Elephant Ear Plant Bloom Times

Bloom Period

• Elephant ears may bloom from spring through to summer with inconspicuous green flowers on long stalks. The flower has a modified leaf or spathe that covers the stalk, while the stalk consists of a cluster of tiny flowers. Flowering depends upon growing conditions and elephant ear plants may not bloom every year. Their showy foliage make up for their lack of attractive flowers.

Foliage Color

• Elephant ears will grow up to 5 feet tall. The various cultivars bring a range of colors. "Black Magic" has burgundy or black foliage, "Chicago Harlequin" produces dark green foliage contrasted with random blotches of lighter green and the green foliage of "Illustris" has lime green veins and edging and is overlaid with black.

Pigsqueak

• Also sometimes called elephant ears, pigsqueak (Bergenia cordifolia) grows in damp, shady areas. It produces tall panicles of pink flowers in spring. These plants grow up to 2 feet tall and are renowned for the vibrant fall colors. Pigsqueak grows in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 through 8.

Pigsqueak Colors

• Pigsqueak cultivars offer a range of spring bloom colors. "Silver Light" has white blooms, "Ballawlay" produces red flowers, while "Evening Glow's" flowers are magenta. The common variety blooms in pink.