Black Beauty Taro
Colocasia esculenta 'Black Beauty'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Bulb Corm Tuber
Height
36 inches
Width
36 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
8, 9
Water
Consistent moisture
Humidity
High humidity preferred
Lifespan
Perennial in suitable zones
Native To
South Asia
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Large, heart-shaped leaves with a dark, almost black coloration. Grows in clumps and is often used for foliage display. Unique glossy black foliage that adds dramatic contrast to gardens.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck corms into moist, well-drained soil in spring after danger of frost.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and promote rooting.
- Water consistently to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer during growing season.
- Divide rhizomes every 2-3 years for vigorous growth.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Use rich, organic soil and keep soil consistently moist for best growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly during active growth
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
Don't
- Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
- Don’t overwater to prevent bulb rot
- Refrain from disturbing rhizomes during flowering
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Lift Store | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Black Beauty Taro questions
What zones can Black Beauty Taro grow in?
Black Beauty Taro is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Black Beauty Taro deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Black Beauty Taro, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Black Beauty Taro bloom?
Black Beauty Taro typically blooms in summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Black Beauty Taro need full sun?
Black Beauty Taro does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Colocasia to compare
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Colocasia esculenta 'Black Runner'
Taro
Colocasia esculenta
Elephant Ear
Colocasia esculenta 'Chicago Harlequin'
Black Magic Taro
Colocasia esculenta 'Black Magic'
Pink China Elephant Ear
Colocasia esculenta 'Pink China'
Elephant Ear Ruffles
Colocasia esculenta 'Ruffles'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Black Beauty Taro with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
