Using Elephant Ear Taro as a Hedge or Fence: Creating a Lush, Tropical Barrier
Can you use Elephant Ear Taro as a hedge or fence? Do you dream of transforming your garden into a lush, tropical oasis, complete with vibrant foliage and a sense of secluded privacy? Perhaps you’re looking for a unique and fast-growing alternative to traditional fencing or hedging plants. If so, the idea of using the dramatic leaves of Elephant Ear Taro for this purpose might have crossed your mind. This question is crucial for anyone seeking to add a touch of exotic flair and natural screening to their outdoor space, impacting both aesthetics and the functional design of your garden.
Quick Answer Box
Yes, you can absolutely use Elephant Ear Taro (Colocasia esculenta) to create a stunning, albeit temporary, hedge or fence. Its rapid growth and large, dramatic leaves offer a quick way to achieve a tropical screen. However, it’s important to understand that it’s not a permanent or impenetrable barrier like traditional woody hedges and may require specific care and management in cooler climates.
What is Elephant Ear Taro and Why It’s Important in Gardening
Elephant Ear Taro, scientifically known as Colocasia esculenta, is a tropical perennial plant prized for its enormous, heart-shaped or ovate leaves that can grow to impressive sizes, resembling the ears of an elephant. These plants are grown from corms (underground stems) and are native to Southeast Asia. In many tropical and subtropical regions, the corms are also a significant food source, a staple starch similar to potatoes.
In gardening, the importance of Elephant Ear Taro lies in its dramatic ornamental value and rapid growth rate. It brings an instant tropical ambiance to any landscape, creating focal points and adding a sense of lushness and exoticism. Its large leaves provide excellent visual screening, making it a popular choice for creating temporary privacy screens or adding height and texture to garden borders. For those living in suitable climates, it offers a unique and relatively low-maintenance way to achieve a jungle-like aesthetic.
Quick Recommendations or Key Insights about Using Elephant Ear Taro as a Hedge or Fence
Climate is Key: Elephant Ear Taro thrives in warm, humid climates. In cooler regions, it’s best grown in containers or as an annual.
Sunlight Needs: Prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun if kept consistently moist. Too much sun in hot climates can scorch leaves.
Water is Essential: Needs consistently moist, even wet, soil for optimal growth.
Spacing Matters: Plant corms or divisions 2-3 feet apart for a dense hedge effect.
Nutrient-Rich Soil: Enjoys fertile, well-draining soil amended with compost.
Not a Permanent Barrier: It’s a herbaceous perennial, meaning it dies back in cooler weather and isn’t as sturdy as woody hedges.
Potential for Invasiveness: In some tropical regions, Colocasia esculenta can be invasive. Check local guidelines before planting.
Detailed Breakdown of Using Elephant Ear Taro as a Hedge or Fence
The Scientific Perspective: Botany and Plant Biology
Colocasia esculenta belongs to the Araceae family, commonly known as the aroid family, which also includes plants like philodendrons, anthuriums, and monsteras. The plant’s common name, Elephant Ear, accurately describes the shape and size of its large, paddle-shaped leaves, which are supported by thick, fleshy petioles (leaf stalks).
The plant grows from a large, starchy corm, which is a swollen underground stem. This corm serves as a storage organ, providing nutrients and energy for the plant to sprout new growth, especially after dormancy or during favorable conditions. Elephant Ear Taro is a herbaceous perennial, meaning that while the roots and corms are perennial, the above-ground foliage dies back with frost. In tropical climates, it can remain evergreen and grow year-round.
The rapid growth of Elephant Ear is attributed to its efficient photosynthesis and its ability to absorb significant amounts of water and nutrients. The large surface area of its leaves maximizes sunlight capture, fueling its quick development. This biological characteristic is precisely what makes it an attractive option for creating a dense, leafy screen relatively quickly.
Practical Applications: Creating Your Tropical Screen
Using Elephant Ear Taro as a hedge or fence is primarily about creating a temporary, visually striking screen that offers a strong tropical aesthetic. It’s not designed to be a sturdy, long-lasting barrier for security or windbreak purposes in the same way a traditional woody hedge like privet or boxwood would be. Instead, think of it as a living wall of lush foliage.
Ideal Scenarios for an Elephant Ear Hedge:
1. Creating Backyard Privacy: Plant a row of Elephant Ear Taro along a fence line or property edge to create an instant, lush screen that provides a sense of seclusion and a tropical feel.
2. Defining Garden Spaces: Use it to partition different areas of your garden, such as separating a seating area from a vegetable patch, or to create a dramatic backdrop for a water feature.
3. Adding Height and Texture: Incorporate it into existing garden beds to add vertical interest and a bold, tropical statement, especially in mixed borders.
