Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens' Black Mondo Grass
Best unique groundcover for adding dramatic color to garden landscapes.
Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens', commonly known as Black Mondo Grass, is a striking evergreen perennial that adds a dramatic touch to any garden. Its unique, deep purple-black foliage forms slow-spreading clumps, reaching a mature height of 6-10 inches. During the summer, it produces delicate pale pink flowers, which are followed by attractive dark berries. This plant thrives in full sun to part shade conditions and prefers well-drained soil, making it a versatile choice for borders, rock gardens, groundcover, and container plantings. Its low maintenance needs and distinctive appearance make it a standout ornamental grass.
$25.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
29
/ 3268
#29 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-10%
Below average
Botanical Name
Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'
/ Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking dramatic, sophisticated plant colors
- Busy gardeners desiring low-maintenance, resilient groundcover
- Designers and home gardeners exploring versatile planting options
Who should skip it
- Impatient gardeners expecting rapid groundcover establishment
- Budget-conscious gardeners planning extensive groundcover projects
- Enthusiasts prioritizing the plant's most vibrant, darkest coloration
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Deep purple-black foliage provides a dramatic contrast in any garden setting.
Maintenance Ease
Slow-spreading habit requires minimal pruning or intervention once established.
Versatility
Adapts seamlessly to containers, rock gardens, or as a groundcover.
Hardiness Range
Robust performance across USDA zones five through ten ensures wide adaptability.
Seasonal Interest
Evergreen foliage provides consistent color while flowers and berries add texture.
Growth Predictability
Slow growth rate demands patience but prevents the plant from becoming invasive.
Key Specs
Botanical Name
Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'
Common Name
Black Mondo Grass
Plant Type
Ornamental Grass, Perennial
Mature Height
6-10 inches
Bloom Time
Summer
Flower Color
Pale Pink
Foliage Color
Deep Purple-Black
Foliage Type
Evergreen
Features
- Striking deep purple-black foliage
- Evergreen for year-round interest
- Low-growing groundcover habit
- Tolerates full sun to part shade
- Produces summer flowers and berries
- Suitable for borders, rock gardens, and containers
- Low maintenance requirements
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality and vibrant health of the Black Mondo Grass received from Mr Maple. Many reviewers highlight the plants arriving well packaged, robust, and ready to thrive, often exceeding expectations in size and vigor. The striking dark foliage is a significant draw, adding unique visual interest and sophisticated design to various garden settings. This consistent delivery of healthy, beautiful specimens fosters strong customer satisfaction and repeat purchases, underscoring a reliable source for distinctive ornamental grasses.
Know before you buy
Black Mondo Grass is a slow-spreading perennial. It forms dense, compact clumps over time rather than aggressively colonizing an area, making it easy to manage in borders and containers.
Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens' is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 10. As an evergreen, it will maintain its foliage throughout the year in most of these climates.
The foliage is a very deep, dark purple that appears black from a distance. It provides a striking, high-contrast look when planted next to lighter-colored stones or bright green perennials.
Yes, it is an excellent choice for containers. Ensure your pot has good drainage, as this plant prefers well-drained soil and does not like to sit in waterlogged conditions.
It thrives in full sun to part shade. While it is versatile, providing adequate light helps the plant maintain its signature deep, dark pigmentation.
No, it is quite low-maintenance once established. It requires medium water and occasional monitoring to ensure the soil remains well-drained, but it does not need frequent pruning or specialized care.
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