BLACK MONDO GRASS -

6-9 Inches Tall 6-12 Inches Wide--

Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens', commonly known as Black Mondo Grass, is one of the most striking and unusual plants in the gardening world due to its nearly jet-black foliage. This slow-growing, evergreen perennial forms low, dense tufts of leathery, strap-like blades that typically reach 6 to 9 inches tall. While it appears to be a grass, it is actually a member of the asparagus family and spreads very slowly via underground rhizomes to create a dramatic, dark carpet. In mid-summer, it produces small, nodding racemes of pale lavender to white flowers that provide a stark, ghostly contrast against the dark leaves, followed by shiny, dark purple-black berries that persist into winter.

Caring for Black Mondo Grass is remarkably simple, as it is a durable and long-lived plant once established. It performs best in full sun to partial shade; in cooler climates, full sun helps intensify the black pigment, while in hotter regions, a bit of afternoon shade prevents the leaf tips from scorching. This plant prefers rich, moist, and well-drained soil that is slightly acidic, though it is quite adaptable once its root system is mature. Maintenance is incredibly minimal: unlike true grasses, it should not be mowed or cut back annually. Simply remove any tattered or dead blades by hand in early spring to keep the clump looking polished and architectural throughout the year.

Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'

Part Sun Shade

white flower

Zone: 6