{"product_id":"colocasia-esculenta-black-magic","title":"Colocasia esculenta 'Black Magic'","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eColocasia esculenta 'Black Magic'\u003c\/strong\u003e is one of the most theatrical foliage plants you can grow, and the original dusky-leaved taro that made the elephant ears craze take off. Huge, heart-shaped leaves are held on dark petioles and flush a deep, smoky purple-black that deepens almost to charcoal in good light, catching raindrops and glowing against brighter greens. If you want instant drama and a jungle feel, this is the plant that delivers it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs a tender selection of \u003cstrong\u003ecolocasia esculenta\u003c\/strong\u003e, 'Black Magic' is grown purely for its architectural leaves rather than flowers, which makes it a brilliant centrepiece for borders, large containers and poolside plantings. Each season it powers up from a dormant tuber to form a bold, clump-forming mound, and the matt-black foliage of \u003cstrong\u003ecolocasia black magic\u003c\/strong\u003e pairs beautifully with limes, silvers and hot oranges. Few plants give this much presence so quickly.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a thirsty, warmth-loving exotic. Give \u003cstrong\u003eblack magic colocasia\u003c\/strong\u003e a sheltered, sunny spot, or light dappled shade, in rich, moisture-retentive soil that never dries out. It is one of the few exotics genuinely happy in boggy ground and at the margins of a pond, and it relishes generous watering and regular feeding through the growing season. Shelter from strong wind keeps the large leaves from tearing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeight around 0.9 to 1.5 m with a similar spread in a good summer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFull sun for the darkest leaf colour; tolerates partial shade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRich, constantly moist soil or a large pot of water-retentive compost\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eBeing tender (RHS H2), the \u003cstrong\u003eblack elephant ear plant\u003c\/strong\u003e will not survive a frosty UK winter outside. Treat it as a patio exotic: stand it out for summer, then lift and store the tuber somewhere frost-free, or simply move the container into a greenhouse, conservatory or porch once the foliage blackens in autumn. Come spring it bursts back into growth. Do note that all parts are toxic if eaten, so keep it away from children and pets.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery \u003cstrong\u003ecolocasia esculenta black magic\u003c\/strong\u003e we send is a strong, well-rooted plant, carefully grown and packed to arrive ready to put on a show in your garden or on the patio.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"11cm","offer_id":57810283463039,"sku":"COLOBLACKMAGIC11","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"url":"https:\/\/growtropicals.com\/products\/colocasia-esculenta-black-magic","provider":"GrowTropicals","version":"1.0","type":"link"}