Colocasia Black Leaf Illustris - elephant ears

Colocasia antiquorum 'Black Leaf Illustris' - elephants ears, taro, Imperial taro

APPEARANCE : Clumping tropical plant for ponds and water margins with large soft velvety-black heart shaped leaves veined with bright green. It is tuberous and has a dormant period over winter where it will stop growing. Leaves are greener when young, and on tubestock plants, and will darken as the plant grows.
USE IN: Plant indoors, water gardens & rockeries. Will need constant water and is not allowed to dry out. Ideal edge plant for ponds where they can be submerged to a depth of 15 cm.
LOCATION: Plant in a partly shaded position in rich neutral to acid soil; grows in ponds and water margins so appreciates moist soil. Protect from frost and strong winds. Can be planted in full sun for darker foliage colour but will need regular plentiful water.
CARE: Mulch and water regularly until the plant is established, usually around 12 weeks. Feed regularly, these plants are greedy for nutrients. They hate drying out so stand the pot in a shallow dish of water if you're likely to forget to water. Every few years replant or mulch with compost around the base as the plant can "rise" out of the soil.
HEIGHT & WIDTH:  60 - 70cm H x 50cm W.
YOUR PLANTS: These are tubestock plants, young healthy plants with new roots that will establish quickly in your garden. The pot size is 80 mm x 42 mm wide. Your plants may be supplied as 'plugs', slightly smaller than our usual tubestock but with a healthy root system ready for planting or potting on. You can see an example in the image gallery.