Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'

Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens': Near-Black Tufts That Steal the Spotlight

Black 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.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'
• Common Name: Black Mondo Grass
• Height: 15–25 cm (6–10 in)
• Spread: 20–30 cm (8–12 in), slowly spreading
• Flowers: Small pale pink to lilac bells on short spikes, followed by glossy blue-black berries
• Bloom Time: Summer (July to August)
• Foliage: Narrow, leathery, arching, near-black leaves; evergreen to semi-evergreen
• Features: Year-round foliage colour, RHS Award of Garden Merit

Where to Plant: 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.

Companion Plants: Use black mondo grass to edge a moist bed in sun or part shade, where its dark tufts set off pinks and peaches. Bergenia 'Winterglut' opens deep pink to red flowers at 30 to 40 cm in April and May. Iris 'Pink Parfait' adds double lavender-pink Siberian iris at 60 to 75 cm in May and June. Digitalis 'Dalmatian Peach' brings peach foxgloves at 40 to 60 cm in June and July. Hibiscus Summerific® 'Holy Grail' opens deep red blooms over dark leaves at 120 to 135 cm from July to September.

Plant Care: 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.

History: Ophiopogon planiscapus 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.

Final Thoughts: Pair it with chartreuse or silver and watch it make everything pop. Deer leave it alone. BLACK GOES WITH EVERYTHING.