Will we ever get over our romance with black plants? Not if they keep producing glories like the new Colocasia 'Black Coral', with glossy black leaves veined in electric blue - really, this is such a jolt of a plant, it could carry a big pot or anchor a border all by itself.I think it must have the most truly black leaf I've ever seen - usually "black" plants are dark shades of burgundy, purple or brown....
Supposedly hardy to zone 7B, this colocasia should probably be treated like an annual if for no other reason it'd take so long to get going in our cool springs - it wants the days to be above 70 degrees and the nights at least 50 (hey, so do I!). This exotic looker wants as much sun as you can find for it, and moist, rich, well-drained soil; the same conditions as a hydrangea or a hosta, but with full-on sun.
You'll want to pair the deep, dark leaves of this showy elephant ear with hot or pale colors so it really shows up - the more sun resistant huecheras maybe, or there must be some blue-flowering annuals with fluffy yellow foliage, although I can't picture any at the moment... I can see pumpkin-colored calibroachoa foaming up around it, or the chartreuse sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas 'Marguerite') tumbling down the side of the pot. Just keep it simple, because 'Black Coral' is a scene-stealer all by itself...
Photo courtesy of PlantHaven
Uh-oh...shouldn't have learned of this one....I MUST HAVE IT!!!
Posted by: Lauren Hall-Behrens | April 16, 2012 at 03:26 PM
Great...I saw these things in my garden center, now I'm going to have to buy one, and a pot to put it in. I saw a really nice veronica that would have a nice contrast with it too...maybe a semi-hardy pot that can be brought in...yep, now I have to figure out some more storage space next winter too!
Posted by: Jerad Sorber | April 17, 2012 at 05:31 AM
I find it interesting that 'black' is the new 'green'.
Posted by: ksd | April 18, 2012 at 08:03 AM
A hedge between keeps friendship green.
Posted by: air max shoes for sale | April 28, 2012 at 02:03 AM
Where can I purchase the angel wing begonia 'Hatachoja' that was featured in the Sunday Times?
Posted by: Jean Robinson | May 27, 2012 at 06:57 PM