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Common Name: elephant's ear
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Araceae
Zone: 8 to 10
Height: 2 to 4 feet
Spread: 1.5 to 3 feet
Bloom Time: July to August
Bloom Color: Green, White
Bloom Description: Greenish white
Sun: Part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Leaves: Colorful
Uses: Suitable as Annual
Culture
This tropical aroid is winter hardy to USDA Zones 8-10. In the St. Louis area, it must be overwintered indoors or repurchased each spring. It is best grown in rich, deep, moist but well-drained soils in part shade. Leaves may bleach or scorch in full sun, but also may become too green in full shade. Site in locations protected from strong wind. This plant thrives in hot and humid conditions as long as it receives consistent moisture. Tuberous rhizomes should be planted in spring after the last frost date. Rhizomes may be planted directly in the ground (about 18” apart) or in large containers that may be placed above ground or sunk into the ground. Dig up rhizomes in fall before first frost for overwintering indoors in a cool, dry place (in the same manner as for cannas). Container plants may be brought indoors before frost for overwintering in a cool location either as a houseplant with reduced watering or as a cut back dormant plant.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Xanthosoma is an herbaceous perennial from tropical America. It is closely related to Colocasia and Caladium. Although its parentage is not clear, ‘Lime Zinger’ is a cultivar that is noted for producing huge chartreuse to lime green arrow-shaped leaves (to 18” long) on plants typically growing 3-4’ tall. Plants are grown for their foliage and not for their flowers which are infrequently produced. Flower is a greenish-white spathe enclosing a white spadix (to 9” long). Genus name comes from the Greek words xanthos (yellow) and soma (body).
Plant of Merit
Huge 18-inch lime green leaves reminiscent of elephant ears adorn this tropical foliage plant that grows from a tuberous rhizome to 3-4 feet tall. Plants are grown for their interesting foliage and not their flowers which are produced infrequently. Leaves may scorch in full sun or turn a flat medium green in too much shade. Rhizomes are planted in the ground or in containers in spring after last frost date and dug up in fall before first frost for overwintering indoors in a cool, dry place.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Leaf spots and virus may occur. Pythium rot and Rhizoctonia rot. Watch for snails.
Garden Uses
Tropical foliage plant for gardens and patios.