A Vine With Leaves Like Elephant Ears

Supporting Twining Vines

• Elephant ear creeper vines cling to support by twining and can grow up to 30 feet tall. The vines are grown commonly as a garden ornamental, because of the velvety, silvery appearance of the foliage and size: leaves can grow up to a foot across. Twining vines require support, which can be anything the vine can wrap its stem around. Grow elephant ear creeper vines on trellises, fences and arbors, but do not allow them to grow on trees and shrubs, as the vines can smother them.

Getting Continuous Blooms

• Elephant ear creeper vines thrive in ordinary garden soil in a sunny to partially-shaded location. Vines require a spacing of 24 to 36 inches, and regular water needs. With proper care, elephant creepers produce blooms repeatedly throughout the summer. Bloom colors include dark, pale pink and mauve. Vines also produces 3/4-inch round white berries that attract birds; birds disperse seeds.

Propagating the Vine

• Elephant ear creeper vines are propagated by seed or division cuttings. Allow seed pods to dry on plants before collecting and soak them in lukewarm water for 24 hours before sowing outdoors. Sow seeds after the last frost date for your area. Seeds germinate in 2 to 4 weeks. Take hardwood in spring or summer from previous season's growth. Plant cuttings in an outdoor trench and allow them to grow until they are ready in the fall or the following spring before transplanting them.

Taking Precautions

• In some tropical regions, the elephant ear creeper vines are considered invasive and the seeds are poisonous if ingested. If vines become invasive and cannot be kept within their boundary, dig up plants, making sure to get all of the plant roots as well. All plant fragments must be removed, destroyed or properly disposed of to prevent shoots from growing.