Colocassia gigantea – Giant Elephants Ears
With huge leaves, Colocasia gigantea lives up to its common name of’ ‘Giant Elephants Ears’.
If you are looking for a feature plant in a shaded moist position, then this is it, especially if you want large foliage. Individual leaves can get to around 2m in length, and almost as wide and are simply ‘impressive’.
In warmer climates this is an evergreen plant, in cooler areas it will die back over winter.
Although this is from Thailand and grows besting warm humid conditions, Colocasia gigantea can be grown in temperate climates, you just need to provide appropriate conditions.
Colocasia gigantea Care
You will need a protected position in cooler climates, a very fertile humus rich soil that is moisture retentive, hover not boggy, especially in winter.
Choose a warm position, full sun to afternoon shade and one that is protected from cold winds and frosts.
Dig in some well rotted compost, animal manure and some coco peat a month or so before planting.
After planting water in well with a liquid seaweed fertiliser and consider installing a drip irrigation system for summer watering.
Mulch around the plant well to maintain a cool moist root run.
Fertilise each year with a slow release general purpose fertiliser and top dress at the end of each winter with well rotted compost.
Summary
- Height – To 3m plus.
- Spread – This is a clump forming plant and over time will spread to a few meters, more if you allow it. An individual stem can cover 3m with its foliage alone.
- Soil – Humus rich moist but well drained.
- Position – Full sun preferably with afternoon shed.
- Growth Rate – Fast. (Slower in cool climates, however still fast)
- Frost Tolerant – NO
- Drought Tolerant – NO
Propagation is by division of established clumps in winter.
DIFFICULT TO FIND FOR SALE.