While staring out my back door this past weekend I noticed something in my big compost heap way in the back....a lone ELEPHANT EAR leaf! How the heck it survived the winter I don't know but there it was! I grabbed a pot and dug it up and replanted it! I normally try to save a few over winter but they usually power out on me.
What a surprise!
Elephant Ear bulb survives NY Zone 6 winter!?
The common forms sold at most retail markets is a large strong grower and it can survive in zone 6 if well protected usually up against the foundation of a house or in a sheltered area. I am guessing your compost heap produced enough decomposing heat during the winter it did not freeze solid. Their are other forms that I have had very good luck with over wintering here in Zone 6 here are a list of the ones that have survived here with info on them.
Colocasia pink china zone 6 for 11 years the last 7 years no mulching. Almost a weed
Colocasia black Pearl 5 years usually mulched 2 years no mulch survives very well
Colocasia Gigantea common form. I recommend mulching this one each year it survives very well tons return for 8 years
Colocasia Big dipper 8 years I always recommend mulching this one. If I don't mulch a few usually return but their is a large loss.
Colocasia Dark star 1 year has returned very well. Still testing it.
Picture of Black Pearl .
What a nice surprise!
Wow! Now this is exciting--glad I stumbled upon this thread, thanks!
This is so funny! I found one in our compost too, along with a calla.
I am zone 6a and I have to dig my EE's and store them. I thought, anyway, I guess I can just put them in the compost. LOL
Susan
=^..^=
Yeah that's what I figured bWilliams, Thanks for the info! I'm not sure how warm the pile was but guess the bulb was just protected enough.
Hmmm, never felt the need for a compost pile, since I have acres of rich woodland topsoil--but that's a good reason to start one!