GIANT elephant ears

hmmm ive always been afraid to dig them up once they got established but i hear people do it all the time. I guess they dont really get that established....they just ball up after there done for the season eh...

i think i might have lost one or two of mine, not sure if cold or rot got them but i dont see them coming up yet except one. Maybe they have different time releases? Ive left them over the winter in the ground and they came back before.

Im thinking of buying some more because i like em a lot too, they give that tropical look. Take a read of this material i found, it says they love water and do good in places with it.

Quote:

Planting Zones for Elephant Ear Plants:
In planting zone 8 and above, elephant ears can be left outside year-round. Elephant ears aren't indigenous to Florida but have become naturalized in some wetland areas in the southern half of the state and are widespread. In fact, elephant ear plants are considered invasive plants there. In cold climates, elephant ear plants are treated as annuals, allowing us our own little piece of "tropical landscaping" -- albeit short-lived. To extend their lives, see "Plant Care for Elephant Ears" below.

Characteristics of Elephant Ear Plants:
In landscaping, elephant ears are grown for their large, heart-shaped leaves. While these leaves can reach 3' long and 2' wide in the tropics, in the North they will remain smaller -- but still impressive. Elephant ear plants can grow 8' tall in the tropics; in the North, a height of 2'-3' is more common (depending on growing conditions).
Sun and Soil Requirements for Elephant Ear Plants:
Grow elephant ears in a slightly acidic soil in partial shade. As a wetland plant in the wild, elephant ear plants crave water. This makes them a good choice for wet areas where homeowners usually have trouble finding suitable plants.
Uses for Elephant Ear Plants:
In the North, treat elephant ears as annuals. Take advantage of their large, attractive foliage and grow them amongst your other plants, thus varying the texture in a planting bed. Their thirst for water makes elephant ears effective not only in soggy areas of the landscape, but also near water features.

Plant Care for Elephant Ears:
Elephant ears are heavy feeders; fertilize them with a fertilizer high in nitrogen. Elephant ear plants are tropical but can be overwintered in cold climates. Just dig up the corms and keep them in a cool, but not freezing basement or garage, as you would store canna bulbs. During this period of dormancy, make sure the corms neither rot nor totally dry out. Replant in spring when danger of frost has passed.

Ive always wanted to get the black variety "black magic" elephant ears but i'll probably have to order those.

Im in zone 7b, where are u?