Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Kokuryu'
Best dramatic accent for sophisticated garden designs.
Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Kokuryu', also known as Black Mondo Grass, is a striking evergreen groundcover originating from Japan. This cultivar, translating to 'Black Dragon,' features dense mounds of truly black, grass-like foliage reaching about 6 inches in height. It slowly spreads via rhizomes, forming an 18-inch wide mat over several years, making it ideal for mass planting or as a unique backdrop in garden designs. Thriving in part sun to shade conditions, it offers a unique aesthetic with its dark coloration, making it a standout in any garden theme, including cottage and rock gardens. Its deer and drought tolerance add to its appeal as a low-maintenance plant.
$23.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
836
/ 3082
#836 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-17%
Below average
Zones
710
/ a to b
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking bold, sophisticated color accents for their landscapes
- Busy individuals desiring a resilient, easy-to-grow, trouble-free garden addition
- Creative designers looking for adaptable plants to enhance diverse garden styles
Who should skip it
- Impatient landscapers needing rapid groundcover establishment for immediate impact
- Budget-conscious planners aiming to plant large sections economically
- Traditionalists preferring vibrant green foliage or lighter garden themes
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Deep black foliage creates a dramatic, high-contrast focal point.
Maintenance Ease
Slow growth and drought tolerance minimize regular garden upkeep.
Versatility
Adapts perfectly to rock gardens, borders, or container arrangements.
Environmental Resilience
Reliable deer resistance protects your investment from common garden pests.
Growth Rate
Slow rhizomatous spread requires patience for full ground coverage.
Year-Round Appeal
Evergreen foliage ensures consistent color throughout all four seasons.
Key Specs
Zones
7a to 10b
Dormancy
Evergreen
Height
6 inches
Culture
Part Sun to Shade
Origin
Japan
Pot Size
3.5 inch pot
Flower Color
White/Cream
Leaf Color
Black, Green
Features
- Striking black foliage provides unique visual interest
- Evergreen nature offers year-round appeal
- Slowly spreads to form a dense mat
- Tolerant of deer and drought
- Suitable for part sun to shade conditions
- Low maintenance requirements
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality and striking design of this ornamental plant. Many highlight its robust health upon arrival and its ability to thrive, quickly establishing a dramatic, dark accent in various garden settings. Its unique deep purple black foliage offers a sophisticated visual appeal, making it a favorite for adding contrast and texture. Gardeners find it a reliable choice for low maintenance beauty, enhancing landscapes with its distinctive presence.
Know before you buy
This plant is a slow grower. It spreads via rhizomes to form a dense mat, typically reaching about 18 inches in width over the course of several years.
It is best to avoid full, scorching sun. This plant thrives in part sun to shade conditions, where its dark foliage is less likely to bleach or dry out.
Yes, it is an evergreen perennial within its recommended hardiness zones of 7a to 10b. You can expect it to maintain its foliage color throughout the year in these regions.
No, it is quite low-maintenance and features good drought tolerance once it has settled into your garden. It is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a reliable, water-wise groundcover.
One of the primary benefits of this cultivar is its deer tolerance. It is generally ignored by deer, making it a safe choice for gardens prone to browsing wildlife.
Due to its unique black color and low, mounding habit, it works best as a striking groundcover, a border plant, or a textural contrast in rock and cottage gardens. It is particularly effective when mass-planted to create a dramatic, dark carpet.
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$23