Colocasia Black Magic

Colocasia Black MagicThe one that started the craze for dark foliage. Colocasia 'Black Magic' is the original near black elephant ear, throwing up huge, velvety heart shaped leaves in deep aubergine purple that read as black across the garden. It's the plant that turns a border tropical and a patio into somewhere altogether more exotic. Plant it where it can be the star. Those great matte black leaves are the perfect backdrop for hot colours and bright flowers, and a well

The one that started the craze for dark foliage. Colocasia 'Black Magic' is the original near-black elephant ear, throwing up huge, velvety heart-shaped leaves in deep aubergine-purple that read as black across the garden. It's the plant that turns a border tropical and a patio into somewhere altogether more exotic.

Plant it where it can be the star. Those great matte-black leaves are the perfect backdrop for hot colours and bright flowers, and a well-grown specimen builds into a bold, architectural mound from June until the first frosts. Give it warmth, rich soil and plenty to drink and it grows quickly, every leaf bigger than the last.

Where to grow it

Happy in full sun or part shade, with shelter from strong winds that can tear the foliage. The colour deepens with good light, so the sunnier the spot the blacker the leaves. Pot it into something generous, keep it standing in moisture, and feed it well — these are thirsty, hungry plants, and they repay it with leaf after dramatic leaf.

Supplied as an established young plant in a 9cm pot, grown here in Norfolk and ready to romp away once the warmth arrives.