Black Magic - COLOCASIA

Colocasia esculenta ‘Black Magic’ is a frost-tender elephant ear grown for large foliage that darkens from green to deep purple-black. Its broad leaves and dark stems make it a strong focal plant for a sheltered tropical border or a large patio container. ## Foliage and size The [Royal Horticultural Society profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/133485/colocasia-esculenta-black-magic/details) identifies the selection as ‘Black Magic’ and describes heart-shaped leaves up to 60 cm long on purple-black stems. The RHS gives a mature range of 1.5–2.5 m tall and 1–1.5 m wide. It grows in full sun or partial shade; its leaves darken from green to purple-black as they mature. ## Siting Choose a protected position and keep the root zone moist during active growth. The plant is frost tender, so it is best treated as a warm-season specimen outdoors in cold-winter areas. The RHS lists it for containers, borders, beds, and architectural planting. ## Maintenance Water freely while the plant is growing. Before freezing weather, move a container under cover or lift and store the dormant tuber dry and frost free; restart it in warmth when growth resumes. Wear gloves when handling, and keep the plant away from children and pets who might chew it.