Taro (Colocasia esculenta)
Taro (Colocasia esculenta) is an imposing tropical foliage staple, known for huge leaves and wet soil tolerance. Zones 8-10.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Colocasia esculenta, commonly known as Taro or Elephant Ear, is highly valued in the garden for its massive, dramatic foliage that instantly imparts a lush, tropical aesthetic. This tuberous perennial is a fast grower, forming imposing clumps of heart-shaped to arrowhead-shaped leaves often reaching two feet in length atop stout stems. While it is frequently grown ornamentally, Colocasia esculenta is also commercially significant as a food crop, yielding the starchy tubers utilized in dishes like poi.
This versatile plant thrives in moist conditions, making it an excellent choice for rain gardens or near water features where other plants might struggle with high moisture levels. Gardeners should note that Taro demands regular feeding to support its prodigious growth habit and large leaf structure throughout the warm season. Provided the correct warm, wet environment is maintained, Colocasia esculenta delivers unmatched visual impact.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Araceae
- Plant Type: Bulb
- Native Range: Tropical eastern Asia
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 8-10
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 3-6 ft
- Spread: 3-6 ft
- Bloom Time: Rarely flowers
- Bloom Description: Yellowish-white
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium to wet
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Optimal growth for Taro begins in mid-spring after the danger of frost has passed, typically once soil temperatures warm sufficiently. Plant tubers in locations receiving full sun or bright dappled light; afternoon shade is beneficial in extremely hot summer climates. The most critical factor is the soil: it must be fertile, humusy, organically rich, and consistently moist to very wet.
Maintain regular soil moisture, especially during dryer spells, and never let the soil completely dry out around the base of Colocasia esculenta. These plants are heavy feeders; apply regular fertilizer throughout the growing season to encourage maximal leaf size and density. Site your Taro away from strong winds, as the large leaves are susceptible to tearing. Interestingly, in warmer regions (Zones 8-10), tubers can remain safely in the ground year-round.
For gardeners in cooler areas, treat Colocasia esculenta as an annual or overwinter the tubers. After the first fall frost damages the foliage, dig up the tubers. Clean them carefully, then store them in a cool, dry location (ideally above 45°F), packed in materials like dry peat or wood shavings, similar to how cannas are managed.
Landscape Uses
The sheer scale of Colocasia esculenta makes it an outstanding specimen plant, drawing the eye with its architectural presence in the landscape. Its preference for moisture allows it to anchor rain gardens effectively, absorbing excess runoff while providing towering vertical accents. It performs wonderfully in mixed borders where its substantial size can balance finer texture plants.
For a truly dramatic effect, plant Taro in large containers, particularly near patios or water edges. When used near pond margins or incorporated into bog-like plantings, it truly reaches its potential as a water plant. Its huge, deeply veined leaves pair well visually with bright, sun-loving, drought-tolerant perennials on one side, while contrasting beautifully with other moisture lovers on the other.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Insignificant
Noteworthy Characteristics
Colocasia esculenta, commonly called taro or elephant ear, is a tuberous, stemless, frost-tender perennial of the arum family (see also calla lily and jack-in-the-pulpit) which typically grows 3-6’ tall and as wide. For gardeners, it is primarily grown as a foliage plant with huge, heart-shaped to arrowhead-shaped, conspicuously-veined, downward-pointing, peltate leaves (to 2’ long) on long, stout, succulent stems. As the common name suggests, each leaf purportedly resembles an elephant’s ear. The typical aroid-type with yellowish-white spathes and spadixes are infrequently produced and usually hidden by the foliage when they do occur.
Tolerances
- Wet Soil
Potential Problems
This plant generally experiences no serious insect or disease problems under proper cultural care, which is a significant advantage for such a large tropical specimen. Avoid placing Colocasia esculenta in deep shade, as this can encourage weak stem growth and potential rot if the soil remains consistently saturated without adequate air circulation. Ensure good water movement if planting close to structures, and promptly remove any damaged or yellowing leaves to maintain aesthetic appeal throughout the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Taro suitable for?
Taro (Colocasia esculenta) is hardy in USDA Zones 8 through 10, though tubers should be protected or dug up in the cooler end of this range unless winters are guaranteed mild.
How large does Taro grow?
Mature height typically ranges from 3 to 6 feet tall, with a similar spread of 3 to 6 feet, creating a massive focal point in the garden space.
What sun exposure does Colocasia esculenta need?
This plant thrives best in full sun to part shade conditions. If grown in areas experiencing intense, especially hot summers, providing some afternoon shade is highly beneficial for leaf health.
When does Taro bloom?
The Taro plant rarely flowers; when blooms do appear, they present as infrequent, yellowish-white spathes that are often obscured by the dense, large foliage.
Conclusion
The bold, structural presence offered by Colocasia esculenta makes it an indispensable feature for adding instant drama and a lush, verdant feel to any landscape or pond setting. Whether you utilize it for its food potential or its enormous ornamental leaves, Taro requires medium maintenance focused primarily on consistent moisture and feeding. Before planting, confirm that your USDA zone supports ground survival, or make arrangements to protect the tubers during winter to enjoy this spectacular foliage year after year.
Companion Planting Considerations
When selecting companions for Colocasia esculenta, focus on plants that share its love for moisture but offer contrasting color or texture. Grouping Taro with plants that possess finer, yellow, or red foliage can maximize the visual impact of its large, deep green leaves. Consider using tropical companions such as cannas, ginger lilies (Hedychium), or large-leafed hostas in partial shade settings. For water margins, sedges and cattails provide upright structure, complementing the broad sweep of the elephant ear leaves beautifully.
Seasonal Care Calendar
For gardeners overwintering tubers outside Zones 8-10, start the season around mid-spring (after April 20th in some regions) by placing the pre-sprouted tubers back into fertile, warm soil. Throughout the summer, focus intensely on watering and fertilization to fuel leaf production; do not let the soil dry out between waterings. In the fall, monitor evening temperatures closely; as soon as the first frost blackens the leaves, cut back the foliage and prepare to lift the tubers before hard freezes set in to ensure their survival until the next planting season.
