I am finding that this plant keeps a much darker chocolate color if given more shade. It also looks it's best if watered regularly and planted in fast draining soil. Something seems to nibble on it occasionally, marring the leaves. I think it is slugs that are feeding on it when it first emerges from dormancy. You can also see in the second photo that is dehydrated because our drought season has arrived (90° temps and no water). I will start watering for this growing season this evening. The leaves should quickly plump up.
Photo taken in 2011
