Although they're slow to emerge from dormancy, they make the wait worthwhile and serve delightfully as specimens, focal points, container and pond plants, conversation pieces, screens and anchors for smaller plants in a tropical-inspired border. Others to consider are rodgersia, ligularia, acanthus, the old standby hosta and, if you're really adventurous, gunnera. Once snubbed for its coarse texture and plain green foliage, this easily recognized tropical has undergone a major image makeover. Spectacular new canna hybrids, with colorful variegated leaves and gladiolus-type flowers, are popping up in perennial beds, containers, parks and highway medians, in sizes ranging from two to six feet. Two selections, 'Bengal Tiger' and 'Tropicana', are stunning combined with ornamental grasses and lime-green or burgundy coleus.
Cannas multiply rapidly in full sun and moist, well-composted soils.
These lovable giants are appealing for their graceful forms and ruffled, heart-shaped leaves. They grow aggressively in sun or part shade and in typical garden soils, as well as bogs. In return for their flexibility, they ask only for frequent, heavy feedings and winter protection. A sought-after species of elephant's ear is Colocasia esculenta . Both make excellent container plants.