Taro (Colocasia esculenta 'Black Coral')
Colocasia esculenta 'Black Coral' (Taro) offers dramatic, dark purple foliage, perfect for water gardens or moist borders in zones 7-12.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Colocasia esculenta ‘Black Coral’ is a highly sought-after tropical foliage plant known for its intense, dark coloration. This cultivar of Taro provides stunning visual contrast in the landscape with nearly black, glossy, heart-shaped leaves that resemble large elephant ears. Gardeners prize this perennial bulb for its dramatic texture and ability to thrive in very moist conditions where many other ornamental plants struggle.
As a tuberous perennial, Colocasia esculenta ‘Black Coral’ offers impressive seasonal height, reaching up to four feet tall and wide. While it is grown commercially as Taro for its edible tubers, horticultural types like ‘Black Coral’ are primarily selected for their ornamental foliage qualities. Its suitability for warm, humid climates (Zones 7-12) makes it a staple for creating lush, jungle-like garden scenes.
The value of ‘Black Coral’ lies in its robust structure and vivid color retention, even under strong afternoon sun exposure. Whether planted in the ground, a container, or incorporated near a water feature, this elephant ear variety provides year-round dark focal points. Successfully growing this plant transforms garden spaces into dynamic tropical displays.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Araceae
- Plant Type: Bulb
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 7-12
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 3-4 ft
- Spread: 2-3 ft
- Bloom Time: Flowers not showy
- Bloom Description: White
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium to wet
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Planting Colocasia esculenta ‘Black Coral’ should occur after all danger of frost has passed, ideally late spring, once soil temperatures are consistently warm. Locate the tubers in rich, fertile soil amended heavily with organic matter to improve moisture retention and fertility. When using the plant as a true water plant or in a rain garden, ensure the location remains consistently moist to wet; full sun exposure is tolerated best when water availability is constant.
Maintenance for this Taro variety is medium, focusing primarily on hydration and feeding. Consistent deep watering is crucial to support the large foliage; allow the top inch of soil to approach dryness only if growing in containers in cooler zones, but always aim for moist conditions. Fertilize regularly throughout the growing season with a high-nitrogen fertilizer to encourage robust leaf development.
In cooler zones (especially below Zone 9), treat Colocasia esculenta ‘Black Coral’ as an annual, or lift the tubers before the first hard freeze. Overwinter dormant tubers indoors in a cool, dark, dry location, potted in barely moist material like peat or sawdust. In spring, bring them out, plant them shallowly, and keep them warm to start the growing cycle anew.
Landscape Uses
The dramatic, dark presence of Colocasia esculenta ‘Black Coral’ makes it an outstanding specimen plant or accent near water features. Because this plant thrives in moisture, it is perfectly suited for rain gardens, pond edges, or boggy areas where few other ornamentals succeed. Its deep color contrasts beautifully against bright green or variegated foliage plants.
When used as an annual display, this elephant ear excels planted in large patio containers alongside sun-loving annuals that demand similar moisture levels, such as Cannas or tropical Hibiscus. For a bold, contemporary look, group several clumps of ‘Black Coral’ together for a monolithic statement in a full sun to part shade border.
Its height (up to 4 feet) allows it to function effectively as a temporary, living screen or backdrop plant in a mixed border design. The richness of the purple leaves provides year-round interest, providing depth and shadow even when traditional flowers have faded.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Insignificant
Noteworthy Characteristics
Colocasia esculenta, commonly called taro or elephant ear, is a tuberous, stemless, frost-tender perennial of the arum family (see also calla lily and jack-in-the-pulpit) which typically grows 3-6’ tall and as wide. For gardeners, it is primarily grown as a foliage plant with huge, heart-shaped to arrowhead-shaped, conspicuously-veined, downward-pointing, peltate leaves (to 2’ long) on long, stout, succulent stems. As the common name suggests, each leaf purportedly resembles an elephant’s ear. The typical aroid-type with yellowish-white spathes and spadixes are infrequently produced and usually hidden by the foliage when they do occur. This species is also commercially grown as a food crop in Hawaii (poi is made from the tubers) where it is commonly called taro.Genus name comes from the Greek word kolokasia used for the root of Nelumbo nucifera.Specific epithet means edible or good to eat.‘Black Coral’ is a dark purple, glossy leaved cultivar developed at the University of Hawaii, Kula. It can reach 4’ tall and 3’ wide, but may not get as large in a single growing season when used as an annual. The dark purple leaves retain their color in full sun, while other purple-leaved cultivars can fade. Plant patent number PP23896 applies to this cultivar
Tolerances
- Wet Soil
Potential Problems
While generally robust, like many Colocasia esculenta varieties, ‘Black Coral’ is susceptible to various pests and diseases, especially when stressed by improper watering. Slugs and snails often target the large, tender leaves; manage these using baits or regular inspection, particularly in shady, damp areas. Root rot is a major threat if drainage is poor, even though this plant tolerates wet soil—standing water without oxygen can still be detrimental. Adequate air circulation is key to preventing fungal leaf spots, so ensure planting sites are not too crowded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Taro suitable for?
Colocasia esculenta ‘Black Coral’ is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 12, though it is usually grown as an annual perennial in the cooler end of this range.
How large does Colocasia esculenta ‘Black Coral’ grow?
This specimen typically reaches a mature height between 3 and 4 feet and spreads to a width of 2 to 3 feet under optimal conditions.
What sun exposure does Taro need?
This plant performs best in locations receiving full sun to part shade, depending heavily on consistent moisture availability, especially in hotter climates.
When does Taro bloom?
The blooms on Colocasia esculenta ‘Black Coral’ are generally not showy and are described as white when they rarely appear, usually remaining hidden beneath the foliage.
Conclusion
The unique, velvety black foliage of Colocasia esculenta ‘Black Coral’ provides unmatched drama and depth in any landscape setting that offers sufficient moisture. Ensure you match its high water needs with wet, rich soil to maximize the development of this stunning Taro cultivar. Before planting, confirm your local USDA zone compatibility or plan for appropriate overwintering protocols.
Companion Planting
Selecting companions that share the love for consistent moisture will ensure a harmonious planting scheme around your Taro. Consider planting alongside moisture-loving perennials like Siberian Iris, bright green Hosta varieties (where shade allows), or bright Canna Lilies that can handle similar wet feet. The dark leaves of Colocasia esculenta ‘Black Coral’ make vivid green and chartreuse plants appear even brighter by contrast.
For water garden edges, consider marginal plants such as Pickerel Rush (Pontederia cordata) or Marsh Marigolds (Caltha palustris), which enjoy the same saturated soil conditions. These pairings enhance the tropical, lush tapestry effect that this specific elephant ear cultivar is capable of creating.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring: When soil warms (late April/May), plant the dormant tubers either directly in the ground or into containers, ensuring they are kept moist as they break dormancy. Begin a regular, high-nitrogen feeding schedule as new leaves emerge.
Summer: This is the peak growth period for Colocasia esculenta ‘Black Coral’. Maintain consistent soil moisture—do not allow it to dry out, especially during heat waves. Monitor closely for snails and slugs attracted to the new growth.
Fall: In cooler zones (7-8), begin reducing fertilization as temperatures cool. If overwintering tubers, plan to lift them before the first frost date to store them indoors for the following spring.
