Colocasia 'Diamond Head'
Best dramatic foliage for gardeners seeking bold, heat-tolerant shade accents.
Discover the dramatic beauty of Colocasia 'Diamond Head', an Elephant Ear cultivar that commands attention. Its heart-shaped leaves boast a rare, glossy violet-to-black hue with an unusual sheen, maintaining their deep color even in peak summer heat. The foliage is elegantly rippled and held outward, complemented by striking deep burgundy petioles. Growing quickly to impressive heights and widths, this plant thrives in moist soil, making it a superb choice for shaded borders, containers, or foundation plantings, offering stunning foliage interest from spring until frost.
$24.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
1072
/ 2693
#1072 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
-43%
Below average
SKU
49400
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking high-contrast, moody foliage for sophisticated displays
- Landscapers needing a fast-growing focal point for tropical aesthetics
- Homeowners with boggy soil or challenging, water-logged garden spots
Who should skip it
- Cold-climate gardeners unwilling to manage seasonal tuber storage
- Low-maintenance gardeners who prefer drought-tolerant, hands-off plants
- Small-space gardeners with limited room for large, sprawling specimens
Performance breakdown
Foliage Color Stability
Deep violet-black tones remain vibrant even during intense summer heat.
Growth Rate
Rapid development ensures a dramatic, full-sized display in one season.
Visual Impact
Ruffled edges and glossy sheen create a sophisticated, high-contrast focal point.
Container Versatility
Thrives in pots, offering a bold architectural statement for patios.
Maintenance Ease
Requires consistent moisture but rewards growers with minimal fuss.
Structural Integrity
Sturdy burgundy petioles hold large leaves upright against moderate wind.
Key Specs
SKU
49400
Genus
Colocasia
Variety
'Diamond Head'
Item Form
1-Quart
Mature Height
4 Feet
Mature Width
3 Feet
Light Requirements
Full Sun, Part Shade
Hardiness Zones
7 - 10
Features
- Unique glossy violet-black foliage
- Dark color holds in heat
- Dramatic ruffled leaf edges
- Showy deep burgundy stems
- Fast-growing for quick impact
- Adds bold texture to shade
- Suitable for containers
- Easy care plant
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the dramatic, nearly black foliage of the 'Diamond Head', confirming its unique design appeal. While some initial concerns surfaced regarding the size or health of the starter plants upon arrival, the overwhelming sentiment highlights the plant's vigorous growth and impressive reliability once established. Gardeners find this Colocasia a stunning focal point, delivering exceptional color saturation and robust performance throughout the season, making it a highly valued addition to the landscape.
Know before you buy
No, the 'Diamond Head' is specifically noted for maintaining its deep, glossy violet-to-black color even during the peak heat of summer.
Yes, this cultivar is well-suited for containers. Because it grows to a mature width of three feet, ensure you use a large, stable pot to accommodate its size and moisture needs.
This plant is versatile and can thrive in both full sun and part shade. In regions with extremely intense afternoon sun, providing some afternoon shade will help keep the soil consistently moist.
Colocasia 'Diamond Head' is hardy in zones 7 through 10. If you live in a colder climate, you can grow it as an annual or dig up the tubers in the fall to store them indoors over winter.
Since this plant reaches a mature width of three feet, you should space them at least three to four feet apart to allow for proper air circulation and to showcase their dramatic, ruffled foliage.
Colocasia 'Diamond Head' thrives in moist soil. You should keep the soil consistently damp, especially during the growing season, as this plant does not tolerate drying out.
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$25