Growing the Stunning Blue Hawaiian Elephant Ear Plant: The Complete Guide

Towering tropical foliage and vibrant blue-green tones make the Blue Hawaiian elephant ear plant an eye-catching addition to any garden. This beautiful plant packs impressive visual impact into a fast-growing, easy-care package perfect for beginners and experts alike.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how to grow brilliant Blue Hawaiian elephant ears in any backyard You’ll learn insider tips for planting, optimal care, design ideas, troubleshooting problems, overwintering, propagation and more Let’s dive in!

Introducing This Mesmerizing Tropical Plant

Before we grow this beauty, let’s get acquainted with exactly what makes the Blue Hawaiian elephant ear so special:

• Quick growth – Under ideal conditions Blue Hawaiian can grow up to 2 feet per month attaining massive 6 foot proportions in just one season.

• Stunning color – The waxy arrow-shaped leaves emerge in hues of blue-green turning more blue as they mature. The contrast between new and mature foliage creates incredible visual interest.

• Tremendous foliage – Huge leaves measure 2-3 feet long and 1-2 feet wide at maturity. They resemble the ears of elephants, hence the common name.

• Tropical style – Lush, super-sized leaves evoke the lushness of Hawaiian jungles. This plant screams tropical paradise.

• Dramatic texture – The bold, thick leaves provide an eye-catching sculptural element unmatched by other plants.

For gardens in need of a bold, tropical punch, Blue Hawaiian elephant ear is sure to satisfy. Next, let’s look at how to cultivate these tropical treasures successfully.

Growing Conditions for Blue Hawaiian Elephant Ear

Though native to tropical Asia and the Pacific islands, Blue Hawaiian elephant ear grows readily in warm temperate climates across much of the United States. Here are its key growing requirements:

• Hardiness – Rated for USDA zones 8-11. Will thrive year-round in warmer zones but grown as an annual in cooler climates.

• Sun – Needs full sun exposure to achieve its best coloration and growth. At least 6 hours of direct sun daily.

• Soil – Prefers neutral to slightly acidic, moisture-retentive but well-draining soil. Loams, sandy loams and silty soils are ideal.

• Water – Consistent moisture is needed, especially in hot weather. Water 1-2 inches per week. Let soil partially dry out between waterings.

• Fertilizer – Apply balanced liquid or slow-release fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season for optimum growth.

Provided with adequate sun, rich soil, ample water and regular feeding, Blue Hawaiian will grow vigorously and attain its full jungle-plant glory.

Planting Your Blue Hawaiian Elephant Ears

With the proper planting techniques, your Blue Hawaiian will establish quickly and grow rapidly to make a huge impact:

• Planting zones – Zone 8-11 gardeners can plant Blue Hawaiian outdoors after the last frost date when soil has warmed. In zones 3-7, start it indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost.

• Site selection – Choose a location with full sun and moist, fertile soil. Position it as a focal point or backdrop plant.

• Prep work – Till sandy soil and mix in compost to improve moisture retention and nutrition. Dig a hole 2-3 times the width of the container.

• Planting depth – Set the plant in the hole at the same level it was growing in the pot. The top of the root ball should be level with the ground.

• Backfill & water – Fill hole with soil, tap firmly to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly until soil is moistened to 6 inches deep.

Follow proper planting techniques, and your Blue Hawaiian will take off quickly once in the ground.

Optimal Care for Lush Growth

Caring for Blue Hawaiian elephant ears throughout the growing season ensures strong, vigorous plants:

• Water – Supply 1-2 inches of water per week. Water at soil level to keep leaves dry. Allow soil to partially dry before re-watering.

• Fertilizer – Feed every 2-3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength or a slow-release formula. Stop fertilizing in fall.

• Pruning – Remove dead or damaged leaves and smaller stems regularly to improve air circulation. Pruning also encourages new growth.

• Staking – Stake large plants and tie the stems loosely to prevent toppling. Site plants out of windy areas if possible.

• Pest control – Watch for aphids, mealybugs and spider mites. Remove by hand immediately or use insecticidal soap sprays.

Regular care and attentive maintenance keeps your Blue Hawaiian exuberant and problem-free all season long.

Design Tips for Blue Hawaiian Elephant Ears

Incorporating Blue Hawaiian elephant ears effectively into your landscape design highlights their bold, tropical flair:

• Focal points – Use a cluster of 3-5 plants as a central focal point in island-themed beds or near water features.

• Backdrops – Plant against fences or structures to create a living wall of vibrant blue-green.

• Borders – Line driveways, property lines or garden edges with a continuous row.

• Containers – Grow Blue Hawaiian in large decorative pots on patios or as poolside accents. Replenish soil and move containers indoors before first frost.

• Contrast – Surround with fine-textured plants like grasses or compact shrubs to contrast the huge leaves.

Creative placement makes the most of this plant’s spectacular proportions and coloring for maximum impact.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

When provided with suitable growing conditions, Blue Hawaiian elephant ears are largely trouble-free. But occasionally you may encounter:

• Small leaves – Insufficient fertilizer causes stunted growth. Apply an all-purpose fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing months.

• Leaf spots – Bacterial or fungal diseases create brown spots with yellow halos. Improve airflow and avoid wetting foliage. Remove damaged leaves promptly.

• Drooping leaves – Overwatering causes leaves to go limp. Allow soil to partly dry out before re-watering.

• Leaf scorch – Dry, crispy leaf edges indicate under-watering. Check soil frequently and water whenever the top few inches become dry.

With proper care and quick diagnosis, potential issues are easily corrected and your Blue Hawaiian will continue thriving.

Overwintering Blue Hawaiian Elephant Ears

In zones 3-7, Blue Hawaiian grown as annuals can be overwintered indoors and replanted next year:

• Timing – Dig up bulbs after first fall frost turns leaves brown or before first freeze. Allow foliage to die back naturally first.

• Storage – Let bulbs cure in a dry spot for 1-2 weeks. Store in peat or vermiculite at 50-60°F over winter. Check periodically for rotting.

• Potting – In early spring, pot up cured bulbs in moist potting mix. Grow on in bright light until outdoors temperatures are frost-free.

• Planting – Transplant outdoors after danger of frost has passed. Water and fertilize normally.

With proper overwintering care, you can enjoy your Blue Hawaiian for many seasons to come.

Propagating More Blue Hawaiian Plants

You can propagate new Blue Hawaiian plants from bulbs, rhizome division or seeds:

• Bulb offsets – Carefully separate newly formed bulbs from the parent after plants become dormant in fall. Cure and store bulbs until spring planting time.

• Rhizome division – Cut away and replant pieces of rhizome with at least one growth eye. Take rhizome sections in spring just before new growth begins.

• Seed – Blue Hawaiian may produce berries containing seed if both a male and female plant are present. Sow fresh seeds indoors in late winter. Germination is erratic and slow.

Propagating your own plants from bulbs or rhizomes is more reliable than seed and ensures new plants identical to the parent.

Enjoying Blue Hawaiian Elephant Ears at Their Peak

With proper planting and care, Blue Hawaiian elephant ear will reward you with incredible tropical presence:

• Plant in prominent positions to showcase their bold form and colors

• Complement them with fine-textured companion plants for contrast

• Stake large plants properly to display the full size of massive leaves

• Sit back and enjoy as they transform into stunning lush giants within one short season!

With its fast growth, easy care and sensational looks, growing Blue Hawaiian elephant ear is a breeze for gardeners at every level. For a big dose of jungle flair in your own backyard, look no further than this magnificent plant.