Black Magic Taro (Colocasia esculenta 'Black Magic'): Dramatic Dark Foliage

Colocasia esculenta 'Black Magic', known as Elephant Ear, Taro, or Black Magic Taro, is a stunning cultivar prized for its massive, heart-shaped leaves of deep, velvety purple-black. It adds instant drama to water gardens, borders, and containers.

Botanical Profile

Culture & Impact

This tropical perennial grows 3–5 feet tall and wide from a corm. The leaves, up to 2 feet long, hold their dark color best in full sun (with ample water) to part shade. It thrives in wet soil—even standing water—making it perfect for pond margins, bog gardens, and rain gardens. In drier sites, provide consistent moisture.

Hardy in zones 8–11; in colder zones, lift corms after frost and store dry and cool, or grow in containers to move indoors. The intense foliage color contrasts beautifully with chartreuse, silver, and pink plants. A bold, architectural statement for moist, sunny to shaded spots.