Elephant Ear | Colocasia rubra Black Magic
A bold, tropical plant with striking dark purple-black leaves, perfect for modern ponds and water features.
SAVE £10 when you buy 1ltr - Pack of 3
Normally Available From: June/July
Elephant Ear 'Black Magic' (Colocasia rubra 'Black Magic') is a dramatic, tropical plant that adds a bold architectural element to ponds, water features, and boggy areas. Its striking, large, heart-shaped leaves are an intense purple-black, creating an eye-catching contrast against other greenery. Thriving in shallow water or moist soils, this rhizomatous perennial is perfect for modern, exotic, or jungle-themed garden designs.
Although not hardy in UK winters, 'Black Magic' can be enjoyed outdoors from late spring through summer, where its lush foliage creates an instant focal point. For overwintering, bring the plant into a frost-free location, such as a greenhouse or conservatory, ensuring the rhizomes remain moist but not waterlogged. Ideal for adding tropical flair to garden ponds or container water features, Elephant Ear 'Black Magic' brings dramatic colour and texture to your outdoor space.
Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten; skin/eye irritant
Key Characteristics:
- Height 80cm to 120cm
- Spread: up to 1.2m (Medium Growth)
- Growth Rate: Medium
- Depth: 0cm to 1cm
- Flower Colour: Rarely flowers; pale yellow-green spathes if produced
- Growth Habit: Rhizomatous, upright perennial
- Foliage: Large, heart-shaped purple-black leaves
Additional Information:
- Common Name: Elephant Ear 'Black Magic'
- Position: Full Sun/Part Shade
- Soil: Moist to wet, suitable for pond margins and boggy soils
- Flowering Period: Late summer (if flowering)
- Hardiness: Outdoors in summer; tolerates 10°C to 15°C (requires winter protection). (H1b)
We grow with the seasons - strong plants take time, so dispatch dates may shift slightly with the British weather.
Your Plant At Arrival
Your marginal plant will arrive in a Finofil Aquatic Basket, pre-planted with aquatic soil and a slow-release fertiliser. Just pop straight into you pond upon arrival!
Aquatic Basket Measurements:
- 1ltr - Square pot (11cm wide by 11cm high)
- 3ltr - Hexagonal pot (18cm wide x 16cm high)
- 5ltr - Square pot (24cm wide x 14cm high)
- 9cm plants arrive in solid pots and will need repotting into aquatic baskets.
How to Grow
- Growing Instructions:
- Growing Tips:
Care & Maintenance
- Pruning: Remove any damaged or yellowing leaves throughout the growing season to keep the plant looking its best. Cut back all foliage in autumn when preparing the plant for winter storage.
- Pests/Diseases: This plant is generally trouble-free, but slugs and snails may feed on the large leaves, particularly in wet conditions. If overwintered indoors, monitor for aphids or spider mites.
Marginals - Good to Know
How Deep Should I Place My Marginals?
The planting depth depends on the variety. Check the product page or the care label included with your plant for specific guidance.
Depth is measured from the top of the pot to the water’s surface.
Most marginals are fine placed 1cm to 2cm under the waterline, just enough to hide the aquatic basket.
How Many Marginals Do I Need?
Measure the length of your marginal shelves and then allow:
- 1ltr Plants: 5 per linear metre
- 3ltr Plants: 3 per linear metre
Tip: Leave space between plant varieties to prevent dominant species from taking over. For more details, see our Planting Guide.
Do I Need to Line My Basket with Hessian?
No, Finofil aquatic baskets are designed with a fine mesh that prevents soil loss. Adding a liner is optional but not necessary.
What Are Finofil Baskets Made From?
Finofil aquatic baskets are made from 100% recycled plastic and manufactured in the UK. They can be recycled at local recycling centres or through kerbside collections that accept black plastic. Plant labels are also recyclable.
Will Carp or Ducks Eat My Plants?
Carp (inc. Koi): These fish find pond plants irresistible! If you have carp, we recommend protecting your plants with barriers.
Goldfish: Goldfish may nibble on oxygenators and softer plants but generally cause less damage. They also eat insects, larvae, and tadpoles.
Wildfowl: Ducks and other birds may eat plants or damage roots while nesting. Mature plants with strong root systems are more resilient, but consider protecting roots/rhizomes for added security.
Shipping & Delivery
Delivery Prices
Mainland UK
Standard delivery: £6.00
Large plants (e.g., 30ltr waterlilies): pallet delivery - quote required.
Soil & gravel: additional charges apply for multiple bags.
Please email us with your postcode if a delivery price is not displaying at checkout
Highlands & Islands
Small parcels under 1.8kg: £6.00
Standard parcels over 1.8kg: £25.00
All H&I deliveries use 48-hour services
If you’re unsure about delivery costs to your postcode, please email us at.
Container Ponds
Delivery from £30 (postcode-based, please check before ordering)
Shipping to Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and Europe
Sorry, we are unable to ship to the above destinations.
Dispatch Schedule
Aquatic Plants
March: Monday and Thursday
April – August: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
Late August to October: Monday and Thursday
October – February: Tuesday only
Aquatic plants are dispatched all year round, though frequency reduces during low season.
Garden Plants
Dispatched all year round - Tuesday & Thursday
Are plants dispatched the same day as ordering?
No. Live plants require draining and careful preparation. The nurseries dispatch in scheduled batches rather than on-demand. This means same-day dispatch isn’t possible, but we always aim to send your order as promptly as we can within our dispatch schedule.
If you’d like to check when your order is likely to arrive, just email us and we’ll be happy to advise.
Delivery and Couriers
We use trusted UK couriers:
APC and Royal Mail for pond plants
DX for garden plants
Pallet deliveries for 30ltr waterlilies, large landscape orders and container ponds
Delivery Times
APC and DX orders are sent on overnight services but may take up to 48 hours depending on your local depot.
Royal Mail parcels usually arrive within 24–48 hours.
Plants are packed in damp soil and remain safe in transit for several days.
Tracking and Safe Place Instructions
Your dispatch email will contain tracking information where applicable.
Couriers are instructed to leave parcels in a safe place with no signature required. You can add your own delivery notes using the links below. We recommend requesting a cool, shaded spot so the plants stay fresh on arrival.
APC - https://apcchoice.apc-overnight.com/
Royal Mail - will use your email and mobile number provided during ordering to send delivery updates and enable you to add safe-place instructions.
Please do not delay delivery of live plants.
Royal Mail will never ask you to make an additional payment for a delivery. If you receive a message requesting payment, please delete it and do not click any links. If you are unsure whether a message is genuine, email us and we’ll be happy to advise
Damages & Returns
If your order arrives damaged, please take photos of the packaging and plants and email us with your PFP order number.
Due to bio-security and the perishable nature of plants, we cannot accept returns of plants or molluscs.
Container ponds are handmade to order and non-returnable unless damaged.
For full details, please see our returns policy
Need Help?
If you have any questions about delivery or dispatch times, please email us
Plants Delivered with Care Across the UK
Based in Hertfordshire, we ship plants across the UK, ensuring they reach you in tip-top condition to enhance your pond with vibrant, healthy greenery. Supporting a small, local business like ours means getting a personal touch – no big teams, no call centres, just real, knowledgeable help from people who care.
