Product Description
Colocasia 'Black Swan' PP30318 (20)ct Flat
Common Name: Elephant Ear
Do you love the gigantic leaves of 'Thailand Giant' but wish it came in a different color? Your wish has been granted with the huge, elegant leaves of 'Black Swan'! Although it's not quite as large as 'Thailand Giant', the dark, near-black leaves will still make you catch your breath in amazement. This plant forms an upright, arching habit which showcase its jet black, glossy stems, creating a singular basal clump. This is the perfect plant for combining with brightly colored annuals in large containers.
When growing these plants in our greenhouse, they colored up nicely even under UV inhibitor plastic. This was a pleasant surprise since often purple foliage plants require direct UV exposure to bring out the darker pigment.
Colocasia is an outstanding tropical plant that is often grown as an annual in colder zones. It is a moisture loving plant that needs consistently moist to wet soil to perform best and achieve its maximum size. Colocasia will also grow in shallow water near the edges of ponds or bogs. This plant prefers full sun as long as sufficient moisture and humidity are provided. In dry climates, it is better sited in partial shade. Colocasias are heavy feeders, so the soil should be enriched with humus and other organic nutrients should be provided on a regular basis. Where Colocasia is hardy, it should be mulched well in winter to protect the central tuber.
Height: 5.5-6.0 Feet
Spread: 5.0-7.0 Feet
Hardiness Zones: 8,9,10
Foliage Color: Near-black shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) to Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Average to Consistent Water Needs
Fertile Soil Quality
Deer Resistant
Rabbit Resistant
Growth Rate: Rapid
Container, Easy To Grow, Attractive Foliage, Mass Planting
Colocasia 'Black Swan' is a stunning, relatively new variety of elephant ear, introduced in 2022, that is sure to turn heads in any garden. Its huge, dark purple leaves can grow up to 5 feet long and 4 feet wide, making it a dramatic focal point in any landscape. In this article, we will explore the characteristics, care requirements, and growth habits of this captivating plant.
The most striking feature of Colocasia 'Black Swan' is its unique foliage. Unlike the typical green elephant ear varieties, 'Black Swan' boasts deep purple leaves with a glossy sheen that adds to their beauty. The leaves are so dark that they almost appear to be black, making this plant stand out in any garden. The leaves are also very large, which makes the plant a real showstopper.
Colocasia 'Black Swan' forms an upright, arching habit, with jet black, glossy stems that create a singular basal clump. This makes it an excellent choice for combining with brightly colored annuals in large containers or for tucking into a bed surrounded with contrasting foliage and blooms. It can even be used in place of shrubs in the landscape, thanks to its size and form. When grown in a greenhouse, it colored up nicely even under UV inhibitor plastic, which is a pleasant surprise since many purple foliage plants require direct UV exposure to bring out their darker pigment.
Care Requirements for Colocasia 'Black Swan' Colocasia 'Black Swan' is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it does have some specific requirements to ensure it thrives in your garden.
- Sunlight This plant prefers full sun as long as sufficient moisture and humidity are provided. In dry climates, it is better sited in partial shade. When grown indoors, it should be placed near a window that receives bright, indirect light.
- Soil Colocasia 'Black Swan' prefers moist, well-draining soil. A mix of potting soil, peat, and perlite or sand works well to provide the necessary drainage and aeration. The soil should be enriched with humus and other organic nutrients should be provided on a regular basis.
- Water Colocasia 'Black Swan' is a moisture-loving plant and needs consistently moist to wet soil to perform best and achieve its maximum size. Water regularly, ensuring the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged. You can even grow Colocasia 'Black Swan' in shallow water near the edges of ponds or bogs. To do this, create a bog-like environment by amending the soil with plenty of organic matter, such as peat moss and compost, to retain moisture. Ensure the planting area is consistently wet or submerged in a few inches of water.
- Temperature and Humidity The ideal temperature range for Colocasia 'Black Swan' growth is 65-90 degrees F. It does not do well in temperatures below 50 degrees F for extended periods. Colocasia also prefers humidity, especially when grown indoors. Avoid placing it near air conditioners or heaters, which can dry out the air.
- Fertilizer Colocasia 'Black Swan' is a heavy feeder and benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer applied every two to four weeks during the growing season will promote healthy growth.
- Pests and Diseases While Colocasia 'Black Swan' is generally pest and disease-free, spider mites can sometimes be a problem. To deter them, you can use organic pest control methods such as neem oil or horticultural oils.
Other Care Considerations
- Peony Ring: In smaller gardens, you can use a peony ring (a circular wire stake) to help the plant grow more upright and take up less horizontal space.
