Black Mondo Grass
Best low-maintenance choice for pet owners seeking dramatic garden contrast.
Elevate your garden with the striking Black Mondo Grass, scientifically known as Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’. This unique ornamental grass boasts deep, glossy purple-black foliage that provides dramatic contrast and texture. Delicate lavender-white blooms appear in summer, followed by attractive black berries. Its slow growth habit makes it ideal for borders, edging, and containers, offering a low-maintenance, pet-friendly addition that purifies the air. Thriving in part shade with medium water needs, it's a resilient and adaptable choice for any landscape.
$56.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
864
/ 3268
#864 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
+103%
Above average
Mature Height
15
/ Up to inches
Who it's for
- Designers seeking bold, high-contrast garden aesthetics
- Busy homeowners needing low-maintenance, resilient landscaping
- Gardeners looking for versatile, textural groundcover options
Who should skip it
- Impatient gardeners wanting immediate, dense landscape coverage
- Budget-conscious buyers preferring affordable, fast-growing alternatives
- Gardeners with only full-sun planting locations available
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Deep purple-black foliage creates a high-contrast focal point for modern landscapes.
Maintenance Ease
Slow growth habit minimizes the need for frequent pruning or trimming.
Versatility
Adapts seamlessly to containers, garden borders, or shaded groundcover applications.
Environmental Adaptability
Thrives across a wide range of USDA zones with moderate care.
Pet Safety
Non-toxic composition ensures peace of mind for households with curious pets.
Seasonal Interest
Delicate summer blooms and berries provide subtle, evolving texture throughout the year.
Key Specs
Mature Height
Up to 15 inches
Hardiness Zones
USDA 5-10
Light Requirement
Medium (Bright indirect light or morning sun)
Water Requirement
Medium (Keep soil evenly moist)
Propagation Method
Division recommended
Repotting Frequency
Every 2–3 years
Soil Type
Humus rich, compost rich
Soil Drainage
Well-drained
Features
- Dramatic deep purple-black foliage adds striking contrast.
- Delicate summer blooms and black berries for seasonal interest.
- Slow-growing for controlled borders and edging.
- Excellent for containers and small spaces.
- Pet-friendly and non-toxic for safe gardens.
- Air-purifying qualities enhance your environment.
- Low maintenance, easy to care for.
- Adaptable to various light conditions.
What customers say
The Black Mondo Grass stands out for its exceptional quality and striking design. Customers frequently mention that plants arrive in excellent health, thanks to superior packaging, leading to immediate planting success. The deep, almost black foliage is a significant draw, providing the dramatic aesthetic promised. This ornamental grass is a reliable option for creating bold contrast in garden beds. Its focus on plant health and visual appeal results in high customer satisfaction, confirming it meets expectations for a specialized garden feature.
Know before you buy
The foliage is a deep, glossy purple-black that provides a striking, dark contrast in the garden. While it may appear slightly lighter in very low light, its signature dark hue is most prominent when planted in its preferred partial shade conditions.
It is an excellent choice for containers and small spaces due to its slow growth habit. Just ensure your pot has good drainage and plan to repot the plant every two to three years to keep it healthy.
Yes, Black Mondo Grass is non-toxic and pet-friendly. It is a safe addition to gardens or indoor spaces shared with curious pets.
Black Mondo Grass prefers medium light, such as bright indirect light or gentle morning sun. It is adaptable to various light conditions, but avoid harsh, direct afternoon sun which can scorch the foliage.
This plant has medium water requirements. You should aim to keep the soil evenly moist, but be careful not to let it sit in waterlogged soil, as it requires well-drained conditions to prevent root issues.
Black Mondo Grass is a hardy perennial suitable for USDA zones 5 through 10. It is quite resilient, but if you live in a colder climate within that range, ensure it is planted in well-draining soil to help it survive the winter months.
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Ready to buy?
$56