“Black Magic”, a copyrighted post, was written for my WordPress blog called Always Growing by Jan in Covington, Louisiana
Black Magic. What an evocative name for a plant. I have had Black Magic elephant ears in my garden for several years now, but this year they were a little puzzling. The leaves didn’t turn dark until just recently. Normally the leaves are a dusty purple-black which makes such a nice contrast to the other foliage plants I have around them. I don’t know if it is because of the unusually high summer temperatures we had or what, but the leaves were a dark green all summer. This happened to all of my Black Magic plants which are planted in several different areas of the garden. It is only in the last two to three weeks that this plant is starting to look like its old self.
While these are hardy in our area, the leaves will die back with the first freeze. Fortunately, that first freeze date is a ways off, so I should be able to enjoy the dark leaves a bit longer.
Always Growing 
Jacqueline D'Elia said,
November 19, 2009 at 4:57 am
I had some of these near my old pond. This summer they were more green than purple just like yours. I started to wonder if I had two varieties mixed together. I am going to do some more investigating on that one. Mine are called Black Magic Taro.
Jan said,
November 19, 2009 at 5:53 am
Jacqueline, I am glad to hear that mine wasn’t the only ones not turning dark this summer. This is the first time this had happened, and at first, I thought maybe they were in too much shade. Seems like there is always something going on in the garden to keep us on our toes.
andré said,
November 19, 2009 at 6:23 am
Wow, I really like those large, dark leaves… Nice.
Janet said,
November 19, 2009 at 7:13 am
I had some and planted them with the larger green elephant ears and small caladiums…size and color contrast was the intent. The black ones were a disappointment. They didn’t come back as the green ones. Oh well, might try it again.
fairegarden said,
November 19, 2009 at 8:15 am
Hi Jan, we are wondering if perhaps there is too much shade too. Many of our blackish leaved plants are darker hued with more sun. Could it be that there is more sun on the area now with either the angle or deciduous leaves fallen? They are certainly beautiful. 🙂
Frances
April said,
November 19, 2009 at 8:42 am
We had a pretty chilly night here last night. It will be a while though before we have a freeze!
nancybond said,
November 19, 2009 at 10:34 am
Late bloomers, perhaps? 🙂 This is truly a case of better late than never as they are a wonderful colour for this time of year.
Lana said,
November 19, 2009 at 5:36 pm
Those are soooo lovely. Speaking of “black magic,” I love the way some sweet gum leaves turn that dark purple/black this time of year!