yardremake
A mature Giant Elephant Ear (Alocasia macrorrhiza) growing in a residential garden bed

In the landscape

Accent · Border · Container · Hanging basket · Houseplant · Rain

Data sources

NC State Extension

Giant Elephant Ear

Alocasia macrorrhiza · Perennial

Giant Elephant Ear is a fast-growing perennial, hardy in USDA zones 10-12, that matures to about 2–10 ft. It does best in part shade with medium water needs in well-drained and moist soil. Expect cream, green and white blooms in spring and summer. It grows happily in containers.

USDA zones
10-12
Sun
Part shade
Water
Medium
Mature size
2–10 ft
Spacing
6–12 ft
Growth rate
Fast
Maintenance
Low
Soil
Well-drained, Moist
Foliage
Brown, Silver, Green, Red, Variegated
Bloom color
Cream, Green, White
Bloom season
Spring, Summer
Watch out for
Can irritate skin on contact
Toxic to
People, Children, Dogs, Cats, Horses
Native to
Tropical and Subtropical Asia To Eastern Australia

Will it survive your winters?

We score Giant Elephant Ear’s freeze-trouble range against the real coldest nights your area has recorded.

Powered by ~35 years of daily lows from the nearest NOAA weather station. A risk read, not a guarantee — a sheltered spot or mature plant beats the odds.

More plants for your zone: Zone 10 · Zone 11

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