Colocasia esculenta ‘Fontanesii’ (Black Stem Elephant Ear)

Colocasia esculenta ‘Fontanesii’ (Black Stem Elephant Ear) is a tuberous, frost-tender perennial with large, bold, heart-shaped, blue-green leaves adorned with dark green veins and a shiny black cast. They are borne atop striking purple-black leaf stalks. Unlike the leaves of Alocasia, which point skyward, the leaves of Colocasia droop and point toward the ground. Reminiscent of calla lily flowers, pale yellow flowers with a fragrance of papayas are produced in summer. Strong, fast-growing, Black Stem Elephant Ear is a hassle-free tropical plant that makes an unforgettable focal point and brings a distinctly tropical look to the landscape, water gardens, or large containers.

• Grows up to 5-6 ft. tall (150-180 cm) and 4-5 ft. wide (120-150 cm). Spreads by its unique above-ground black rhizomes.
• Performs best in sun or part shade in organically rich, moist to wet soils. Provide a sheltered location to protect the decorative leaves from strong winds.
• Elephant Ears love water and nutrients. They require regular watering, particularly during dry summer periods. Provide regular fertilization during the growing season. The more you feed them, the larger they will grow. They can be planted in up to 6 in. (15 cm) of standing water.
• Perfect as a specimen or in groups for beds and borders, near streams and ponds, or in large containers.
• Generally disease free. Watch for glasshouse red spider mites, aphids, and glasshouse whitefly.
• All parts may cause mild stomach upset if ingested without cooking.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
• Native to tropical eastern Asia, Colocasia esculenta species was first brought to the Americas as a food crop for slaves. It was later promoted as an alternative crop to potatoes. Colocasia esculenta can tolerate a wide range of wet to dry sites and can easily invade wetland edges, swamps, blackwater streams, and riverine forests.
• Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
• Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.