Colocasia 'Black Magic', Coleus 'Sedona', Phormium tenax 'Terra Cotta'
As useful as a little black dress, this color adds drama, elegance and pairs with anything in the garden. Here a black elephant ear marks the transition between a subtle color scheme for the shade, and the vibrant tones of burnt orange, peach and dark apricot of plants that can take more heat and sun. While New Zealand flax is a stalwart in sunny California, coleus also need more light than most gardeners give them. As long as the soil has adequate moisture, the additional light will intensify their fabulous hues.