Elephant Ears are a large, tropical-looking foliage plant that can provide an exotic, dramatic look to any garden. They come in many varieties, and are great for adding texture to a garden bed or border. When it comes to what to plant with Elephant Ears, there are many options. From colorful annuals and perennials, to small shrubs and trees, the possibilities are endless. With a little careful planning and selection of companion plants, you can create an eye-catching display that will be the envy of your neighborhood.Elephant ears are a type of tropical plant that have large, waxy leaves and can be quite eye-catching in the garden. They can be planted alone or paired with other plants to create a unique and vibrant landscape. Some of the best plants to pair with elephant ears include caladiums, coleus, sweet potato vines, begonias, impatiens, and crotons. Additionally, you can also plant other tropical plants like hibiscus or bird of paradise for a lush, exotic look.
Plants That Complement Elephant Ears
Adding plants to your garden can be a great way to bring life and color to your outdoor space. One of the most popular types of plants for gardens are elephant ears, which are large, showy plants with stunning foliage. While elephant ears are beautiful on their own, they look even better when paired with other complementary plants. Here are some of the best plants that pair beautifully with elephant ears in your garden.
Tropical Hibiscus is an excellent choice for pairing with elephant ears. These showy flowers come in a variety of bright colors, and they can add a burst of color to any garden. They also have beautiful foliage that stands out against the large leaves of the elephant ear plants.
Caladiums are another great option when it comes to pairing with elephant ears. These bright and colorful plants have variegated leaves that look great next to the solid green leaves of the elephant ear plant. Caladiums will thrive in the same warm and moist environment as elephant ears, making them easy to care for as well.
Flowering ginger is another great option for pairing with elephant ears. This tropical plant has bold foliage and bright flowers that add a splash of color to any garden. The lush foliage also looks stunning next to the large leaves of the elephant ear plant, creating a unique contrast in texture and color.
Coleus is another great choice for pairing with elephant ears in your garden. These colorful plants have stunning foliage that comes in a wide variety of colors, so you can easily find one that will complement your other plants in your garden. Coleus also does well in shady areas, so it makes an ideal companion for those shady spots where your elephant ear plant may not be getting enough sunlight.
Finally, ornamental grasses make a great addition when it comes to pairing with elephant ears. These low-maintenance grasses can add movement and texture to any garden, while still providing something eye-catching that pairs beautifully with the large foliage of an elephant ear plant.
These are just some of the best options when it comes to pairing with elephant ears in your garden. With careful consideration and planning you can create an eye-catching display that will be sure to draw attention from all who see it!
Best Companions For Elephant Ears
Elephant ears are a beautiful addition to any garden, providing a unique tropical look. But to really make your garden stand out, it’s important to choose the right companion plants for your elephant ears. There are a variety of options to choose from, depending on your climate and personal preferences. Here are some of the best companions for elephant ears:
Hostas: Hostas are a great companion plant for elephant ears because they provide an interesting contrast in texture and color. Hostas come in a variety of colors and sizes, so you can find one that perfectly complements your elephant ear plant. Plus, hostas thrive in shady spots, so you won’t have to worry about too much sun exposure for these plants.
Ferns: Ferns are a classic choice when it comes to companion plants for elephant ears. They add lush greenery and texture to any garden, plus they come in many different varieties that can tolerate different levels of sunlight. Plus, ferns require minimal maintenance and care, making them an ideal choice for busy gardeners.
Caladiums: Caladiums are popular companion plants for elephant ears because they offer similar foliage colors and shapes. Like hostas, caladiums come in many different varieties that can handle different levels of sunlight. Plus, they require minimal maintenance and care and will add an extra layer of interest to your garden.
Coleus: Coleus is another great choice when it comes to companion plants for elephant ears. They provide vibrant color with their deep purple or red foliage that will add an eye-catching contrast against the large green leaves of your elephant ear plant. Coleus is also relatively low maintenance and will thrive in both sunny and shady spots.
