Black Stem Elephant Ear
Colocasia esculenta 'Black Stem'
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Black Stem Elephant Ear is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
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Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Fast, Safe Plant Delivery
Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected
| Under $50 | $9.99 |
| $50 - $99.99 | $14.99 |
| $100 - $149.99 | $16.99 |
| $150+ | $24.99 |
✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee
Understanding Plant Options
Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:
- Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
- Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements
Container Plant Sizes
Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.
Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2" x 2" x 3" | 0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts | 0.20 - 0.23 dry liters |
| 4" Container | 0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts | 0.35 - 0.96 dry liters |
| 4.5" Container | 0.65 dry quarts | 0.72 dry liters |
| 6" Container | 1.4 dry quarts | 1.59 dry liters |
| 1 Quart | 1 dry quart | 1.1 dry liters |
| 5.5" Container | 1.89 dry quarts | 2.08 dry liters |
Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Quart | 2 dry quarts | 2.2 dry liters |
| #1 Container | 2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts | 2.49 - 4.11 dry liters |
| 5" x 5" x 12" | 3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts | 3.85 - 4.74 dry liters |
Mature Plants (2-4 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #2 Container | 1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons | 5.24 - 7.75 dry liters |
| #3 Container | 2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons | 8.14 - 12.16 dry liters |
Large Plants (3-5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #5 Container | 2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons | 12.86 - 20.35 dry liters |
| #6 Container | 5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons | 23.12 - 26.42 dry liters |
| #7 Container | 5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons | 26.34 - 28.76 dry liters |
Bare Root Plants
Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.
Common Sizes:
- Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
- Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet
Important Notes
Container Volume Specifications
- Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
- Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
- Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents
Growing Conditions
- Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
- Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
- Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment
Seasonal Availability
- Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
- Container plants are available throughout the growing season
- Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes
Questions?
For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.
Plant Highlights
Black Stem Elephant Ear highlights at a glance!
Specifications
Specifications
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Brand
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Botanical Name
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Growing Zones
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Mature Height
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Sun ExposureFull Sun
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Moisture
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Soil
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Growth RateFast
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Pruning Time
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Bloom PeriodSummer
Growing Zones 8-11
Big and bold dark hues, the Black Stem Elephant Ear (Colocasia esculenta 'Black Stem') is a tropical bulb-like corm that erupts enormous heart-shaped leaves! Forming fountains of dark-stemmed, green leaves tinted with a dark wash!
These gorgeous plants are formal and informal tropical accents and specimen plants that are sure to attract all the attention in the landscape! Fast growing, you'll get results fast!
Mature Black Stem Elephant Ears reach a height of 3-6 feet with their leaves up to 2 feet wide. These corms can be used in growing zones 8 to 11 as perennials, and annual accents in all growing zones. Northern growers can dig Colocasia corms in the fall and store them in a cool, dark location for the winter.
Planting and Application:
Elephant Ears look fantastic as bold specimen plantings around seating areas, as fast-growing privacy around the pool, or as gorgeous accents and backdrops alone or mixed with other tropical plants. This plant performs best along the edge of a pool or submerged in a water feature. Any higher moisture location along streams, Rain Gardens, and that boggy area around the HVAC unit that can use some tropical flair.
Black Stem Elephant Ears add that touch of contrast among the other verdant greenery! Containers, planters, and in the ground - you won't go wrong with these amazing focal points! The dramatic hue and gothic effect of this accent plant will look great in any garden!
- Heart-Shaped Near-Black Foliage
- Upright Vase-Shaped Clumps
- Heat & Humidity Resistant Perennial Corms
- Moisture Loving & Container-Ready
- Specimen & High-Impact Color Accents
#ProPlantTips for Care:
Elephant Ear corms can be picky about moisture, if left in dry conditions, the leaf edges will burn. In the shade, it will lose its luster and appear dark green instead of purple or black. The purple-black color is what makes this plant so special! Provide regular moisture and a well-drained organic location for best results.
In warm climates, trim back the foliage as soon as it yellows in the fall or winter. Gardeners in zones 3 through 7 can overwinter the corms indoors covered by peat moss. Dig up the corms after the leaves have been dried by frost. Store them in dry peat moss or wood shavings. Place in a warm, dark, and dry place with a temperature no higher than 50-60°F.
- Full Sun & Partial Shade
- Moist Well-Drained Soil
- Regular Fertility
- Dig Corms in Fall & Store
- Low-Maintenance Annual in Cold Climates
Black Stem Elephant Ear adds that touch of darkness to the greenery! Order quality bulbs and corms today from Nature Hills and we will ship your dormant bulbs at the proper planting time for your growing zone!
