giant elephant's ear
Alocasia macrorrhizos
USDA zones9 to 11
SunHandles partial sun to partial shade
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size12 to 15 feet tall6 to 8 feet wide
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Greenish-white
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
Giant elephant's ear (Alocasia macrorrhizos) is a perennial for borders and containers. It grows outdoors year-round in USDA zone 9 and warmer, down to about 20°F (-7°C). In colder areas, grow it as a houseplant or bring it indoors for winter. This plant likes part sun or part shade and average to wet, sandy or loamy soil. It stays evergreen and can reach 12 to 15 feet tall, so give it plenty of room. Its greenish-white blooms can appear in any season.
Pairs well with Lady fern, Cinnamon fern, Bigleaf hydrangea, and Evergold sedge.
Native range
Australia, Malesia, and Papuasia.