4. Temporary Screening: Perfect for events or during the establishment of slower-growing permanent hedges, offering a quick visual solution.
5. Container Hedging: For those in cooler climates, planting in large containers allows you to move them to a protected location during winter, effectively creating a seasonal tropical hedge.
Step-by-Step Gardening Instructions for a Taro Hedge
1. Choose Your Location: Select a spot that receives partial shade to full sun, ensuring consistent moisture. Avoid areas with strong winds that can tear the large leaves.
2. Prepare the Soil: Amend the planting area with plenty of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure. Taro thrives in rich, moist soil. If your soil is heavy clay, consider adding sand or perlite to improve drainage slightly, although they prefer damp conditions.
3. Planting the Corms:
From Corms: Purchase Elephant Ear corms. Look for corms that are firm and free of soft spots. Plant them about 4-6 inches deep with the ‘eye’ or sprout pointing upwards.
From Divisions: If you have existing Elephant Ear plants, you can divide the corms in spring. Gently separate offsets or ‘pups’ from the main corm, ensuring each piece has at least one growing point. Plant these divisions similarly to corms.
4. Spacing: For a dense hedge, plant the corms or divisions 2 to 3 feet apart. Closer spacing will create a more solid screen faster.
5. Watering: Water thoroughly after planting. Elephant Ear Taro loves moisture and ideally should be grown in consistently damp or even waterlogged soil, mimicking its natural habitat. If you don’t have naturally wet soil, regular watering is crucial, especially during dry spells. Consider drip irrigation or soaker hoses to maintain consistent moisture.
6. Mulching: Apply a thick layer of organic mulch (like wood chips, straw, or shredded leaves) around the base of the plants. This helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
7. Fertilizing: Feed your taro plants regularly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer or a slow-release granular fertilizer. This will promote vigorous growth and large foliage, essential for a good hedge effect.
Real-Life Example: Creating a Tropical Retreat
Imagine a gardener in Florida, where the climate is ideal. They decide to create a privacy screen along their patio. They purchase ten Colocasia esculenta ‘Black Magic’ corms, known for their dramatic deep purple foliage. In early spring, after the last frost, they prepare a 20-foot long bed, mixing in ample compost. They plant the corms 2.5 feet apart, 5 inches deep, and water them in. Within weeks, shoots emerge, and by mid-summer, the plants have grown to over 5 feet tall, their massive dark leaves forming a dense, visually stunning screen that transforms the patio into a private, tropical sanctuary. They supplement with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks, ensuring the leaves remain large and healthy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Underwatering: The most common mistake. Elephant Ear Taro needs consistent moisture. Letting the soil dry out will stunt growth and lead to wilting or brown leaf tips.Planting Too Close in Colder Climates: If you’re treating them as annuals or growing in containers in a cooler zone, don’t expect them to create an impenetrable screen immediately. Give them space to grow, or plant them closer if you’re in a consistently warm climate.
Neglecting Nutrition: These fast-growing plants are heavy feeders. Insufficient nutrients will result in smaller leaves and less vigorous growth, diminishing the hedge effect.
Planting in Full Sun in Hot Climates: While they tolerate sun, intense afternoon sun in very hot and dry regions can scorch the leaves, giving the hedge a less attractive appearance. Partial shade is often ideal in such conditions.
Treating as a Permanent, Sturdy Hedge: Remember, Elephant Ear is herbaceous. It will die back to the ground in frost. It’s not a substitute for a woody fence or hedge for security or significant windbreaks.
Ignoring Invasive Potential: In very specific tropical regions (e.g., parts of Hawaii, Gulf Coast states), Colocasia esculenta can escape cultivation and become invasive. Always check your local agricultural extension office or native plant society for guidance.
Expert Tips or Pro Insights
“Watering is Key, but Drainage is Still Important”: While Elephant Ear loves moisture, stagnant water can rot the corms. Ensure your soil, even if moist, has some capacity to drain excess water. Raised beds can be excellent for this.“Feed for Foliage”: For the most impressive leaf size, use a fertilizer higher in nitrogen during the growing season. A slow-release fertilizer applied in spring can provide a steady supply of nutrients.
“Embrace the Dieback”: In climates with frost, don’t be alarmed when the leaves turn yellow and die back in fall. This is natural. Cut back the dead foliage to the ground and mulch heavily over the corms to protect them from freezing.
“Consider Different Varieties”: Beyond the classic green, varieties like ‘Black Magic’ (deep purple), ‘Maui Gold’ (yellowish-green), and ‘Ruffled Jade’ (fringed edges) offer diverse visual appeal for your hedge.
