Black Mondo Grass
Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'
Also known as Black Mondo, Mondo Grass
Climate Match for your location
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Black Mondo Grass is a dramatic ornamental groundcover with nearly black, strap-like foliage that forms dense clumps year-round. It produces delicate lavender flowers followed by blue-black berries and works well as a border plant or accent in shade gardens.
Why grow it
Black Mondo Grass offers deeper foliage color than standard Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus), making it useful for high-contrast textural plantings in shaded locations where many colorful perennials struggle. It tolerates dry shade once established and requires minimal maintenance compared to herbaceous groundcovers, though it spreads more slowly than some alternatives.
Watch out for
Growth rate is notably slow, so plant spacing and patience are necessary for full coverage. In wet or poorly drained soils, this plant is prone to root rot and fungal issues, so site selection and soil amendment matter significantly for success.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asparagaceae
Native Range
Japan
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Tolerances & Soil
pH Range
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Black Mondo Grass is a dramatic ornamental groundcover with nearly black, strap-like foliage that forms dense clumps year-round. It produces delicate lavender flowers followed by blue-black berries and works well as a border plant or accent in shade gardens.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Black Mondo Grass grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Black Mondo Grass offers deeper foliage color than standard Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus), making it useful for high-contrast textural plantings in shaded locations where many colorful perennials struggle. It tolerates dry shade once established and requires minimal maintenance compared to herbaceous groundcovers, though it spreads more slowly than some alternatives.
Watch out for
Growth rate is notably slow, so plant spacing and patience are necessary for full coverage. In wet or poorly drained soils, this plant is prone to root rot and fungal issues, so site selection and soil amendment matter significantly for success.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asparagaceae
Native Range
Japan
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Tolerances & Soil
pH Range
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
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