Ophiopogon planiscapus nigrescens - Black Mondo Grass

Ophiopogon planiscapus nigrescens provides a stunning dark backdrop to silver or red plantings. Unfortunately the Black Mondo Grass is very slow to spread. Ophiopogon planiscapus nigrescens will grow to around 8 inches tall and after a long time about a foot wide. Due to the slow growing aspect nurseries generally charge a lot for these plants. The Black Mondo Grass is hardy to temperatures in the mid teens. Ophiopogon planiscapus nigrescens is also fairly drought tolerant. There are small fragrant lavender purple flowers in the Summer. Mostly these flowers are pretty insignificant as a design element, they don't last too long. Once the bloom is finished the Black Mondo Grass puts on a burst of growth so cutting them back right after blooming gives you fresh growth. Raking can scar the leaves so care should be taken when cleaning up around your Black Mondo Grass plantings.

Other plant pages from the genus Ophiopogon featured on this site:
Ophiopogon japonicus nana