What to Plant with Elephant Ears in a Pot

Elephant ears are a great addition to any garden or patio space. They are large, tropical-looking plants with big, vibrant leaves that can create a stunning focal point. However, planting elephant ears in a pot can be a bit tricky, as they require a lot of water and nutrients. To ensure that your elephant ears thrive in their pot, it's important to choose the right plants to pair them with. In this article, we'll discuss some of the best plants to plant with elephant ears in a pot for a lush, vibrant display.

1. Caladium

Caladiums are a natural pairing for elephant ears. They have similar large, colorful leaves and make for a striking combination. Like elephant ears, caladiums thrive in warm, humid environments, making them the perfect companion plant for this tropical foliage. They are also relatively easy to care for, making them a great choice for those just starting with container gardening.

2. Ferns

Ferns add a touch of elegance and softness to the robust elephant ear plant. They are great for bringing a bit of greenery to the base of the pot and add an interesting texture to the planting. Ferns also thrive in the humid environments created by elephant ears, and many prefer the shade that elephant ears provide, making them a natural choice for pot pairing.

3. Hostas

Hostas come in a variety of sizes and colors, making them a versatile plant to pair with elephant ears. They have wide-green leaves that complement the boldness of elephant ears, playing off one another perfectly. Hostas also prefer partial shade and well-draining soil, which makes them easily adaptable to most growing situations.

4. Impatiens

Impatiens are a great addition to elephant ear pots. Their bright, colorful flowers add a pop of color to the foliage and give the pot an added dimension. As an annual plant, impatiens can be easily swapped out from season to season, giving the pot a new look with each planting, and the shade-loving impatiens thrive in the humid conditions created by the elephant ears.

5. Coleus

Coleus are another great option for elephant ear pots, as they come in a variety of colors and are easy to grow. The colors of the coleus can range from green and yellow to orange and red, and the intricate patterns on the leaves create an interesting contrast to the elephant ears. Coleus also prefer partial shade, making them a great pairing for the elephant ear's growing conditions.

Conclusion

Choosing the right plants to pair with elephant ears in a pot is essential to creating a lush, vibrant display. Caladiums, ferns, hostas, impatiens, and coleus are great options to add to your elephant ear pot, each with their unique colors, textures, and growing preferences. With these ideas in mind, you can create a beautiful display that will thrive throughout the growing season.