skip to main content

Mid-Atlantic Gardening

Can I leave my elephant ear outside?

11 years ago

I have bought a couple of elephant ears last summer, and I have overwintered them indoors. The package says hardy to 15 degrees F. Tonight it's going to go down to 40*F and tomorrow night + the night after + the night after that, temps are supposed to reach 26*F + 27*F and then 27*F again before finally going to 34*F.

They overwintered perfectly last night for elephant ears who have been indoors with themperatures at 70*F all winter long, with some wilting maybe even some defoliation, when temperatures went down to maybe 25 or less. I don't know just how far though.

Before finally bringing them in for the winter, they dealt with temperatures down to 28*F and have recovered as if no frost ever happened. It was really awesome. Now, enough of my bragging, how far down can they go in a pot? Can they go down to 27*F for two nights in a row, with highs at 47 (day 1) 37 (day 2) and 35 (day 3)? Will they be fine or will they die? So, help is appreciated. Thanks.

Comment

Related Discussions
Elephant Ear leaves drooping to ground
Q
Comments (2)
Gut feeling would be not enough water. Does it look wilted? Another possibility is just something normal. I've noticed that as leaves age, they do this and then become yellow and die. Kevin
...See More
I have to chop down my elephant ears.
Q
Comments (8)
Just got back from Orlando (not Disney)and I'm a hankering for a Chinese Flame tree. Dummy me, we drove a golf cart right past one with low branches to get the pods and I should have insisted hubby stop for me to scavenge. Also saw a tree that looked very much like mimosa but a bit fuller and the blossoms (or seed pods) were dark purple. Couldn't get to that one. Anyhoo..I don't like putting mulch over bulbs or anything else. It's like erecting a mulch hotel for voles with all they can eat nearby. I just take the poly foam plant pots and invert them over the stub. Keeps the excess rain off the bulb top. That's worked for 2 years we've been here and the EE's are fine. The poly foam seems to be adequate insulation.
...See More
ashy looking elephant ear leaves
Q
Comments (2)
Does the ashyness wipe off and look like very fine threads? It sounds like it might be spider mites. Give them a good bath with water and then spray to get rid of the mites if that is the problem. ilima
...See More
HELP!!!! Quick question Elephant ears. I need to move 3-4 of my
Q
Comments (5)
WOW, what big ears you got. sorry, couldn't resist. wont they die back in a few wks? In the meantime you could just remove a few leaves. If you dig them out you will loose lots of leaves anyway.
...See More

Related Stories

KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS Elephants of the Kitchen? What to Know About Concrete Counters

Concrete countertops are beautiful, heavy and cool — and have their own peculiarities. And a lot in common with certain gray pachyderms

LIFE You Said It: ‘I’m Never Leaving’ and More Houzz Quotables

By Becky Harris

Design advice, inspiration and observations that struck a chord this week

LIFE The Polite House: How Can I Tell a Construction Crew to Pipe Down?

If workers around your home are doing things that bother you, there’s a diplomatic way to approach them

FALL GARDENING 5 Ways to Put Fall Leaves to Work in Your Garden

By Therese Ciesinski

Improve your soil and yard the organic way with a valuable garden booster that grows on trees

MORE ROOMS The Elephant in the Room

By Becky Harris

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: Elephants On Parade

By Beth Connolly Interiors

Add any one of these elephants to a room for an extra dose of exotic style

LIFE The Polite House: How Can I Kindly Get Party Guests to Use Coasters?

Here’s how to handle the age-old entertaining conundrum to protect your furniture — and friendships

REMODELING GUIDES Ask an Architect: How Can I Carve Out a New Room Without Adding On?

When it comes to creating extra room, a mezzanine or loft level can be your best friend

THE POLITE HOUSE The Polite House: Can I Put a Remodel Project on Our Wedding Registry?

Find out how to ask guests for less traditional wedding gifts

BATHROOM DESIGN The Cure for Houzz Envy: Bathroom Touches Anyone Can Do

By Becky Harris

Take your bath from blah to ‘ahhhh’ with just a few easy and inexpensive moves

Sponsored