Alocasia, Giant Taro, Upright Golden Elephant Ear 'Lutea'

If you type my zip code into the National Hardiness 'list', my area comes up as zone 5. I actually feel where my city is located, it is ...Read Morezone 6 - we are in a protected spot. I planted these Alocasia along with Butterly Ginger (Hedychium) on the East side of my house, next to the foundation, and left them over the winter under 1 foot of mulched leaves. During this winter, we dropped to -5 F for several nights.

As I write, I have 24 Butterly Ginger which have sprouted back and are up 2 ft. AND I have 2 Alocasia which have come back - the same 2 I planted last year. I thought I would give it a whirl and see what would happen. I am very rewarded for my efforts.

Try what I did if you are in a colder location. You could be surprised! Also, I have 20 Musa Basjoo up that have grown on the East side of my house for the last 10 or more years. They are already touching the eaves of my roof, and it is only Mid-May.