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Colocasia heterochroma 'Dark Shadows'

Yunnan Dwarf Elephant Ear

This plant is not currently for sale. This is an archive page preserved for informational use.

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Item #: 6124

Zones: 8a to 10b

Dormancy: Winter

Height: 8" tall

Culture: Part Sun to Light Shade

Origin: China

Pot Size: 3.5" pot (24 fl. oz/0.7 L)


This fascinating colocasia species was discovered at 4,000' elevation in Yingjiang, Yunnan Province, China. The plant was subsequently named in 1993 by China's aroid expert, Dr. Li Heng. Colocasia heterochroma has been hardy for us since 2002, forming a small patch to only 8" tall x 18" wide...a far cry from its taller cousins. Colocasia heterochroma spreads very slowly via short underground rhizomes. The 6" long x 4" wide patterned leaves are silvery green with a dramatic black interveinal leaf pattern. If the leaves aren't enough to get you excited, how about the naked, unisexual flowers? Colocasia heterochroma 'Dark Shadows' is an amazing summer container plant but in the garden Colocasia heterochroma doesn't emerge for us until June, so chill out!