These are just some of the best companions for elephant ears. With the right selection of plants, you can create an impressive display that will make your garden stand out from the rest!
Flowers To Plant With Elephant Ears
Elephant ears are a striking choice for any garden, adding lush foliage and a tropical feel. The large leaves of the elephant ear plant can be up to three feet long, and the plant itself can grow up to ten feet tall in the right conditions. This makes it an ideal backdrop for many other plants. When it comes to picking flowers to plant with elephant ears, you have plenty of options. You can create a dramatic contrast with bright colors, or choose flowers that will blend in with the foliage of your elephant ear plants. Here are some great choices for flowers to plant with elephant ears.
One of the most popular choices is caladiums, which come in shades of pink, white, and red. They add a bright pop of color to any garden setting and look beautiful when planted alongside elephant ears. Begonia is another great option; this flower produces beautiful clusters of white or pink flowers that look stunning against the large leaves of elephant ears. Impatiens are also popular; they are available in both single and double blooms in a variety of colors, from deep red to yellow and pink. Finally, petunias are an excellent choice for planting with elephant ears – they come in shades of purple, blue, pink, and white and will bring life to your garden all season long.
Whichever type of flower you choose, make sure they’re planted at the same height as your elephant ear plants so they don’t get overshadowed by their larger neighbors. You should also be mindful of their water needs – some flowers require more water than others – so check before planting them alongside your elephant ears. With proper care and attention, you can create a lush landscape filled with vibrant colors that will bring life and beauty to your garden all year round!
Herbs To Plant With Elephant Ears
Planting herbs with elephant ears can add texture and interest to your garden. Elephant ears are large, tropical-looking plants that will create a lush, tropical look in your garden. Herbs are a perfect match for elephant ears, as they can both benefit from the same growing conditions. Here are some of the best herbs to plant with elephant ears:
Sage is an aromatic herb that grows well in full sun and partial shade. It has greyish green leaves and a lovely aroma that will fill your garden with a wonderful scent. Sage also prefers well-drained soil, making it an ideal companion for elephant ears.
Thyme is also an excellent choice for planting with elephant ears. It has small, fragrant leaves and bright purple flowers that will add color to your garden. Thyme likes well-drained soil and full sun, so it’s also a good match for elephant ears.
Oregano is another herb to consider when planting with elephant ears. It has dark green leaves and white flowers that will add texture to your garden. Oregano also likes full sun and well-drained soil, making it an ideal companion for elephant ears.
Basil is one of the most popular herbs to plant with elephant ears. It has large leaves and beautiful purple flowers that will add color to your garden. Basil prefers full sun and well-drained soil, so it’s an ideal companion for elephant ears.
Rosemary is another great herb to plant with elephant ears. It has a lovely scent and bright blue flowers that will add color to your garden. Rosemary prefers full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil, making it an ideal companion for elephant ears.
These are just some of the many herbs you can plant with elephant ears to create a lush, tropical look in your garden. With the right combination of plants, you can create a beautiful garden that you’ll enjoy for years to come!
Vegetables To Plant With Elephant Ears
Elephant ears are a popular choice for adding texture and height to gardens. They also make great companions for other vegetables, as they provide shade and offer soil nutrients to their neighbors. The following vegetables are ideal to plant with elephant ears: peppers, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, eggplant, green beans, melons, and okra.
Peppers can be planted in the same bed as elephant ears without any issues. They will benefit from the added soil nutrients and shade provided by the elephant ear leaves. Tomatoes can also be planted near elephant ears, as they appreciate the extra water retention that is often found in areas of thick foliage.
Squash plants do well when planted next to elephant ears due to their similar growth habits. The two plants have similar root systems and benefit from sharing space and nutrients in the soil. Cucumbers can also be planted nearby since the vines of both plants will intertwine and provide each other with extra support as they grow.
