Elephant Ear Bulbs

The biggest and best elephant ear bulbs available

One look at an adult elephant ear plant and it is plain to see where the name comes from. These impressive plants are perfect for making grand statements in almost any yard. Often serving as focal points or creating lush, tropical gardens, elephant ears have been a fan favorite for many years. They can even be planted in pots and grown indoors under the right conditions.

Elephant ears are tropical perennial plants that are native to Asia, Australia, Central America, South America, and Africa. These exotic, dramatic plants have giant heart-shaped leaves that can reach up to three feet long and two feet wide. Certain varieties of elephant ears can grow up to 10 feet tall! In warm zones (zone 8 and above) they can be left in the ground as a perennial. Cooler zones must treat them as annuals, or store elephant ears indoors during the colder months until the following spring.

When to plant elephant ear bulbs

Elephant ears should be planted in the spring, after all danger of frost has passed. These tubers do not like the cold, so be sure that the soil is warm (at least 65°F). When selecting a planting site, there a few factors to keep in mind. Elephant ears need plenty of room to grow and spread out. An adult elephant ear plant will need at least three feet of space to properly develop. Look for an area with filtered sun or partial shade. Be sure to protect elephant ears from hot, bright sun. Select an area with rich, well-draining soil. Soil can be improved by adding compost or loamy topsoil.

Your guide to caring for elephant ear plants

After you have planted your elephant ears, be sure to mark the spot, as they can be slow to start. Be sure to water frequently. Liquid fertilizer is also a beneficial addition every two to three weeks. Trim any faded or brown leaves to encourage new growth.

For more information about planting, growing, and caring for elephant ear bulbs, see the Elephant Ear Bulbs Planting Guide.