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Taro, or elephant ear, is a tender herbaceous perennial in the Araceae (arum) family with a clumping growth habit. Native to eastern Asia, it grows from a corm. This corm provides a staple food worldwide, sometimes known as the “potato” of the tropical world. The species name esculenta derives from the Latin for edible, or good to eat.
The plant grows best in part shade or filtered sun and moist, rich soil. It should not be allowed to dry out and should be protected from strong winds. The plant may spread and be divided much like other perennials with storage organs.
Best grown in fertile, humusy, organically rich, medium to wet soils in part shade or filtered sun. When growing plants in garden soils, provide regular moisture, especially during dry summer periods, and do not allow soils to dry out. Plants may also be grown as pond marginals in up to 6″ of standing water. Plants produce prodigious amounts of growth and appreciate regular fertilization during the growing season. Site plants in locations protected from strong winds.
| Botanical Name | Colocasia esculenta |
|---|---|
| Container/Amount | 7 gallon |
| Evergreen or Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Hardiness Zone | 10a, 10b, 11, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Light Requirements | Part-sun, Sun |
| Height | 3-6' |
| Width | 3-6' |
| Soil Condition | Average to Wet Soils |
| Water Needs | High |
| Fragrance | No |
| Foliage Color | Medium Green |
| Deer Resistant | Yes |
| Common Name | Elephant Ears |
