Colocasia esculenta 'Diamond Head' – Glossy Black Foliage for Water Features

'Diamond Head' Elephant's Ear

When breeder John Cho combined a black Colocasia and a glossy Colocasia, he created 'Diamond Head'—named after the volcanic cone on Oahu, both black and lustrous. The plant's leaves reach at least 16 inches long and 1 foot wide. 'Diamond Head' performs best along the edge of a pond or submerged in a water feature. In dry conditions, leaf edges burn; in shade, it loses luster and appears dark green instead of purple-black.

—Adrienne Roethling, Elephant's Ears, Fine Gardening issue #148, page 60

Noteworthy Characteristics

Dark foliage for moist or wet spaces.

Growing Conditions & Care

Gardeners in cool hardiness zones may overwinter tubers indoors covered by peat moss during winter, after leaves have been desiccated by frost.

Propagation

Plant tubers when soil is consistently around 70°F. Offspring shoots can be transplanted.

Quick Reference

• Height: 4–6 ft.
• Spread: 2–4 ft.
• Light: Full sun only
• Moisture: Wet
• Maintenance: Low
• Foliage Color: Black
• Type: Tropical