Colocasia heterochroma Dark Shadows
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!
