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Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ (Black Mondo)

Black Mondo, Black Mondo Grass, Black Lilyturf, Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Black Dragon', Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigra', Ophiopogon 'Black Dragon', Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Ebony Night', Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Arabicus'

AGM Award
Ophiopogon Planiscapus 'Nigrescens', Black Mondo, Black Mondo Grass, Black Lilyturf, Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Black Dragon', Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigra', Ophiopogon 'Black Dragon'

Noted for its dramatic foliage, Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ is a mondo grass cultivar forming dense tufts of arching, strap-shaped, grass-like, dark purple to almost jet black leaves, about 8-12 in. long (20-30 cm). Racemes of small, bell-shaped, pale pinkish-white flowers emerge on dark stems in summer before giving way to glossy dark purple berries. Reminiscent of Liriope, this evergreen perennial is tough, durable, and perfect for adding drama and contrast to the garden. Fabulous when combined with caramel Heuchera, silver or gold foliage plants.

  • Compact, this Mondo Grass grows up to 6-8 in. tall (15-20 cm) and slowly spreads to 9-12 in. wide (27-30 cm) to form a weed-proof mat.
  • Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
  • Easily grown in rich, humusy, slightly acidicmedium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Thrives in evenly moist soils which do not dry out. Adaptable to a wide range of conditions. Salt and drought tolerant.
  • Deer and rabbit resistant
  • Great for beds and borders, edging, groundcovers, underplanting shrubscity gardens, coastal gardens, gravel gardens, or Mediterranean gardens. Excellent as a container plant!
  • Virtually disease free. Watch for slugs
  • Propagate by division in spring as growth resumes
  • Native to Asia

Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 11
Heat Zones 1 - 12
Climate Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Asparagaceae
Genus Ophiopogon
Common names Black Mondo, Black Mondo Grass, Mondo Grass
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 6" - 8"
(15cm - 20cm)
Spread 9" - 1'
(23cm - 30cm)
Spacing 9" - 12"
(23cm - 30cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Salt, Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Mediterranean Garden, Modern Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nana’ (Mondo Grass)
Ophiopogon jaburan ‘Vittatus’ (Giant Lilyturf)
Ophiopogon japonicus (Mondo Grass)

Recommended Companion Plants

Phormium tenax (New Zealand Flax)
Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ (Hakone Grass)
Primula bulleyana (Candelabra Primrose)
Heuchera ‘Caramel’ (Coral Bells)
Artemisia schmidtiana ‘Silver Mound’ (Wormwood)
Ajuga reptans (Bugleweed)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

A Rich Winter Border Idea with Hellebores and Foliage Plants
A Lovely Spring Border Idea with Japanese Maples and Flowering Cherry Trees
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 11
Heat Zones 1 - 12
Climate Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Asparagaceae
Genus Ophiopogon
Common names Black Mondo, Black Mondo Grass, Mondo Grass
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 6" - 8"
(15cm - 20cm)
Spread 9" - 1'
(23cm - 30cm)
Spacing 9" - 12"
(23cm - 30cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Salt, Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Mediterranean Garden, Modern Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
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