Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens', Black mondo grass
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Grasses & Grass-like

Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'

Black mondo grass

AsparagaceaeJapan

At a Glance

TypePerennial
HabitClumping
FoliageEvergreen
Height6-10 inches (15-25 cm)
Width8-12 inches (20-30 cm)
Maturity4 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 9
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Deer Resistant
Container Friendly
Maintenancevery low

Overview

A low-growing, clump-forming evergreen perennial reaching 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) tall and 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) wide. Growth rate is slow, with individual clumps expanding 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) per year by short stolons. This cultivar is distinguished from the green-leaved species by its near-black foliage, one of the darkest naturally occurring leaf colors in the plant kingdom. Leaves are strap-shaped, arching, 0.15-0.25 inches (4-6 mm) wide and 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) long, emerging dark green to purple-black and darkening to near-black with age and sun exposure. Foliage is evergreen, though older leaves may become tattered after severe winters in zones 5-6. Flowers appear in July to August on short racemes nestled among or just below the foliage level, small, bell-shaped, pale lavender to pinkish-white, each approximately 0.2 inches (5 mm) across. Flowers are inconspicuous due to the dark foliage background. Fruit is a glossy, jet-black, globose berry approximately 0.25 inches (6 mm) in diameter, ripening in fall and persisting through winter. Roots are thick, fleshy, and somewhat tuberous, similar to those of Liriope. Distinguished from Liriope by the narrower leaves, shorter stature, and black (vs. purple) berry color. Hardy to approximately -10°F (-23°C). Slugs and snails may damage foliage in wet conditions.

Native Range

The species Ophiopogon planiscapus is native to Japan, where it grows in moist forest understories and along shaded stream banks at low to moderate elevations. The cultivar 'Nigrescens' was selected from naturally occurring dark-leaved variants in Japanese populations.

Suggested Uses

Commonly used as a dramatic foliage accent or contrast plant in borders, rock gardens, and containers at 6-8 inch (15-20 cm) spacing. The near-black foliage creates striking contrast against light-colored groundcovers such as Sagina subulata 'Aurea' (Scotch moss), silver-leaved plants, or pale gravel mulches. Suitable for edging along walkways and as small-scale groundcover in shaded areas. Suitable for containers of at least 1 gallon (4 L). Frequently used in contemporary and Japanese-style garden designs.

How to Identify

Immediately identifiable by the near-black foliage color — very few garden plants produce leaves this dark. Leaves are narrow, strap-shaped, 0.15-0.25 inches (4-6 mm) wide, arching, and 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) long. Distinguished from Liriope muscari by narrower leaves, shorter stature (6-10 inches vs. 12-18 inches / 15-25 cm vs. 30-45 cm), and glossy black berries (vs. Liriope's black berries, which are similar but larger). Small pale lavender flowers in summer are inconspicuous against the dark foliage.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6" - 10"
Width/Spread8" - 1'

Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years

Colors

Flower Colors

lavender
pink white

Foliage Colors

black
purple black

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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Summer
Flowers from July to August in USDA zones 5-9. Short racemes bear small, bell-shaped, pale lavender to pinkish-white flowers, each approximately 0.2 inches (5 mm) across, nestled among or just below the foliage. Bloom is inconspicuous against the dark foliage. Glossy jet-black globose berries approximately 0.25 inches (6 mm) in diameter ripen in September to October and persist through winter.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Pale lavender to pinkish-white

Foliage Description

Near-black to deep purple-black

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsand
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-4 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in partial shade to part sun in moist, well-drained soil. The darkest foliage color develops with 3-5 hours of direct sun; in deep shade, leaves remain dark green to very dark purple rather than true black. Full sun in hot climates causes leaf tip burn, but in the Pacific Northwest, full sun is generally tolerated. Adapts to soil pH from 5.5 to 7.0. Water regularly; does not tolerate prolonged drought, with leaf tips browning when dry for more than 2 weeks. Mulch with 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of fine organic material. Slugs and snails may damage foliage in wet conditions; use iron phosphate bait in spring. Divide congested clumps every 4-5 years in spring to maintain vigor. Cut back old, tattered foliage to 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) in late winter before new growth begins.

Pruning

Mow or shear back all foliage to 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) in late February to early March before new growth emerges, to remove winter-damaged leaves and allow fresh dark foliage to emerge cleanly. Use hand shears for small plantings. Divide congested clumps every 4-5 years in spring by lifting and separating with a sharp knife or spade. The slow growth rate means divisions take 2-3 years to fill in.

Pruning Schedule

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winterearly spring

Maintenance Level

very low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 1 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic