Black Mondo Grass
Best dramatic foliage for creating striking, low maintenance garden accents.
Black Mondo Grass, scientifically known as Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens', is an evergreen perennial prized for its striking, dark black foliage. This slow-growing plant forms attractive, arching clumps that reach 8 to 10 inches in height and spread to 12 inches or more. Its grassy leaves emerge green and mature to a deep black, providing year-round visual interest. Bell-shaped flowers in white to pinkish hues appear in summer, contrasting beautifully with the dark foliage. It's an excellent choice for groundcover, mass plantings, borders, and containers, thriving in a variety of light conditions from full sun to full shade. This low-maintenance plant is also drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, making it a versatile addition to many garden designs.
$39.97
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1667
/ 2989
#1667 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
+45%
Above average
USDA Plant Hardiness Zones
510
/ b-b
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking dramatic, sophisticated accents for their landscapes
- Busy individuals desiring a beautiful, low-effort groundcover or border plant
- Creative designers looking for a versatile plant for various garden styles
Who should skip it
- Gardeners needing quick ground coverage or immediate impact
- Budget-conscious planters looking for economical landscaping solutions
- Gardeners with full sun exposure expecting deepest foliage color
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Deep black foliage creates a dramatic, high-contrast focal point in landscapes.
Maintenance Ease
Requires minimal attention once established, perfect for low-effort garden designs.
Environmental Versatility
Thrives in everything from full sun to deep, dark shade.
Pest Resistance
Naturally deters deer and resists common garden insects and diseases.
Growth Rate
Slow, steady development requires patience for full, dense groundcover coverage.
Hardiness Range
Broad adaptability across USDA zones 5b through 10b ensures wide utility.
Key Specs
USDA Plant Hardiness Zones
5b-10b
Plant Type
Evergreen Perennial
Height at Maturity
8-10 inches
Width at Maturity
12+ inches
Spacing
6-12 inches
Growth Habit
Arching, Clumping, Grassy, Spreading, Tufted
Growth Rate
Moderate
Flower Color
Pinkish-Lavender to White
Features
- Striking black foliage provides unique visual appeal
- Drought tolerant once established
- Deer resistant
- Low maintenance requirements
- Suitable for containers and mass plantings
- Tolerates a wide range of light conditions
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the plants upon arrival, noting their healthy, robust appearance. Many highlight the ease with which these plants establish themselves and thrive, even in various garden conditions. The striking dark foliage is frequently mentioned as a design highlight, adding unique visual appeal to landscapes. Overall, gardeners appreciate the plant's hardiness and the reliable performance it delivers, making it a favored choice for adding dramatic texture.
Know before you buy
The leaves emerge with a green tint and gradually mature to their signature deep black color as the plant grows.
For a dense, carpet-like effect, space your Black Mondo Grass 6 to 12 inches apart. This allows the clumping habit to fill in the gaps effectively over time.
Yes, it performs very well in containers. Its arching, clumping habit makes it an excellent choice for adding texture and contrast to mixed planters or as a standalone feature.
It is highly adaptable and will grow in a wide range of light conditions. However, in extremely hot climates, it may appreciate some afternoon shade to prevent the foliage from scorching.
Yes, it is considered deer-resistant. While no plant is completely deer-proof, the texture and taste of this grass are generally unappealing to deer, making it a reliable choice for gardens prone to browsing.
Once established, Black Mondo Grass is quite drought-tolerant. You only need to provide water during extended dry spells, as it prefers well-drained soil rather than being constantly waterlogged.
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$40