Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens' (Black Mondo Grass) — strap-like leaves that mature to an intense jet-black, with small nodding lilac summer blooms followed by glossy dark berries. Evergreen, full sun or partial shade — maintains its deep black colour best in full sun.
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🌿 Grown at our London nursery — collect in person or arrange local delivery
📦 Dispatched within 3 business days via Royal Mail
Product features
Botanical name: Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'
Common name: Black Mondo Grass, Black Lilyturf, Black Dragon
Height: 15cm to 25cm
Spread: 25cm to 30cm, spreads via rhizomes
Foliage: Linear, strap-like leaves emerging dark purple-green and maturing to jet-black
Flower: Small, nodding, bell-shaped pale purplish-white blooms in summer, followed by blue-black berries
Attractive to wildlife: Provides ground cover and shelter for beneficial insects
Soil Type: Humus-rich, fertile, moist but well-drained soil; dislikes heavy chalk
Drought tolerant: Yes, once established
Hardy: Fully hardy (down to -15/-20°C)
Position: Full sun to partial shade — full sun for darkest black foliage
Evergreen: Yes
Suitable for: Ground cover, garden edging, minimal planting schemes, containers
Materials and care
Light: Full sun or partial shade — full sun for deepest black colour
Aspect: South-, west-, or east-facing borders and rockeries
Soil type: Fertile, humus-rich soil — dislikes alkaline chalk
Drainage: Moist but well-drained — rots in waterlogged soil
Watering: Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist
End of season: Comb through tufts in spring to remove dead leaves
Propagation: Lift and separate dense root clumps in early spring
