Elephant Ears

I planted my first elephant ears this spring, and it's official--I'm in love.

The large, green leaves bring a welcome tropical feel to this Midwest prairie. The leaves on my elephant ears are a light green, although my research of black-leafed cultivars has intrigued me. I may have to give "Black Magic" or "Jet Black Wonder" a try next year.

Zones higher than 8 can treat the plant as a perennial. Those of us in Zones 5-6, however, will have to dig them up every fall so they can overwinter indoors.