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Colocasia ‘Black Magic’ ( Colocasia ) : de grandes feuilles en forme de cœur, pourpre très sombre. Le visuel Florissa présente la plante et son nom dans la partie inférieure de l’étiquette. La photographie occupe presque toute la surface, tandis que le bandeau du bas rassemble les indications du produit. Cette vue permet de reconnaître son apparence et de distinguer la variété présentée.
Tuber Araceae

Colocasia 'Black Magic' (Colocasia)

Colocasia esculenta ‘Black Magic’

Black Magic Elephant Ear produces enormous heart-shaped leaves in a rich purple-black colour. Its lush foliage brings bold tropical character to gardens and large containers.
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Detailed plant guide
Advice adapted to Canada
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Quantity
1 tuber
Exposure
Partial sun to partial shade
Life cycle
Perennial
Hardiness
Zone 10

Discover the plant

Common nameBlack Magic Elephant Ear
FamilyAraceae
GenusTaro
TypeTuber
Botanical nameColocasia esculenta ‘Black Magic’

Black Magic Elephant Ear (Colocasia esculenta ‘Black Magic’) is a spectacular tropical perennial grown primarily for its enormous heart-shaped leaves in deep purple-black. Their velvety texture, upright habit, and nearly black colour create a striking architectural effect throughout the growing season. Its vigorous growth allows it to reach 100 to 150 cm (40 to 60 in) tall, quickly transforming garden beds and large containers into lush tropical displays. The flowers are small and insignificant compared to the dramatic foliage. Not hardy in Quebec, this Zone 10 variety must be protected from cold temperatures and overwintered indoors, away from frost.

Plant the tuber in spring after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has thoroughly warmed, approximately 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in) deep. Choose a warm, sheltered location in partial sun to partial shade with rich, organic, consistently moist, and well-drained soil. Space plants 60 to 80 cm (24 to 32 in) apart and water generously so the soil never dries out completely. Feed every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer to encourage vigorous foliage growth. Lift the tubers before the first frost and store them dry in a frost-free location for the winter.

Black Magic Elephant Ear is ideal for tropical gardens, lush borders, pond edges, and very large containers at least 50 cm (20 in) in diameter. Its dramatic dark foliage adds depth and contrast when paired with cannas, caladiums, ferns, ligularias, and hostas. Placed on a patio or beside a water feature, it quickly becomes a spectacular focal point. Although some Colocasia varieties are consumed after proper preparation in certain traditional cuisines, this cultivar is grown primarily as an ornamental plant. The leaves should never be eaten raw because they naturally contain calcium oxalate crystals.

Colocasia ‘Black Magic’ ( Colocasia ) : de grandes feuilles en forme de cœur, pourpre très sombre. Le visuel Florissa présente la plante et son nom dans la partie inférieure de l’étiquette. La photographie occupe presque toute la surface, tandis que le bandeau du bas rassemble les indications du produit. Cette vue permet de reconnaître son apparence et de distinguer la variété présentée.

Sowing guide

It all startswith a seed.

Sowing depth

8 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in)

Sowing period

Spring

Propagation

Divide the tubers in spring once they have developed multiple growing buds. This method produces plants identical to the parent.

Growing method

Plant the tubers in spring after all danger of frost has passed, approximately 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in) deep in rich, moist, well-drained soil. Space plants 60 to 80 cm (24 to 32 in) apart in a warm location with partial sun to partial shade. Water thoroughly after planting and keep the soil consistently moist throughout the growing season. Fertilize regularly to encourage vigorous foliage growth. Lift the tubers before the first frost and store them in a dry place over winter.

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Soil pH

Neutral to slightly acidic

Minimum temperature

10°C (50°F)

Care level

Easy

Watering

Keep the soil consistently moist throughout the growing season. Never allow the growing medium to dry out completely.

Soil type

Rich, organic soil that remains consistently moist while draining well.

Fertilization

Apply a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during active growth. Regular applications of compost also help produce vigorous foliage.

Seasonal care

Keep the soil consistently moist throughout the growing season. Fertilize every two weeks and remove damaged leaves as needed. Lift the tubers before the first frost and store them dry over winter.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Recommended pot size

50 cm (20 in)
Container gardening requires planning for the volume needed for the roots and the plant’s final height. Choose a stable pot with drainage holes and a substrate suitable for planting. Leave enough space to respect the recommended depth and spacing, rather than crowding the plants to immediately fill the pot. Place the container in the indicated exposure and regularly check the moisture, especially in hot or windy weather. A pot is more exposed to temperature variations than a plant in the ground. Therefore, plan from the outset for a wintering location compatible with the plant's needs and your region's climate. Plant the tuber in spring, when all risk of frost has passed and the soil is well warmed, about 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in) deep. Choose a warm, wind-sheltered location, in partial sun or partial shade, in soil rich in organic matter, moist, and perfectly drained. Space plants 60 to 80 cm (24 to 31 in) apart and water generously so that the soil never completely dries out. A balanced fertilizer application every two weeks promotes the development of impressive foliage. Dig up the tubers before the first frosts and store them dry, in a frost-free place. In winter, protect the container according to the plant's needs: its roots are more exposed to cold than when planted in the ground.
Colocasia ‘Black Magic’ ( Colocasia ) : de grandes feuilles en forme de cœur, pourpre très sombre. Le visuel Florissa présente la plante et son nom dans la partie inférieure de l’étiquette. La photographie occupe presque toute la surface, tandis que le bandeau du bas rassemble les indications du produit. Cette vue permet de reconnaître son apparence et de distinguer la variété présentée.

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

100 to 150 cm (40 to 60 in)

Width / spread

60 to 80 cm (24 to 32 in)

Flower color

Green

Foliage color

Deep purple-black

Foliage type

Deciduous

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom period

The flowers are small and insignificant. The spectacular foliage is the plant's primary ornamental feature.
Colocasia ‘Black Magic’ ( Colocasia ) : de grandes feuilles en forme de cœur, pourpre très sombre. Le visuel Florissa présente la plante et son nom dans la partie inférieure de l’étiquette. La photographie occupe presque toute la surface, tandis que le bandeau du bas rassemble les indications du produit. Cette vue permet de reconnaître son apparence et de distinguer la variété présentée.

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

Cannas, caladiums, ferns, ligularias, and hostas make outstanding companion plants.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,answered.

When should Black Magic Elephant Ear be planted?
Plant the tubers in spring after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. Warm conditions promote vigorous growth and spectacular foliage.
Can this elephant ear be grown in containers?
Yes. It performs exceptionally well in large containers filled with rich, consistently moist soil. Growing it in pots also makes overwintering the tubers much easier.
Why should the tubers be lifted in autumn?
This variety is not hardy in cold climates. Lift the tubers before frost and store them in a dry, frost-free location until spring.
How can I grow the largest leaves?
Maintain consistently moist soil, fertilize every two weeks, and grow the plant in a warm, bright location. These conditions encourage the development of enormous foliage.
Is the foliage its main ornamental feature?
Yes. Its enormous deep purple-black leaves are the plant's greatest attraction and create a dramatic tropical effect throughout the season.