Elephant ears are inexpensive, fast growing and
easy to care for; they are perfect for creating
attention-grabbing accents for the garden or
patio. I recommend you plant several bulbs in a
bright-colored container to enjoy all summer.

Materials

• 20-inch Container
• 4 Elephant Ear Bulbs
• Gravel
• Potting Soil
• Slow Release Fertilizer
• Sheet Moss (optional)
• Floral U-pins (optional)

Directions

The planted pot will be heavy so get it in place
before you get started. Elephant ears like bright
morning sun and afternoon shade or filtered sunlight.

Layer the bottom of the pot with 1 inch of gravel.
This will improve drainage and give the pot a
little extra weight so the container won’t blow
over on windy days.

Fill the container with potting soil.

Add a slow release fertilizer at the rate
recommended by the manufacturer.

Plant the bulbs 2 to 3 inches deep with the roots
pointing down.

Water well.

As a finishing touch cover the soil with sheet
moss. You can pin the moss in place with floral
U-pins.

It may take several weeks for the elephant ears
to emerge, but they’ll take off once they do.

Water consistently through the summer to keep
the soil evenly moist, but not soggy.

Elephant ears are winter hardy in zones 8-10.
In cold winter climates, either move the
container into a sheltered storage area such
as a garage, or lift and store the bulbs. Do
this in late fall after the plant dies back.

Good to Know

Elephant ears like warm weather. Wait until
late spring or early summer to plant this
container. The bulbs will sulk in cold soil.