You can leave elephant ears in the ground over winter in Hardiness Zones 7-11. However, it is important to take some precautions to protect them from the cold temperatures.
Firstly, it is recommended to let the stems of your plants die back naturally with the frost. Cutting them too early can lead to rot and damage the bulbs. So, allow the leaves to turn brown and wither before removing them.
Once the leaves have died back, it’s time to prepare your elephant ears for winter. One way to protect them is by covering them with a layer of chopped-up leaves and lawn grass. This mulch will insulate the bulbs and provide some protection against frost and freezing temperatures. Make sure to spread the mulch evenly around the plants, creating a thick layer.
In addition to mulching, you can also consider using other protective measures such as covering the plants with burlap or frost cloth. This can provide an extra layer of insulation and prevent the bulbs from freezing. Secure the covering tightly around the plants to ensure it stays in place during winter storms.
It’s important to note that even with these protective measures, elephant ears may still experience some damage or die back during severe winters. In colder regions, it is generally recommended to dig up the bulbs and store them indoors during the winter months. However, in Hardiness Zones 7-11, where the temperatures are milder, leaving them in the ground with proper protection is often sufficient.
Personal experience: I live in Zone 9 and have successfully left my elephant ears in the ground over winter. I follow the steps mentioned above, allowing the leaves to die back naturally and then covering the plants with a layer of mulch. I have found that this method provides enough protection for the bulbs, and they usually come back strong in the spring.
To summarize, in Hardiness Zones 7-11, you can leave your elephant ears in the ground over winter. However, it is important to cover them with a layer of chopped-up leaves and lawn grass to protect them from the cold temperatures. Let the stems die back naturally before covering, and consider using additional protective measures such as burlap or frost cloth if desired. While some damage may still occur during severe winters, this approach is generally sufficient in milder regions.