Black Mondo Grass

Black Mondo Grass, Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens', is an evergreen perennial grown for narrow purple-black leaves and a low clumping habit. It makes a high-contrast groundcover for borders, paths and mixed containers, with small summer flowers and purple berries in fall. [Monrovia](https://www.monrovia.com/black-mondo-grass.html) and [North Carolina Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ophiopogon-planiscapus-nigrescens/) describe this exact cultivar and its compact growth, sun-to-part-shade tolerance and moist, well-drained soil. ## Garden use Use the dark foliage at the front of a border, beside a path or in a container where its fine texture contrasts with broader leaves. It spreads slowly and forms small clumps, so it can be repeated along an edge without quickly overwhelming nearby plants. Sources report different mature sizes: Monrovia gives 5–6 inches, while North Carolina Extension gives 8–12 inches; both describe a compact plant. ## Growing This cultivar grows in full sun or partial shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade can help protect the foliage. It prefers rich, slightly acidic soil that stays evenly moist while draining well. Monrovia lists USDA zones 5–10. ## Maintenance Keep the root zone evenly moist, especially during dry periods, without allowing water to stand around the crown. The plant is slow-growing and low-maintenance; monitor for slugs in persistently moist climates. Remove damaged leaves as needed and divide clumps only if they become crowded.