Description
🌿 Description & Origins
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Developed by breeder John Cho, this cultivar blends a glossy Alocasia‑type sheen with deep, dark foliage reminiscent of the iconic Diamond Head volcanic cone in Oahu.
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Leaves are large, glossy, and heart‑shaped, typically 15–16 in (about 37 cm) long and 12 in (30 cm) wide, with a slight ruffle.
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The foliage color ranges from deep purple to nearly black, complemented by dark burgundy petioles and a distinctive burgundy “piko” (leaf base).
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Grows in a tidy clumping habit reaching about 3–5 ft (1–1.5 m) tall and wide.
🌞 Growing Conditions
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Light: Thrives in full sun to part shade. Full sun maintains its rich black-purple sheen; too much shade can turn leaves dark green.
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Water: Prefers consistently moist to wet soil. Ideal along pond edges or in boggy locations—letting it dry too much leads to leaf-edge burn.
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Soil & Feeding: Rich, well-drained soil high in organic matter. Feed regularly during the growing season; benefits from a balanced N-P-K fertilizer monthly.
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Temperature: Perennial in USDA zones 7b–11 (also listed as annual in colder regions). In colder climates, corms must be lifted before frost and stored in dry peat moss or wood shavings at 10–15 °C.
🛠 Garden Uses
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Works well as a dramatic focal point in containers, borders, and water gardens.
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Disease-resistant and generally deer‑ and rabbit‑proo.
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A splash of tropical elegance that pairs beautifully with bright-colored flowering or light-foliage plants.
✅ Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Height / Spread | 3–5 ft (1–1.5 m) |
| Light | Full sun to bright shade |
| Water | Evenly moist to wet |
| Soil | Rich, well-draining |
| Zones | 7b–11 (lift corms elsewhere) |
| Foliage | Glossy, deep purple/black, heart-shaped |
| Care | Low – regular water & feed, overwinter corms in cold areas |
🌱 Care Tips
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Plant corms 4–6 in (10–15 cm) deep, spaced 3–4 ft (1 m) apart.
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Maintain moist soil; mulch to retain moisture.
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Fertilize monthly with a balanced feed.
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Protect from wind or damage—taller leaves can tear easily.
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In autumn, lift the corms if frosts are expected and store properly for spring replanting.
Colocasia ‘Diamond Head’ is a stunning, low-maintenance tropical plant that brings bold color and texture to your garden, poolside, or patio. Let me know if you’d like tips on sourcing bulbs in the UK or container planting!





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