Elephant Ears
History: Discovered by Jack DeVroomen (after whom the plant was named) in a Costa Rican rain forest. Tubers were shared with Tony Avent, who coined the name and put them into tissue culture.
Country of Origin: Costa Rica
Hybridizer or Originator: Jack DeVroomen

General Plant Information (Edit)
Plant Habit: Herb/Forb
Life cycle: Perennial
Sun Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Partial or Dappled Shade
Minimum cold hardiness: Zone 7b -15 °C (5 °F) to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
Plant Height: 6 to 8 feet (1.8-2.4m)
Flowers: Showy
Flower Color: Other: Yellow-white spathe.
Bloom Size: 6"-12"
Flower Time: Other: Seasonal
Underground structures: Tuber
Suitable Locations: Bog gardening
Uses: Will Naturalize
Eating Methods: Cooked
Resistances: Deer Resistant
Rabbit Resistant
Humidity tolerant
Toxicity: Other: All parts of plant contain calcium oxalate crystals, an irritant to the mouth and esophagus. Toxic to cats and dogs.
Propagation: Seeds: Other info: Remove seed from berry which contains chemicals that inhibit germination.
Propagation: Other methods: Division
Stolons and runners
Offsets
Containers: Suitable in 3 gallon or larger
Miscellaneous: Goes Dormant

Image
Common names
  • Elephant Ear
  • Elephant's Ear
  • Taro

Photo Gallery
Uploaded by luvsgrtdanes
Uploaded by keirachayko
Location: Lincoln NE zone 5
Date: 2018-06-25
Location: Front Garden, Maryland Zone 7a
Date: 9/12/2014
Jack's Giant
Location: Swayback's Kentucky Jungle
Location: 77523
Date: 5/30/2014
new addition to my garden
Uploaded by dave
Location: z6a MA, my garden
Date: 2015-09-24
JG with C. fontanesii.
Uploaded by Cat
  • Uploaded by Cat
Uploaded by luvsgrtdanes
Location: San Antonio Botanical Garden, San Antonio, Texas
Date: 2022-04-04
Uploaded by dave
Uploaded by Cat
  • Uploaded by Cat
Location: Swayback's Kentucky Jungle
Pic shows plain green stem and a runner( stolon)
Uploaded by dave
Uploaded by dave
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Comments:
  • Posted by eclayne (Pioneer Valley south, MA, USA - Zone 6a) on Oct 1, 2014 10:00 AM concerning plant:
    While my Jack's haven't reached their full potential this year, they never fail to bring on a smile. On two plants the 4th leaf to emerge was over 3 feet long, easily living up to its name. They've been happy exposed to mostly sun as well as bright shade, in well amended soil with lots of water.
  • Posted by lovesblooms (Maryland - Zone 7a) on Feb 2, 2015 8:16 PM concerning plant:
    Mine grew to almost five feet or so, but I may be to blame, since I planted it upside down and it had to work its way back around. When in doubt, lay it on its side! Lost growth time that way. But the leaves are a very impressive presence. Can't wait to try again this season.
Plant Events from our members
lovesblooms On May 26, 2015 Plant emerged
lovesblooms On May 2, 2015 Transplanted
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Discussion Threads about this plant
Thread Title Last Reply Replies
My Dumbo by keirachayko Jul 6, 2024 6:45 PM 3

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