Eggplant is a great choice for planting near elephant ears because it needs warm temperatures and moist soil in order to thrive. The large leaves of the elephant ear provide an ideal environment for eggplants by keeping them protected from direct sunlight while still allowing them to get plenty of warmth. Green beans are another great companion for elephant ears, as their vines can easily intertwine with those of the larger plant and benefit from its support and shade.
Melons do well when planted near elephant ears because the large leaves help keep them warm during cool nights. Okra is another vegetable that can be planted close by as its long taproots often reach deep into the soil to access additional nutrients that would otherwise be unavailable to it if grown alone.
In conclusion, there are many vegetables that can be successfully grown alongside elephant ears in a garden setting including peppers, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, eggplant, green beans, melons and okra. This combination provides each vegetable with additional benefits such as protection from direct sunlight while still allowing them access to warmth and additional soil nutrients from the larger plant’s root system.
Shrubs To Plant With Elephant Ears
When it comes to planting shrubs with elephant ears, there are a few good choices. The most popular are the tropical varieties of hibiscus, bougainvillea, lantana, and mandevilla. These plants all provide a splash of color and texture to gardens and also help to create an environment that is inviting for wildlife. In addition, these plants require very little maintenance once established and will thrive in many different types of soil.
Another great option for planting with elephant ears is vireya rhododendrons. These plants offer a wide variety of colors and bloom during the warmer months of the year. They also tolerate some shade but prefer to be planted in bright sunlight. Vireya rhododendrons make great accents in any garden setting and will attract hummingbirds and other pollinators when in bloom.
A third option for planting with elephant ears is ornamental grasses. Ornamental grasses come in many shapes, sizes, and colors which can work well as a backdrop for the larger elephant ear plantings. They also provide excellent texture and movement when planted together with the elephant ears, creating an eye-catching display that will draw attention from visitors or passersby.
Finally, one of the most popular shrubs to plant with elephant ears is the Mexican bush sage or Salvia leucantha. This shrub has beautiful purple blooms that occur during late summer through early fall, making it ideal for adding pops of color to any garden setting. It prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade as well, making it relatively easy to care for while still adding a lot of visual interest to landscapes.
Elephant Ears and Other Plants to Consider
Elephant ears (Colocasia spp.) are an attractive and bold-leaved tropical plant that adds texture and interest to any garden. Native to Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands, elephant ear plants require plenty of water and moist soil to thrive. In addition to elephant ears, there are many other plants that can be used in combination with them to create a lush, tropical landscape.
Tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus spp.) is a popular choice for adding color and height to a garden featuring elephant ears. Hibiscus comes in many sizes, from small shrubs up to large trees, with flowers ranging from soft pastels to bright reds, oranges, and yellows. They thrive in full sun but can also tolerate some shade.
Cannas (Canna spp.) are another option for adding color and texture. Cannas have large paddle-shaped leaves in shades of green or bronze, and tall stems topped with clusters of colorful flowers. They prefer full sun but will also do well in partial shade.
Ferns (Dryopteris spp., Polystichum spp., Asplenium spp., Nephrolepis spp., Blechnum spicant) are also a perfect way to add texture and lushness around elephant ears. Ferns come in all kinds of shapes and sizes; some have frilly fronds while others have glossy leaves or fiddleheads that unfurl as they grow. They prefer moist soil but will tolerate some dryness once established.
Finally, ornamental grasses (Panicum virgatum, Pennisetum alopecuroides) can be combined with elephant ears for a unique look that is sure to draw attention. Ornamental grasses come in many varieties, from clumping grasses with delicate foliage that adds softness to the garden bed or container planting; or upright grasses with strong vertical lines providing structure; or airy plumes that sway in the breeze like miniature palm trees. All types will do best when planted in full sun but can tolerate some shade as well.
No matter what your vision is for your garden landscape featuring elephant ears, there are plenty of plants out there that you can use together with them to create a beautiful tropical oasis right at home!
