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Heart of the Jungle® Elephant's Ear Colocasia esculenta

Flower Season
  • Spring
  • Summer
Mature Size
5' 5' 1.5m 1.5m
Height: 3' - 5'
Spread: 3' - 5'
Height: 91cm - 1.5m
Spread: 91cm - 1.5m
Award Winner
  • Details

    36 - 60 Inches
    36 - 60 Inches
    36 - 60 Inches
    91cm - 1.5m
    91cm - 1.5m
    91cm - 1.5m

    Features

    Colocasia are great tropical plants suited to be grown as annuals in cold winter climates and perennials in warm winter climates. The huge deep green leaves are a showstopper in any garden. Some Colocasia tend to spread by runners, while others remain as a clump. Heart of the Jungle is a Runner.

    Award Winner
    Foliage Interest
    Heat Tolerant
    Deadheading Not Necessary
    Water Plant

    Characteristics

    Plant Type: 
    Annual
    Height Category: 
    Tall
    Garden Height: 
    36 - 60 Inches 91cm - 1.5m
    Spacing: 
    36 - 60 Inches 91cm - 1.5m
    Spread: 
    36 - 60 Inches 91cm - 1.5m
    Foliage Colors: 
    Green
    Foliage Shade: 
    Dark Green
    Habit: 
    Upright
    Container Role: 
    Thriller

    Plant Needs

    Light Requirement: 
    Part Sun to Sun

    The optimum amount of sun or shade each plant needs to thrive: Full Sun (6+ hours), Part Sun (4-6 hours), Full Shade (up to 4 hours).

    Maintenance Category: 
    Easy
    Bloom Time: 
    Grown for Foliage
    Hardiness Zones: 
    8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
    Water Category: 
    Average
    Uses: 
    Container
    Uses: 
    Landscape
    Uses Notes: 

    Landscapes and containers

    Maintenance Notes: 

    According to the Humane Society of America Colocasia plants can be toxic to pets. This is means that the plants are generally identified as having the capability for producing a toxic reaction.

    This plant is not edible and can be harmful to humans if ingested.

    Colocasia form tubers and these tubers can be stored for replanting in the spring. To dig and store tubers follow these directions. First, allow frost to kill the top of the plant then cut back the stems and dig the tubers. Wash off any soil and then allow the tubers to dry. Wrap dry tubers in newspapers or pack them in peat moss. Label each tuber or group of tubers so you know what they are come spring. Store tubers in a dark, cool (35 to 45 F) place. Do not allow tubers to freeze.

  • 13 Reviews

    5
    7
    4
    5
    3
    2
    1
    1
    Browse reviews from people who have grown this plant.
    • One of the coolest and easiest plants to grow! We started it in a large container last summer and it grew huge and beautiful. I brought it in the house for the winter and it's just as happy. The runners don't need much encouragement to grow like crazy. I'm so happy we picked this one!

      Dayna
      , Michigan
      , United States
      , 2 years ago
    • Great container plant! Also neat to add around fish ponds for a more tropical look. Very easy to take care of!! Hopefully I can store the bulbs for next year!

      Jessica Holmquist
      , Massachusetts
      , United States
      , 2 years ago
    • ludmila pustkova
      , 13 years ago
    • grown in large pot did very well with 5 different runners from it . just watered dailey and fertilized regulary very easy to maintain. will transplant to bring inside this winter

      louie
      , Ohio
      , United States
      , 13 years ago
    • First year that I've grown it and it was very nice.

      Dean Brand
      , Iowa
      , United States
      , 13 years ago
    • huge & beautiful as well as easy to grow!!! by far my favorite plant :)

      Jill
      , Virginia
      , United States
      , 13 years ago
    • Amazing visual display, fast growth and very little maintenance! Fun for kids to see as leaves resemble elephant ears.

      Michael
      , New York
      , United States
      , 13 years ago
    • Absolutely gorgeous! We placed it in the biofalls of our pond. It grew enormous in just a few short months and sent numerous runners along the stream bed. Very pretty illuminated by the lights in the waterfall. Looking forward to growing this yr.

      Russell Studebaker
      , Massachusetts
      , United States
      , 13 years ago
    • A beautiful landscaping plant, can also be used for boundry lines. Easy to take care of and easy to transplant. All of my neighbors wanted one after seeing the four I have out front. :)

      Mia
      , Indiana
      , United States
      , 13 years ago
    • I love this plant! It is beautiful and totally easy. The front of a shade garden on the north side of my house gets too much sun. I needed something tall and striking that could take sun and shade and perhaps provide a bit of shade. This worked.

      Jan W
      , Kansas
      , United States
      , 13 years ago
  • 37 Awards

    Award Year Award Plant Trial
    2021 Top Performer - Perennial Mississippi State University - Crystal Springs
    2021 Best of Show - Novelty Colorado State University
    2020 Top Performer Boerner Botanical Garden
    2020 Top Performer University of Georgia
    2020 Top Performer Biltmore Estate
    2020 Best of Species - Sun Penn State University
    2020 Top Performer University of Florida - Fort Lauderdale
    2020 Perfect Score - Mid Season Michigan State University
    2020 Top Performer - Early Season Michigan State University
    2020 Top Performer - Final Michigan State University
  • 1 Recipe

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