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: Hemerocallis Happy Ever Appster™ 'Apricot Sparkles' sits at 30 to 40 cm with apricot flowers from June to September, glowing against the near-black leaves. Campanula rotundifolia threads violet bells through the planting at 15 to 45 cm over the same months. Behind them, Sanguisorba 'Pink Tanna' adds pink bottlebrush flowers at 60 to 90 cm. The group does well in full sun or part sun.

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.