{"product_id":"ophiopogon-planiscapus-nigrescens","title":"Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'","description":"\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eOphiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'\u003c\/em\u003e: Black Mondo Grass — Midnight at Ground Level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eFew foliage plants create contrast as dramatically as \u003cem\u003eOphiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'\u003c\/em\u003e, commonly known as Black Mondo Grass. Dense tufts of narrow, arching leaves mature to an exceptionally deep purple-black, creating a striking backdrop for silver, chartreuse, blue-green, and brightly coloured companions. Small pale lavender to purplish flowers appear among the foliage in summer, followed by glossy dark berries, though the extraordinary foliage remains the main attraction. Slowly spreading and evergreen in milder conditions, it brings year-round structure and sophisticated colour to intimate garden spaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Characteristics:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 15–20 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20–30 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower Colour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pale lavender to purplish-white\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering Period:\u003c\/strong\u003e Summer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Narrow, arching, leathery leaves maturing to deep purple-black\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSunlight Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun to partial shade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil; performs best in slightly acidic to neutral conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUses and Benefits:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black Mondo Grass is especially effective as a dramatic edging plant, slow-spreading groundcover, container accent, or dark ribbon woven through the front of a border. Its almost-black foliage creates exceptional contrast beside pale flowers, silver leaves, golden foliage, stone, and gravel, making it valuable in both contemporary and traditional designs. It also works beautifully beneath shrubs, beside pathways, and in sheltered courtyard gardens where its fine texture can be appreciated up close.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompanion Plants:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pair \u003cem\u003eOphiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'\u003c\/em\u003e with \u003cem\u003eHeuchera 'Lime Marmalade'\u003c\/em\u003e for luminous chartreuse foliage, \u003cem\u003eBrunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'\u003c\/em\u003e for broad silver-patterned leaves and airy spring flowers, and \u003cem\u003eHakonechloa macra 'Aureola'\u003c\/em\u003e for cascading golden foliage. Together, these contrasting colours and leaf shapes turn the dark mondo grass into a striking visual anchor while maintaining a graceful, layered planting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Instructions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant in full sun or partial shade in fertile, moisture-retentive soil that drains freely, avoiding sites that remain wet during winter. Water regularly while plants establish, then maintain even moisture during prolonged dry periods. A light application of compost or balanced fertilizer in spring is generally sufficient. Little pruning is needed beyond removing damaged foliage, and established clumps can be divided in spring as new growth begins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistory:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eOphiopogon planiscapus\u003c\/em\u003e is native to central and southern Japan and belongs to the asparagus family, Asparagaceae. The dark-leaved selection \u003cem\u003e'Nigrescens'\u003c\/em\u003e has long been treasured for foliage that develops an unusually rich purple-black colour and is also encountered under names such as Black Dragon and Kokuryu. Its restrained habit and dramatic colouring have made it an enduring favourite in Japanese-inspired, contemporary, and collector gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinal Thoughts:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eOphiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'\u003c\/em\u003e proves that a small plant can make a remarkably bold statement. Its ribbon-like black foliage brings depth, polish, and unexpected drama wherever it is tucked into the garden.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ornamental Grasses","offers":[{"title":"1 Litre Pot \/ 5","offer_id":51901280354582,"sku":"OPHINLIT","price":27.95,"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\/products\/ophiopogon-planiscapus-nigrescens","provider":"Black Sheep Perennials","version":"1.0","type":"link"}