Black Lily-Turf Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- 0phiopogon planiscapus 'Arabicus'
- Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Black Dragon'
- Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Ebony Knight'
- Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigra'
- Phonetic Spelling
- oh-fee-oh-POH-gon plan-ih-skay-pus
- Description
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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.
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.
- See this plant in the following landscape :
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Cultivars / Varieties:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Ophiopogon
- Species:
- planiscapus
- Family:
- Asparagaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Play Value:
- Defines Paths
- Dimensions:
- Height: 0 ft. 8 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 0 ft. 8 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Perennial
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Clumping
- Growth Rate:
- Slow
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- High Organic Matter
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- Less than 12 inches
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Purple/Lavender
- Fruit Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Fruit Type:
- Berry
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- The fruits are round, dark, purple berries that mature in the fall.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Pink
- Purple/Lavender
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Raceme
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Bell
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- The flowers are white with pink and lilac tinges, bell-shaped, measure 1/4 inch long, that appear in racemes. They bloom during the summer from July to August.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Black
- Purple/Lavender
- Leaf Feel:
- Leathery
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Leaf Shape:
- Linear
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Description:
- The leaves are leathery, narrow, linear, grass-like, and black to purple. They measure 3/16 inches wide and 8 to 12 inches in height.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- Stemless.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Patio
- Slope/Bank
- Small Space
- Walkways
- Landscape Theme:
- Cottage Garden
- Drought Tolerant Garden
- Rock Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Border
- Small groups
- Specimen
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Drought
- Rabbits
- Salt