“Companion Planting for Moisture Retention”: Planting ground covers or low-growing perennials around the base of your taro can help keep the soil cooler and more consistently moist, benefiting the taro and adding layers of texture to your hedge.
Seasonal or Climate Considerations
Tropical and Subtropical Climates (USDA Zones 8-11):
In these regions, Elephant Ear Taro can be grown as a perennial. It will thrive year-round, providing a consistent, lush screen. You may need to manage its spread, as it can sometimes naturalize or even become invasive. Regular watering is still important, especially during dry spells, but the plants are generally self-sufficient in terms of warmth and light.
Temperate Climates (USDA Zones 5-7):
Here, Elephant Ear Taro is typically grown as an annual or in containers.
Spring: Plant corms or divisions after the last frost date, when soil temperatures have warmed up.
Summer: This is the peak growing season. Ensure consistent watering and fertilizing for maximum growth and the best hedge effect.
Fall: As temperatures drop and frost threatens, the foliage will begin to die back.
In-Ground Planting: You can attempt to overwinter the corms by digging them up before the first hard frost, drying them off, and storing them in a cool, dry place (like a basement or garage) with peat moss or sand. Replant them in spring after the danger of frost has passed. Alternatively, mulch heavily (6-8 inches) over the planting area to protect the corms, though success is not guaranteed in colder zones.
Container Planting: This is the easiest method for cooler climates. Grow your Elephant Ear in large pots and move them to a frost-free location (like a greenhouse, garage, or bright basement) for the winter. Reduce watering during dormancy.
Buying Guide or Decision-Making Process
When planning your Elephant Ear hedge, consider these factors when purchasing corms or plants:
Source: Buy from reputable nurseries or online suppliers to ensure you receive healthy, disease-free corms.
Corm Size: Larger corms generally produce stronger, faster growth. Look for firm, plump corms without mold or soft spots.
Variety Selection:
For dramatic color: Colocasia esculenta ‘Black Magic’ (deep purple), ‘Burgundy Go-Go’ (dark reddish-purple stems and veins), or ‘Jet Black’ (very dark leaves).
For striking contrast: Colocasia esculenta ‘Maui Gold’ (bright yellow-green leaves) or ‘White Lava’ (dark leaves with pink veins).
For classic lushness: Standard green Elephant Ear Taro (Colocasia esculenta) is abundant and grows vigorously.
Quantity: Calculate how many plants you’ll need based on your desired hedge length and spacing (2-3 feet apart). It’s often better to buy a few extra.
Container vs. In-Ground: If you’re in a cooler climate, start with container-grown plants or be prepared to overwinter corms. If you’re in a warm climate, in-ground planting is straightforward.
FAQ Section for Using Elephant Ear Taro as a Hedge or Fence
Q: Will Elephant Ear Taro provide real privacy?A: Yes, it provides excellent visual screening due to its large leaves and rapid growth. However, it’s not a solid barrier like a wooden fence and will die back in winter in colder climates.
Q: How quickly does Elephant Ear grow into a hedge?
A: In ideal warm conditions with plenty of water and nutrients, Elephant Ear can reach 3-6 feet or more in a single growing season, creating a substantial screen within a few months.
Q: Can I grow Elephant Ear Taro in pots for a hedge?
A: Absolutely! This is a great option for cooler climates or for creating a flexible, movable hedge. Use large pots (at least 15-20 gallons) with good drainage and the same rich, moist soil.
Q: Is Elephant Ear Taro poisonous?
A: All parts of the Elephant Ear plant contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation to the skin, mouth, and digestive tract if ingested. Handle with care, especially if you have pets or small children who might nibble on plants. The corms are edible when properly cooked, but raw consumption is not advised.
Q: What happens to Elephant Ear Taro in winter?
A: In regions with frost, the above-ground foliage will die back to the ground. The underground corms can survive if protected from freezing. In tropical climates, they remain evergreen.
* Q: How do I make my Elephant Ear leaves bigger for a better hedge effect?
A: Ensure consistent moisture, regular feeding with a balanced or nitrogen-rich fertilizer, and provide adequate sunlight (but protect from scorching afternoon sun in very hot climates).
Conclusion for Using Elephant Ear Taro as a Hedge or Fence
Transforming your garden with a lush, tropical hedge is an achievable and stunning endeavor, and Elephant Ear Taro offers a unique and captivating way to do it. By understanding its needs for warmth, consistent moisture, and rich soil, you can cultivate a fast-growing, visually dramatic screen that brings an exotic flair to your landscape. Whether you’re in a tropical paradise or a cooler climate managing it seasonally, the sheer scale and vibrant presence of Elephant Ear leaves will undoubtedly create a breathtaking focal point and a sense of serene enclosure. Embrace the power of these magnificent plants to craft your personal slice of paradise.
