{"title":"Ophiopogon","description":"\u003cp\u003eNear-black, grass-like foliage that makes a dramatic contrast with brighter plants.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"ophiopogon-planiscapus-nigrescens","title":"Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eOphiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'\u003c\/em\u003e: Near-Black Tufts That Steal the Spotlight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlack Mondo Grass is the moodiest thing you can legally plant. Narrow, near-black leaves all year, with pale pink bells and blue-black berries like it's trying to lighten up. IT IS NOT GOING THROUGH A PHASE.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Characteristics:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eOphiopogon planiscapus\u003c\/em\u003e 'Nigrescens'\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black Mondo Grass\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 15–25 cm (6–10 in)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20–30 cm (8–12 in), slowly spreading\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers:\u003c\/strong\u003e Small pale pink to lilac bells on short spikes, followed by glossy blue-black berries\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBloom Time:\u003c\/strong\u003e Summer (July to August)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Narrow, leathery, arching, near-black leaves; evergreen to semi-evergreen\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e Year-round foliage colour, RHS Award of Garden Merit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere to Plant:\u003c\/strong\u003e Its colour is the whole point, so give it contrast. It's sharp as an edging along a path, tucked between stepping stones, planted against pale gravel or used as an accent in containers. Group several together, since one tuft on its own can disappear against dark mulch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompanion Plants:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use black mondo grass to edge a moist bed in sun or part shade, where its dark tufts set off pinks and peaches. \u003cem\u003eBergenia 'Winterglut'\u003c\/em\u003e opens deep pink to red flowers at 30 to 40 cm in April and May. \u003cem\u003eIris 'Pink Parfait'\u003c\/em\u003e adds double lavender-pink Siberian iris at 60 to 75 cm in May and June. \u003cem\u003eDigitalis 'Dalmatian Peach'\u003c\/em\u003e brings peach foxgloves at 40 to 60 cm in June and July. \u003cem\u003eHibiscus Summerific® 'Holy Grail'\u003c\/em\u003e opens deep red blooms over dark leaves at 120 to 135 cm from July to September.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Care:\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant in full sun to part sun in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. Leaf colour is darkest with some sun. Water regularly, especially in the first year; it prefers soil that stays evenly moist but never soggy. In Ontario and Quebec, choose a sheltered spot and add a layer of mulch or leaves in late fall. Snow cover helps a lot. In spring, trim off any leaves damaged by winter. It spreads slowly by short runners and can be divided in spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistory:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eOphiopogon planiscapus\u003c\/em\u003e grows on forest floors in Japan, and its genus name comes from Greek words for \"snake\" and \"beard.\" The near-black 'Nigrescens' is a garden selection that holds the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinal Thoughts:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pair it with chartreuse or silver and watch it make everything pop. Deer leave it alone. BLACK GOES WITH EVERYTHING.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ornamental Grasses","offers":[{"title":"1 Litre Pot \/ 5","offer_id":51901280354582,"sku":"OPHINLIT","price":29.95,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0870\/5366\/4534\/files\/Ophiopogon_BlackMondoGrass.png?v=1789736744"}],"url":"https:\/\/blacksheepperennials.com\/collections\/ophiopogon.oembed","provider":"Black Sheep Perennials","version":"1.0","type":"link"}