---

---

Nothing says tropical more in the garden than elephant ears. While many types of elephant ears, such as the Alocasia varieties, aren't winter cold hardy outdoors north of USDA Zone 9, Colocasia varieties such as 'Coal Miner' are dependable outdoor perennials, withstanding winter low temperatures of 0 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit when growing in the ground. Gardeners in colder climates can grow them in pots, which can be overwintered indoors or kept as an indoor houseplant year-round.

'Coal Miner' Elephant Ear is much like the ever-popular 'Illustis' Elephant Ear, but the foliage of Coal Miner emerges two months earlier in very early spring, and grows taller, forming a well-behaved mound to 5 feet high and equally as wide. The dusty purplish-black coloration in the foreground on the large, heart-shaped leaf and the glowing green veins are similar to Colocasia 'Illustris', but the background is a darker olive green versus medium green, and the new leaves have a lovely, velvety patina. The forward-facing leaves allow their full beauty to be appreciated. Easy to grow in the ground or pots, planters, and other containers, Coal Miner thrives in full sun to part shade, is super heat and humidity tolerant, and prefers life on the moist to wet side, even in pots submerged in the garden pond. We've noticed the coloration is a little more intense with some filtered sun or shade during the afternoon when the sunlight is most intense. Sure to be an eye-catching, tropical flair to any landscape or garden.

Coal Miner Elephant Ear is easy to grow in moist or wet soil and even in standing water. Grown in a container, it can be submerged in the garden pond with the top of the container at the water level. It will thrive in full sun; however, the foliage color might be a little darker with some filtered sun or shade during the afternoon hours when the sunlight is most intense. Keep an eye on plants growing in above-ground containers and provide water if you see the foliage begin to wilt. Feed in spring and again in early summer with a slow-release flower food or natural or organic plant food. 

Colocasia varieties such as 'Coal Miner' are dependable outdoor perennials, withstanding winter low temperatures of 0 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit when growing in the ground. Gardeners in colder climates can grow them in pots, which can be overwintered indoors or kept as an indoor houseplant year-round. Alternatively, corms (bulbs) can be lifted in the fall and stored in a cool, dry, dark location and replanted once overnight temperatures are above 60 degrees.