Black Lily-Turf Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'

Black Mondo Grass is an ornamental, tufted evergreen, perennial, and mondo grass cultivar. It is a dense, rhizomatous, compact ground cover with a clumping and arching grass-like habit that forms a mat. It has leathery, purple to jet-black linear leaves that measure 8 to 12 inches long and 3/16 inches wide. During the summer, small, bell-shaped white flowers tinged with pink and purple emerge in racemes. They produced glossy dark purple round berries that ripen in the fall. The plant resembles Liriope, but the black leaves of the Black Mondo Grass add a stark contrast to the garden. It is a member of the Asparagaceae (asparagus) family.

The cultivar, 'Nigerescens' is commonly known as Black Mondo Grass or Black Lily-Turf. The genus name, Ophiopogon, is derived from two Greek words. Ophis means snake, and pogon means beard.

Black Mondo Grass prefers rich, slightly acidic, moist, and well-drained soil. It grows well in full sun to partial shade. In warmer climates, it is best to provide it with some afternoon shade. It is adaptable to a wide range of conditions including salt and drought. It thrives in evenly moist soils.

Black Mondo Grass is not a true grass. It has a tuberous root and is slow-growing. It is best planted in the spring so that it will be well-established before winter.  It is rabbit and deer resistant.

The Black Mondo Grass provides a unique contrast with other foliage plants with its jet-black leaves. Consider this plant as an accent, container planting, for borders, or edging. It will add interest to your Cottage Garden or Rock Garden. 

Seasons of Interest:

Bloom:  Summer               Foliage:  Spring, Summer, and Fall      Fruits:  Fall

Quick ID Hints:

• herbaceous perennial groundcover from 8 to 12 inches tall and equally as wide in arching clumps
• stemless
• black to purple, narrow, linear, leathery, grass-like leaves
• tiny white, bell-shaped flowers that are tinged with pink and lilac 
• round, dark purple berries that mature in the fall

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Black Mondo Grass has no serious disease or insect problems. Monitor for possible slugs in moist climates.