Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens' (Black Mondo Grass)
Michael's Opinion
An attractive edging or massing plant, where when planted in the milder areas of the temperate and tropical zones can be very effective. It is prone to winter burn in the more northerly temperate range.
Botanical Information
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Genus | Ophiopogon |
| Species | planiscapus |
| Cultivar | 'Nigrescens' |
| Synonyms | O. planiscapus 'Ebony Knight', O. planiscapus 'Arabicus' |
| Category | Perennials |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 7b - 8a |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | 7 |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H5 |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | -15 to (-9) |
| Temperature (°F) | 5 - 15 |
| Height | 30 cm |
| Spread | 50 cm |
| Growth | Slow |
| Flowering Period | July, August |
Description and Growing Information
| General Description | Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens' is a herbaceous perennial with long, leathery, purple-black, arching foliage and clusters of small dark purple and cream flowers. |
| Shape | Dense, tufted habit. |
| Landscape | Excellent as a contrast plant in borders, rock gardens, or containers. |
| Propagation | Propagate through division in spring. |
| Cultivation | Grow in full sun to part shade, in moist, well-drained, humusy, acidic to neutral soil. |
| Pests | No serious pests or diseases of note. Slugs and snails are occasional pests. |
| Notable Specimens | Lanhydrock Gardens, Cornwall, England. |
| Habitat | Horticultural origin. |
| Leaf Description | Narrow, linear, leathery, purple-black, arching, in dense tufts. |
| Flower Description | Small, bell-shaped, light pink, in clusters on leafless stems. |
| Fruit Description | Berries are glossy and purple-black. |
Photographs
Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens', leaf. Lanhydrock Gardens, Cornwall, England. 16/10/2019.
Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens', leaf. Lanhydrock Gardens, Cornwall, England. 16/10/2019.
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