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Black mondo grass

Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'

oh-fee-oh-POE-gon plan-iss-KAP-us

Black mondo grass has straplike, shiny black foliage and grows in little tufts. The grasslike foliage looks good with  chartreuse foliage, variegated woodland plants, and with its own flowers, which bloom in midsummer. Young leaves start out with a greenish hue that soon turns to black. The flowers are bell shaped and can be pink, pale violet, or white, and are followed by fleshy black seeds that may remain on the plant all winter. This perennial is evergreen in mild winters or in the warmer portions of its range. It looks stunning in a shady container planting. -Lou Anella, Regional Picks: Southern Plains, Fine Gardening issue #127

Noteworthy CharacteristicsShiny, black foliage in tufts.

CareProvide full sun to part shade and moist, but well-drained soil.

PropagationSpreads slowly through underground stolons.

ProblemsNothing serious.

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  • Genus : Ophiopogon
  • Zones : 10, 11, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Plant Height : 6 to 12 inches
  • Plant Width : 6 to 12 inches
  • Foliage Color : Black
  • Uses : Containers, Ground Covers
  • Bloom Time : Early Summer, Late Summer, Summer
  • Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
  • Maintenance : Low
  • Moisture : Medium Moisture
  • Growth Rate : Moderate
  • Plant Type : Perennials
  • Flower Color : Pink, White
  • Characteristics : Showy Foliage
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest

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