The jungle plants range includes Banana, Ginger Lily, Elephant Ears, Canna and Giant Anacondas. Okay, there are no anacondas, but the idea is that these jungle plants are wonderfully tropical and display great architectural forms through their foliage. As always, hardiness is a concern with anything too tropical but we have been fairly exhaustive in trying to find the hardiest varieties possible. In fact, a large majority of these jungle plants started life in the Himalayas so they are certainly used to some pretty chilly conditions.
These jungle plants are widely used in tropical plantings due to their stunning, bold leaves that are iconically jungle in effect. The majority of these tropical plants, like the Hardy Banana, Ginger Lily and Elephant Ears are herbaceous perennials that grow at a tremendous rate through the growing season, constantly sending out new foliage to create an impressive tropical display of foliage and, in some cases, flower.
Looking after jungle plants
Again, this advice is a little generalised but, in most cases, the most important thing to know when growing these tropical plants is that they love to be spoilt with water and food. Keep these tropical plants well-watered and feed plenty. In simple terms, the more water and food – the bigger the tropical plant.
Plants like Colocasia (Elephant Ears), Alocasia (Giant Taro) and Hedychium (Ginger Lily) grow very well as marginal plants around ponds and water features and are perfectly happy to grow in shallow water. They will be happy in full sun but will tolerate fairly shady situations too. For the very best effect, plant these tropical jungle plants in clumps of three or five to create a monster tropical display.
Most jungle plants will die back around the time of the first frosts. At this time, the jungle plant can be cut back and the bulbs lifted and stored dry for winter. If the soil is well-drained, the jungle plant can be cut down and mulched over, which should adequately protect the bulb for winter. Alternatively, pot them prior to the weather turning cold and over-winter them indoors as an indoor plant.
Fertilizer is essential for just about all jungle plants if you want to get the very best from them. Click on Foliar Feed for our own formulated fertilizer, perfect for encouraging healthy strong foliage.