Colocasia 'Diamond Head' Elephant Ear Bulb

'Diamond Head' is a groundbreaking innovation in Elephant Ear breeding, offering unparalleled texture and strikingly dark coloration that stands out even in the hottest weather. Its glossy heart-shaped leaves, in dramatic shades of violet to black, are beautifully veined, rippled, and lightly ruffled along the edges, creating an extraordinary visual impact. Each leaf reaches up to 2½ feet long and is complemented by deep burgundy petioles, making this quick-growing plant a bold statement in any part-shade garden. Growing 4 to 6 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide, 'Diamond Head' is perfect for shaded borders, foundations, and the north side of the house.

A Colocasia esculenta cultivar, commonly called taro, kalo, or elephant ear, 'Diamond Head' boasts an upright habit and rapid growth rate. Introduced in 2008 by Hawaiian breeder John Cho, it descends from C. 'Putih' and C. 'Black Magic,' yet surpasses both with its exceptional color and texture. Its glossy foliage—a rare feature in Colocasia varieties—is nothing short of breathtaking.

Thriving in consistently moist soil and partial to three-quarters shade, 'Diamond Head' brings drama to your garden from spring until frost. For gardeners in cooler climates, it can be grown in a container and brought indoors to overwinter in a frost-free location. This versatile, low-maintenance, deer-resistant plant is a showstopper in any setting.

Plant 'Diamond Head' elephant ear bulbs outdoors in spring, once soil and night temperatures remain above 60°F. Bury bulbs 2 to 3 inches deep and space them 3 to 4 feet apart for optimal growth.