Heart of the Jungle Elephant's Ear

Island Giants® Heart of the Jungle is a large elephant ear with huge, deep green, heart-shaped leaves on dark stems. This upright tropical accent can reach 3–5 feet tall and wide, making it most effective where it has space to spread. ## Foliage and placement The [Proven Winners profile](https://c5.provenwinners.com/plants/colocasia/island-giants-heart-jungle-elephants-ear-colocasia-esculenta) lists part-sun to full-sun exposure, dark green foliage, and a mature 3–5-foot height and spread. The selection spreads by runners rather than remaining in a tight clump, so allow room around it. A [University of Tennessee Gardens trial](https://taes.utk.edu/upload/WTREC/2020UTGardensJacksonBestBeautiful.pdf) also noted dark-purple stems and black runners. Use it in a large container or landscape bed, including a pondside setting, for bold foliage through the warm season. ## Growing conditions Heart of the Jungle is listed for USDA zones 8a–11b and can be grown as an annual in colder climates. Its large leaves benefit from shelter from strong wind, as recommended for Colocasia by the [NC State Extension species profile](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/colocasia-esculenta/). ## Maintenance Water during dry spells and remove frost-damaged leaves after cold weather. In regions where the ground freezes, lift and store the tubers after frost or move the container to a protected place for winter. Keep the plant away from people and pets who may chew it, since Colocasia can be harmful if eaten.