Black mondo grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens') oh-fee-oh-POE-gon plan-iss-KAP-us Genus:  Ophiopogon 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 Characteristics:  Shiny, black foliage in tufts. Care:  Provide full sun to part shade and moist, but well-drained soil. Propagation:  Spreads slowly through underground stolons. Problems:  Nothing serious.

Overview

Height 6 in. to 12 in. Spread 6 in. to 12 in. Growth Habit Runs Growth Pace Moderate Grower Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Medium Moisture Maintenance Low Characteristics Showy Foliage Bloom Time Early Summer, Late Summer, Summer Flower Color Pink, Purple, White Foliage Color Black Uses Beds and Borders, Container, Ground Covers Style Rock Garden Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Type Perennials