Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens', commonly known as Black Mondo Grass, is a dramatic slow spreading ground cover with striking purple black foliage and delicate pale pink to lilac summer flowers. Its fine textured blades form dense clumps that add bold contrast to shady or partially sunny gardens.
Height & Spread: 6 - 8 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Midsummer
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Moist, well drained soil; tolerates sandy or loamy types
Watering Needs: Moderate; appreciates moisture during establishment
Deer Resistance: Generally deer resistant
Native Status
Native to Japan. Cultivated for ornamental use and thrives in temperate landscapes.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Beneficial Insects
- Provides cover for ground beetles and habitat for small soil dwelling beneficial insects.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 8 - 12 in apart for a continuous, flowing ground cover effect or bold edging.
Landscape Placement
- Ideal for edging shaded paths, mixed container plantings, or massing under shrubs where its dark foliage provides rich contrast.
Companion Plants
- Heuchera 'Obsidian' - Echoes dark tones while adding textural and leaf shape contrast in shade gardens.
- Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola' - Adds bright, arching foliage that contrasts beautifully with Ophiopogon’s dark clumps.
- Carex morrowii 'Ice Dance' - Provides fine texture and variegated leaf margins to highlight the black foliage.
- Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop' - Forms a dense carpet with similarly dark tones and vivid spring flowers.
- Astilbe chinensis - Adds summer floral plumes and thrives in the same lightly moist shade settings.