elepaio Taro
‘White Lava’White Lava Taro
‘Maui Gold’Maui Gold Taro
‘Burgundy Stem’Burgundy Stem Elephant Ear
‘Coal Miner’Coal Miner Taro
The Story
Plant Bio
Colocasia esculenta 'Tropical Storm' is a lush, tropical perennial with large, heart-shaped, dark green leaves that create a bold, lush foliage display, complemented by its tall, dramatic flower stalks.
This cultivar is prized for its vibrant, deep purple stems and striking leaf coloration, making it a standout in water gardens and tropical-themed landscapes.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
36 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
8, 9, 10
Water
Consistent moisture
Humidity
High humidity preferred
Lifespan
Perennial in suitable zones
Native To
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.
- Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist.
- Place in partial shade to protect from harsh sun.
- Fertilize monthly during growing season for lush growth.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Divide tubers every 3-4 years in early spring.
Pro Tip
Ensure soil remains moist and provide partial shade for best results.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently to keep soil moist 💧
- Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during growth
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Divide tubers in early spring for rejuvenation
Don't
- Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
- Don't place in full direct sun, which can scorch leaves
- 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
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Tropical Storm Elephant Ear questions
What zones can Tropical Storm Elephant Ear grow in?
Tropical Storm 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 Tropical Storm Elephant Ear deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Tropical Storm Elephant Ear, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Tropical Storm Elephant Ear bloom?
Tropical Storm 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 Tropical Storm Elephant Ear need full sun?
Tropical Storm Elephant Ear does best in part shade.
More Colocasia to compare
Black Runner Taro
Colocasia esculenta 'Black Runner'
Taro
Colocasia esculenta
Elephant Ear
Colocasia esculenta 'Chicago Harlequin'
Black Beauty Taro
Colocasia esculenta 'Black Beauty'
Pink China Elephant Ear
Colocasia esculenta 'Pink China'
Elephant Ear Ruffles
Colocasia esculenta 'Ruffles'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Tropical Storm 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.