A striking strappy-leaf groundcover forming spreading tufts of near-black arching foliage, with small mauve flowers and black berries. A dramatic contrast plant for edging, pots and pebble gardens.
At a glance
- Plant type: Ornamental grass
- Mature size: 20 cm H × 30 cm W
- Aspect: part shade or morning sun and full sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Black Mondo Grass
Botanically, Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens' is a slow-growing ornamental grass in the Asparagaceae family. It reaches around 20 cm tall and 30 cm wide at maturity, with evergreen and purple-toned foliage. Purple and white flowers appear in summer.
Where to grow Black Mondo Grass
Black Mondo Grass suits subtropical, warm-temperate and cool-temperate climates and grows best in part shade or morning sun and full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Black Mondo Grass does best in clay and free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Black Mondo Grass does best with regular, moderate watering. Refresh mulch and provide a modest balanced feed at the start of spring. New plantings need closer moisture checks in hot or windy weather, with watering tapered once strong new growth appears.
Pruning & care
Prune Black Mondo Grass after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Black Mondo Grass in the garden
Black Mondo Grass earns its place for a feature or specimen planting, pots and courtyard containers and a low lawn alternative. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
Combine Black Mondo Grass with plants that share its preference for regular, moderate watering and subtropical climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed.
Buying Black Mondo Grass
Plant Sale lists Black Mondo Grass as potted plants. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
