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Family: Mondo Grass
Type: Ornamental grass
Black Mondo Grass, scientifically known as Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’, is a unique and eye-catching ornamental grass. It is renowned for its striking, almost jet-black leaves, creating a dramatic effect in the garden.
This grass forms dense tufts of narrow, arching foliage, providing a strong visual contrast against green plants or lighter hardscapes. It’s an excellent choice for adding depth and intrigue to your garden design.
Hardy in zones 5-10, Black Mondo Grass prefers partial to full shade and well-draining soil. It’s a low-growing, slowly spreading plant, making it a low-maintenance option for various landscaping needs.
Hardiness Zone: 4b-6a
Pet Friendly: Yes
Moisture Preference: Average to moist
Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Growth Rate: Fast
Average Height (feet): 1.5
Average Spread (feet): 1
Average Life Span (years): 10
Form: Mounded
Flower Color: Pink
Secondary Flower Color: White
Flower Shape: Bell
Bloom Season: From mid to late summer
Foliage Color: Black
Foliage Shape: Grassy
Integrating Black Mondo Grass into your garden can create stunning contrasts and focal points. Its unique coloration makes it a standout choice for various landscaping designs.
This grass works well as ground cover, in rock gardens, or when planted along borders and pathways. Its dark foliage pairs beautifully with brightly colored flowers or variegated plants.
Despite its exotic appearance, Black Mondo Grass is surprisingly hardy and requires minimal care. It’s an ideal choice for gardeners looking for a distinctive yet easy-to-maintain plant.
In modern gardens, Black Mondo Grass adds a sleek, contemporary look with its dark, uniform foliage.
For Japanese gardens, it offers a beautiful contrast to traditional green plants, embodying the aesthetics of simplicity and elegance.
In woodland gardens, its shade tolerance and dark leaves provide a striking undergrowth beneath trees and shrubs.
Plant alongside lighter-colored plants. Its dark leaves create a stunning contrast that highlights both plant types.
Use as edging for paths or borders. Its tidy growth habit forms a neat, defined edge that enhances walkways and garden beds.
Combine with rocks and water features. In rock gardens or near ponds, it adds texture and a dramatic flair.
In spring, Black Mondo Grass begins its growth cycle, with the dark foliage starting to emerge and thicken.
During summer, the grass is fully leafed out, offering a lush, dark carpet of foliage in the garden.
In the fall, Black Mondo Grass maintains its color, complementing the changing autumnal landscape.
In winter, the grass remains evergreen in most climates, providing year-round interest and color.
Heuchera x Black Pearl
Ajuga 'Chocolate Chip'
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Bailmacseven'
Black Mondo Grass thrives in partial to full shade, making it an excellent choice for shaded garden spots, under trees, or north-facing gardens.
It prefers shaded areas but can tolerate some morning sun. Too much direct sunlight can bleach its dark foliage.
This grass grows best in well-draining soil with a moderate amount of organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types.
Space plants about 6 to 8 inches apart. This allows each plant enough room to spread and form a dense mat.
Plant Black Mondo Grass in the spring or early fall to allow the roots to establish before extreme temperatures.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth. Position the plant, backfill with soil, and water well to settle the roots.
Water regularly after planting until established. Mature plants have good drought tolerance but benefit from occasional watering during dry spells.
Fertilize lightly in the spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to encourage healthy growth.
Pruning is not typically necessary, but you can trim back any brown tips in early spring to tidy the plant.
Remove any winter-damaged foliage and apply a thin layer of mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Water during extended dry periods. Generally, Black Mondo Grass requires minimal care in the summer.
Prepare for winter by reducing watering as the plant begins to go dormant.
Black Mondo Grass is hardy in winter. In colder regions, a layer of mulch can provide extra protection.
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nanus'
Phalaris arundinacea
Festuca glauca
It spreads slowly, forming a dense, compact mat over time.
Yes, it is generally resistant to deer, making it suitable for gardens in areas with deer activity.
Absolutely, Black Mondo Grass can be effectively grown in containers, where its dramatic foliage can be showcased on patios or balconies.
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