Where we are in Marshfield, Missouri, tropical bulbs like elephant ears and banana trees add beautiful green shades and interesting shapes to summer gardens. Elephant ears can easily grow 4 ft. and higher, while banana trees can climb to 14 ft. in just one season. No wonder they’re so popular!

Once you’ve planted these tropical bulbs, they do take some care before frost comes to the Ozarks. Here is what we recommend you do each fall to be sure you have your gorgeous elephant ears or banana trees again next season.

Elephant Ear Fall Care

• If the area doesn’t stay too wet, cut them off at the ground and mulch them in very well (at least 1” thick).
• If the area stays wet, dig them up and place them in a cool dry place in an open paper bag.
• If they are in a pot, or you want to put them in a pot after digging them up, then bring the bulbs (with or without leaves attached) inside and care for them like a house plant. They will need bright indirect light.   

Banana Tree Fall Care

• If the area doesn’t stay too wet, cut them off at about 4-6” above the ground and mulch them in very well (at least 1” thick).
• If the area stays wet, dig them up and place them in a cool dry place in an open paper bag. 
• If they are in a pot, or you want to put them in a pot after digging them up, then bring the entire plants inside and care for them like a house plant. They will need bright indirect light.

Next Spring, simply plant them where you dug them up, or plant a few bulbs in new spaces. Wait until the threat of freezing is over. If there’s a chance of frost after you do plant them, it’s wise to cover them overnight.

Elephant Ears propagate through their tubers, and Banana Trees through suckers or pups, so there will always be more to spread around next year.