Black Stem Elephant Ear

The Black Stem Elephant Ear, or Colocasia esculenta 'Black Magic', is a showstopper that brings unparalleled drama and a touch of the exotic to any landscape.

Why You'll Love It:

• Dramatic Foliage: This isn't your average green plant. 'Black Magic' boasts large, heart-shaped leaves that emerge a deep, rich green and mature into a stunning, velvety purplish-black. The color is so dark it looks almost iridescent in the sunlight.

• Architectural Beauty: The striking contrast between the dark leaves and their equally dark, sturdy stems creates a bold, architectural focal point. Use it to anchor a garden bed, line a pond, or as a magnificent container plant on your patio.

• Fast-Growing & Lush: In the warm Atlanta summers, this plant will quickly grow to create a lush, tropical paradise. It thrives in moist soil and loves the heat, making it perfect for our local climate.

Local Growing & Winter Care Tips for Atlanta (USDA Zone 8a/7b):

While this plant loves our summer heat, it is a tropical perennial and not fully winter-hardy in our area. But don't worry—it's easy to keep it coming back year after year with just a little preparation.

• 1. Wait for the First Frost: Leave the plant in the ground until the first hard frost kills the above-ground foliage. This allows the plant to pull all its energy back down into the corm (the underground tuber).

• 2. Prepare for Storage: Once the leaves have died back, use a shovel or spade to carefully dig up the corm. Be gentle to avoid damaging it. Shake off as much excess soil as you can.

• 3. Dry & Cure: Place the corm in a dry, well-ventilated area for a few days to allow the skin to "cure" or toughen up. This helps prevent rot during storage.

• 4. The Winter Nap: Store the dried corms in a cool, dark, and dry place for the winter. A basement, garage, or even a closet works well. Place them in a paper bag, a cardboard box, or a mesh bag filled with a little bit of peat moss, wood shavings, or sand to keep them from drying out completely.

• 5. Re-emerge in Spring: In early spring, once the threat of frost has passed, you can replant your corm directly into the garden. As the soil warms, new growth will emerge, ready to create another spectacular season of tropical beauty!

Bring home this stunning plant today and transform your Atlanta landscape into a tropical oasis. Add to cart now and get ready to be amazed!