Landscape Uses
Style Tags
South Florida Growing Guide
Light Requirements
Water Requirements
Water deeply 2–3 times per week during establishment, then reduce to weekly once roots are established.
Moderate water. 2-3x per week dry season. Consistent moisture for best leaf size and color. Allow top inch to dry between waterings. Good drainage essential — root saturation causes rot.
Soil and Fertilization
Fertilizer: Balanced 20-20-20 liquid fertilizer or slow-release foliage formula during growing season.
Schedule: Monthly water-soluble balanced fertilizer during growing season March-October. Reduce to quarterly in winter.
Salt Tolerance
- Mature Height
- 4–6 ft
- Mature Width
- 3–5 ft
- Growth Rate
- moderate
- Water Demand
- 5/10
- Florida Grade
- Florida #1
- Installed Cost
- $$$
- USDA Zones
- 10a, 10b, 11
- FLEPPC Status
- None
- Iguana Rating
- 4/10
Where to Buy in South Florida
Find Elephant Ear 'Regal Shields' at South Florida nurseries — check availability and pricing at nurseries near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does Elephant Ear 'Regal Shields' grow in South Florida?
Elephant Ear 'Regal Shields' has a moderate growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.
Is Elephant Ear 'Regal Shields' safe for pets?
Elephant Ear 'Regal Shields' is not safe for pets. TOXIC to cats and dogs — calcium oxalate crystals in all plant parts cause oral pain, drooling, vomiting, and GI distress if chewed or ingested. Mandatory client disclosure.
How much water does Elephant Ear 'Regal Shields' need in South Florida?
Moderate water needs (5/10). Water deeply 2–3 times per week during establishment, then reduce to weekly once roots are established.
Can Elephant Ear 'Regal Shields' tolerate salt air in South Florida?
Elephant Ear 'Regal Shields' has low salt tolerance (2/10) and is not recommended near areas with significant salt air exposure.
Is Elephant Ear 'Regal Shields' available in Miami-Dade County?
In Miami-Dade County, Elephant Ear 'Regal Shields' is classified as: allowed. Allowed.
County Availability in South Florida
Miami-Dade County
Allowed. NOT FLEPPC.
USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.
View County Guide →Broward County
Allowed. Common in Broward County premium tropical landscape and commercial interior applications.
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.
View County Guide →Palm Beach County
Allowed. Moderate Palm Beach availability.
USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.
View County Guide →Collier County
Allowed. Moderate Collier availability.
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.
View County Guide →Monroe County
Allowed. Limited Keys availability.
USDA Zone 11. Tropical maritime, highest salt exposure of all 5 counties.
View County Guide →Full ordinance references and permit requirements available to Professional subscribers. Always verify current county requirements before installation.
Need a Spec Sheet?
Export a client-ready PDF with Florida Grade specs, county legal status, maintenance schedule, and failure risks. Available to Professional subscribers.
Ask about Elephant Ear 'Regal Shields'
Get answers grounded in UF/IFAS research and South Florida landscape data.