Getting Rid of Elephant Ears
Three years later I dug up all 6 plants and split each of them into 3 plants each, making 18 plants! Some I gave away, some I transplanted again. I kept 6 of the 18. Three years ago I did all this again! And guess what, I have elephant ears still coming up in all of the original places where I planted or transplanted them. I just can't get them to quit coming up! I've even tried weed killer but it doesn't seem to phase them!
Hardiness Zone: 7b
By Cricketnc from Parkton, NC
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RE: Getting Rid of Elephant Ears
Sorry for upsetting you, but it has to be done twice a year for three years. or more to get them all. and you have to screen all the soil each time to ensure you don't miss any. The other thing you can do to speed up the process is cut all the green part away all the way to the ground as soon as any shoots are visible. This prevents any nutrients other than those already in the soil from going to the bulbs, which should force them into dormancy.
I was assuming, perhaps incorrectly, that you were trying to avoid using chemicals.
Post by Kephirra
RE: Getting Rid of Elephant Ears
Mail me some! I love them but have a hard time geting them to live. Rather than expose your yard and everything and one to chemicals just keep mowing them down.
Post by wwdotsis
RE: Getting Rid of Elephant Ears
Hi Jess, Thank you for your response. As you could see, you are the only one who actually addressed the question I asked.
I guess I'm stuck with these elephant ears. I think I'll just let them grow. It's not that I don't like them, I had simply decided I wanted them in a different spot! OH well!
I had even tried putting a planter on top of them. 4 years later when I moved it, guess what I found poking thru the dirt underneath! Stubborn beggars they are!
Post by Cricketnc
RE: Getting Rid of Elephant Ears
Hi, Cricketnc, I did a quick google search on your problem and it sounds like they are nearly impossible to get rid of once established. One site recommended pulling up every single shoot that you see, every couple of weeks and then digging up the bulbs, like you already have. It is a several year process.
I did see a recommendation for a product called Killex that was supposed to get rid of them for one person. Round up was ineffective. I steer clear of chemicals in my yard so, personally, I'd just keep digging them up and hopefully you will get rid of enough eventually.
Or, you could try planting another invasive species that you would rather have and see if you can squeeze them out. Of course, you may have the same problem with the new plant in a couple of years.
Have you tried asking a Master Gardener in your area for advice? I see them at the local nurseries from time to time.
Good luck! I have a similar problem with a tiny peppermint plan that I planted when I moved it. It now grows up through my patio cracks and is in several parts of my yard. Glad I like mint!
Post by jess
RE: Getting Rid of Elephant Ears
I DID DIG THEM UP! THREE TIMES! And yes, I went down MORE than 2 feet all 3 times. How do I kill off the ones I have!
Post by Cricketnc
RE: Getting Rid of Elephant Ears
Dig down at least two feet and sift all the dirt through a screen. Take all the bulbs you find and list them on Freecycle or donate them to a local youth service or church to use as a fundraiser, or to a child or adult day program. Do this twice a year, in spring and fall, for three years or until no more elephant ears pop up in the spring. That should finally rid you of them.
Post by Kephirra
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