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Black Mondo Grass
Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'
Black Mondo Grass offers striking jet-black foliage, delicate pink flowers, and ornamental berries, adding bold texture and year-round interest to shaded landscapes. Ideal for edging, groundcovers, rock gardens, and containers, it pairs beautifully with brighter plants for dramatic contrast and low-maintenance appeal.
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Black Mondo Grass
Black Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens') is a striking ornamental grass-like perennial known for its bold, jet-black foliage that adds dramatic contrast and texture to any landscape. This low-growing evergreen plant forms dense clumps of arching, strappy leaves that create a unique, ground-hugging display. In mid to late summer, Black Mondo Grass produces delicate pale pink to lavender bell-shaped flowers, which are followed by shiny black berries that enhance its ornamental appeal. Its distinctive color and compact form make it a favorite for modern gardens, rock gardens, and contrasting borders.
Ideal for use as a groundcover or edging plant, Black Mondo Grass thrives in partial to full shade but can also tolerate morning sun, especially in cooler climates. It performs best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil with consistent moisture, though it can tolerate some drought once established. With a mature height of 6 to 8 inches, it’s perfect for weaving through stepping stones, planting in shady containers, or filling in around brighter foliage plants to create visual depth. This low-maintenance perennial is also deer resistant and tolerant of urban conditions, making it a durable choice for diverse garden settings.
Black Mondo Grass pairs beautifully with silver, chartreuse, or variegated plants like Heuchera, Ferns, and Hostas, adding elegant contrast in woodland gardens or contemporary designs. Whether used en masse as a dramatic carpet or tucked into tight spaces for accent, its year-round color and texture provide continuous interest. For gardeners looking to introduce bold, low-growing foliage with minimal care requirements, Black Mondo Grass is a unique and reliable addition to shaded or partially shaded landscapes.
| Hardiness Zone: | 5-10 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 5 to 6 Inches Tall |
| Mature Width: | 6 to 8 Inches |
| Classification: | Perennial |
| Sunlight: | Full Sun to Part Sun |
| Habit: | Upright, clump forming |
| Flower Color: | Pink |
| Flowering Season: | Summer |
| Foliage: | Black |
| Soil Condition: | Prefers average to moist soil |
| Water Require: | Water well until established |
| Uses: | Extremely attractive when used as a focal point in the mixed border, mass planting |
How to Care for Black Mondo Grass
Before you buy Black Mondo Grass, make sure to read about the care instructions to keep these plant healthy and thriving.
How do I plant a Black Mondo Grass?
To plant Black Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'), choose a location with partial to full shade and well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Although it can tolerate some morning sun, this grass-like perennial performs best in filtered light or dappled shade, where its dramatic black foliage stays rich and vibrant. Begin by loosening the soil and amending it with compost or peat moss to improve drainage and texture. Dig a hole slightly wider than the plant’s root ball, set the plant so the crown is level with the surrounding soil, and backfill gently. Water thoroughly after planting to help establish strong roots. For groundcover or mass planting, space Black Mondo Grass about 6 to 8 inches apart to allow it to slowly spread and form a dense carpet over time. If using it as a border, along pathways, or in containers, group several plants together for greater impact and textural contrast. Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch around the base to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, but avoid covering the crown directly. With the right placement and soil preparation, Black Mondo Grass will provide long-lasting visual interest, especially when paired with silver, chartreuse, or variegated foliage in shade gardens.
How should I water My Black Mondo Grass?
Watering your Black Mondo Grass properly is essential for establishing strong roots and maintaining its rich black foliage. During the first growing season, keep the soil consistently moist by watering deeply once or twice a week, especially during periods of heat or drought. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely between waterings, as young plants need steady moisture to develop a healthy root system. However, make sure the soil drains well, as overly soggy conditions can lead to root rot. Once established, Black Mondo Grass becomes more drought tolerant and typically only needs supplemental watering during extended dry spells or extreme summer heat. In shaded areas, it may require less frequent watering due to reduced evaporation. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plants to help conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature. Whether grown as a groundcover, edging plant, or in containers, consistent but moderate watering will keep your Black Mondo Grass healthy, vibrant, and looking its best throughout the seasons.
How Should I Fertilize My Black Mondo Grass?
To fertilize your Black Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'), apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer—such as a 10-10-10 formula—in early spring as new growth begins to emerge. This light feeding supports vibrant foliage color, healthy root development, and steady growth throughout the season. Scatter the fertilizer evenly around the base of the plant, avoiding direct contact with the crown, and water it in thoroughly to help the nutrients reach the roots. For a more organic approach, you can top-dress with compost or well-rotted leaf mold to enrich the soil naturally. Established Black Mondo Grass typically requires minimal fertilization and may only need one application per year, especially if planted in rich, loamy soil. Avoid over-fertilizing, as excess nutrients can lead to overly lush growth that diminishes the plant’s unique black coloration. If grown in containers, consider a diluted liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season to replenish nutrients in the limited soil volume. With proper feeding, Black Mondo Grass will maintain its bold, dramatic foliage and thrive as a low-maintenance accent in shade gardens, borders, and modern landscape designs.
How and When Should I Cut Back My Black Mondo Grass?
Cutting back your Black Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens') helps maintain its tidy appearance and encourages fresh, vibrant growth. The best time to prune is in late winter to early spring, just before new shoots begin to emerge. Use clean, sharp shears to trim away any old, damaged, or faded foliage, cutting it down to about 1–2 inches above the soil. This rejuvenates the plant by allowing sunlight and air to reach the crown, which supports healthy regrowth and maintains the deep black coloration that makes Black Mondo Grass so striking in the landscape. If your Black Mondo Grass is planted as a dense groundcover or in mass plantings, you can use hedge shears to lightly trim the entire area for uniformity. In containers or small garden beds, hand-pruning is more precise and allows for better control. Avoid pruning in the fall, as this can expose the crown to winter damage. With regular spring maintenance, your Black Mondo Grass will continue to thrive and deliver bold contrast in borders, along pathways, and in shaded or partially shaded garden spaces.
