Alocasia ‘portodora’ Amazing Elephant Ear for your Zone 7 and up Garden
Alocasia portadora
In an earlier article, I mentioned the Black Magic elephant ear but would you believe it possible to grow an even more amazing tropical Elephant Ear in your Zone 7 garden? I didn’t, that is until I read up on it. This amazing Hybrid Upright Elephant Ear is called Alocasia Portodora and can grow to heights of 8′ in warmer climates. Though in a zone 7 I imagine it grows smaller due to the shorter growing season. Most literature reports this as being a zone 8 and up plant but with the proper winter protection, it will survive zone 7.
Care is similar to a regular elephant ear in that it needs moist organic rich soil in a full sun spot in your garden. Make sure your chosen spot is not soggy especially during winter as these can rot rather easily. As fall approaches, reduce watering and cut foliage back to the ground once it has died after the first few frosts. Once that occurs, mulch very HEAVILY. I also recommend some sort of barrier to reduce winter moisture. Perhaps mulch then plastic(or similar) then mulch for optimal protection. Remove plastic and some of the mulch once danger of frosts passes in spring. Of course you can always dig it up for storage but that sort of defeats the purpose of finding plants that will work well in your area. Other than that, these are pretty care free. Given the care mentioned above and some good fertilization, these can really take off and can make a huge impact in your garden. I bet you will have all the neighbors dropping by asking you what it is and where they can get it. Unfortunately, you will probably not find this at your local home center and if you do it will be pricey. You may find it at a high quality nursery as well but the best place is Ebay