- Winter Mulch: In areas where Colocasia 'Black Swan' is hardy, it should be mulched well in winter to protect the central tuber.
- Nutrient Deficiency: If you notice the leaves turning greenish, it could be a sign of nutrient deficiency or insufficient sunlight. Ensure the plant is receiving adequate light and fertilize regularly to prevent this.
Growth Habits of Colocasia 'Black Swan' Colocasia 'Black Swan' is a fast-growing plant that can reach a mature height of 5.5 to 6 feet, with a spread of 5 to 7 feet. It has an upright, arching habit, with leaves that grow upward and then open, causing the stems to gently droop, creating an umbrella-like shape. The leaves can grow to be 5 feet long and 4 feet wide.
This plant is not a true annual but can be expected to behave as an annual in colder climates. In those climates, it will need to be replaced each year. It is also an interspecific hybrid, which means it is a cross between two different species of Colocasia. This hybridization often results in unique characteristics and improved vigor.
Colocasia 'Black Swan' can be propagated by division. To divide the plant, carefully dig up the clump in early spring or fall and separate it into smaller sections, ensuring each section has roots and growth points. Replant the divisions in suitable locations.
It is worth noting that this plant may go dormant from time to time. During dormancy, the leaves may die back, but the plant will re-emerge when conditions are favorable. It is also deer and rabbit resistant, making it a good choice for gardens where these animals are a problem.
If you plan to grow Colocasia 'Black Swan' in a container with other plants, be aware of its potential for invasiveness. To avoid this issue, it is best to plant it in a separate container.
Companion Plants for Colocasia 'Black Swan' Colocasia 'Black Swan' can be paired with a variety of other plants to create a stunning display in the garden. Its dark foliage provides a striking contrast to brightly colored plants and those with finer textures. Some good companion plants include:
- Asclepias 'Cinderella': This butterfly weed adds a vibrant pop of orange to the garden and attracts pollinators.
- Buddleia 'Glass Slippers': This butterfly bush has beautiful lavender-pink flowers that complement the dark foliage of 'Black Swan'.
- Digiplexis 'Berry Canary': This foxglove relative has unique, bi-colored flowers that add a touch of whimsy to the garden.
- Hibiscus 'Berry Awesome': This hibiscus has large, vibrant red flowers that create a stunning contrast with the dark foliage of 'Black Swan'.
- Buddleia 'Prince Charming': This butterfly bush has purple flowers that blend well with the dark foliage of 'Black Swan'.
- Carex 'Evergold': This sedge has variegated foliage that adds texture and brightness to the garden.
- Hibiscus 'Airbrush Effect': This hibiscus has unique pink flowers with a darker pink center, creating a beautiful contrast with the dark foliage of 'Black Swan'.
- Iris 'Black Gamecock': This iris has dark purple flowers that echo the color of 'Black Swan's foliage.
- Lobelia STARSHIP™ Scarlet Bronze Leaf: This lobelia has scarlet flowers and bronze foliage, creating a vibrant contrast with the dark foliage of 'Black Swan'.
- Matteuccia struthiopteris (Ostrich Fern): This fern has delicate, feathery fronds that provide a textural contrast to the bold leaves of 'Black Swan'.
- 'Thai Giant' elephant ear: This giant elephant ear has large, green leaves that create a dramatic backdrop for 'Black Swan'.
- Egyptian papyrus grass, paper reed (Cyperus papyrus): This exotic-looking grass has pendulous leaves atop upright stems, adding a unique architectural element to the garden.
- Horsetail (Equisetum hyemale): This plant has hollow, segmented, tubular stems that add a vertical element to the garden.
Colocasia 'Black Swan' is also a good choice for attracting pollinators to the garden. Its flowers, though not as showy as its foliage, provide valuable nectar for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
Origin of Colocasia 'Black Swan' Colocasia 'Black Swan' was hybridized by Walters Gardens, a renowned plant breeder known for introducing unique and high-performing varieties. This hybrid was developed to offer a dark-leaved alternative to the popular 'Thailand Giant' elephant ear.
Colocasia 'Black Swan' is a dramatic and beautiful plant that is sure to add a touch of the exotic to any garden. With its large, dark leaves, easy care requirements, and versatility, it is an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners alike. Whether you are looking for a striking focal point, a substitute for shrubs, or a companion for brightly colored annuals, 'Black Swan' is sure to impress. By following the care tips outlined in this article, you can ensure that your Colocasia 'Black Swan' thrives and provides you with years of enjoyment.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
