The Elephant Ear Illustrus, 'Colocasia Illustrus', has huge leaves and is a spring planted bulb. This variety looks similar to the Esculenta but has goregous dark, almost black leaves with dark green veins. It looks great in a container or in your shade garden. The large beautiful leaves will add diversity to any landscape. Elephant's Ear bulbs produce large tropical looking plants that look great when used with other colorful plants like Caladiums. Elephant's Ear grows best in well drained soils that are fertilized and watered regularly.