Elephant Ears

(Illustris also called Imperial Taro pictured below)

Elephant ears (Some varieties also known as Taro) can be used as house plants, garden planters, Tropical Aquatic (water) plant for your pond or planted right in the ground as an Annual bulb (which can be dug up and stored for the winter). Or how about a combination of all the above as we do. As you probably already know: For us, collecting plants is a passion. Here you will find some very unique Elephant ears we have collected from all over the world and we grow them just fine here in Zone 5. With a little care and knowledge SO CAN YOU!! Bring a tropical paradise into your yard too. From our garden to yours. This is our 5th season and we are propogating babies to sell. Qty's are limited on some varieties.
(Black Magic Colocasia Pictured Below)

There are 3 distinct families of Elephant Ears / Taro, Alocosia, Colocasia (known as Taro) and Xanthosoma. Elephant Ears / Taro can give a very quick tropical feel to your garden and are EASY to grow. Some varieties prefer more moisture than others.

Alocasia: Known as true Elephant Ears and are used as landscape plants, container plants and indoor houseplants. Almost all in this family are tropical to semi-tropical and enjoy the heat and humidty but most in this family prefer shade to semi-shade. This variety is prized for its foliage. The bloom or spath is generally small and insignignificant (with the exception of the Odora variety that does have a fragrant spath).

Colocasia: Being the oldest cultivated crop in the world, Colocasia also known as Taro has the distinction of being both a beautiful plant and when prepared correctly has an edible starchy tuber. Averaging 4 feet for most varieties, they stand out in your garden landscape or pond! Colocasia's require alot of moisture and most do best in part-sun to full sun. Excellent variety for ponds or wetland/marsh/bog gardens as well as container gardens. They are a fast grower and sure to be a welcome addition to your garden.

Xanthosoma: Being a genus in the Araceae family they are native to Central and South America. They have arrow shaped leaves and some are grown for their tubers which are edible. This variety prefers part shade but will do well in more sunny conditions if given enough moisture.