Introducing the Black Mondo Grass, known as Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens'. The name Ophiopogon is a combination of two Greek words, pogon is a beard, and ophis is a snake.  This extraordinary grass-like perennial, has several other common names such as the black lily turf, Black Dragon, Ebony Knight, Arabicus." 

The Black mondo grass is called "black" because of the dark, almost black color of its foliage, with "nigrescens" meaning "black" in Latin. It's no wonder this variety is hailed from Asia as having the darkest foliage among all perennials!

The mondo grass will turn heads with its narrow, grass-like leaves that appear in arching clumps in an amazing blackish-purple hue depending on the light and can grow up to 8 inches tall and 12 inches wide.

It's like having a bewitching piece of the night sky right in your garden!

Mondo grass is a low-maintenance plant that is relatively disease-resistant. This ornamental plant is often used as a ground cover or border plant, and its dark foliage provides a nice contrast to other plants in the garden.

Use black mondo grass to complement silver or gold foliage plants, or combine it with succulent temperennials in shallow troughs.

The flowers of the black mondo grass bloom during the summertime, with elegant white flowers resembling tiny bells and glossy dark purple berries making their grand entrance. These bell-shaped flowers boast a delightful pink to-lilac tinting that adds an extra touch of charm.  The mature mondo grass produces globular, dark purple berries in the autumn. 

Black mondo grass can be propagated through division or by collecting and planting seeds. Division involves separating the root ball into smaller sections and replanting them in well-draining soil while collecting seeds requires patience as they can take up to a year to germinate.  

Watering Needs 

The black mondo grass requires minimal watering. As a drought-tolerant plant, this black Ophiopogon has developed an effective mechanism for storing water in its leaves. Oftentimes, people worry about underwatering their plants when they're actually giving them too much water - succulents, in particular, don't thrive well in damp soil which can lead to root problems. 

During the growing season, black mondo grass should be watered once or twice a week to keep the soil consistently moist, while in the dormant season, it should be watered once every two weeks to prevent root rot. It is important to monitor soil moisture levels and adjust watering frequency accordingly to ensure the health of the plant.

Light Requirements 

When growing indoors, your black mondo grass thrives in bright, indirect light. Just place them near southern and western windows for optimal sunlight exposure. Don't leave them languishing in dim light though - move them outdoors from time to time when natural light is scarce (like during winter). 

When growing outdoors, the mondo grass needs bright sunlight for at least 4-6 hours daily. If you're starting with a new plant that you recently bought from a nursery, don't expose it to too much sunlight all at once. Gradually increase its exposure so that it doesn't get burned by the intense rays. 

Keep an eye on your black grass leaves - if they start looking burnt, consider investing in a sunshade or moving it somewhere shadier.

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs 

The mondo grass favors very airy, sandy soil that drains well. Planting them in ordinary soil will result in compacted roots, stunted growth, and, most likely, root rot. Instead, make or buy a well-draining potting mix, or ideally, use our specialized potting mix that contains over 5 natural substrates and mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your black mondo grass to thrive.   

Natural fertilizers, once a year in the spring, with an equal mixture of NPK (5-10-5) also last longer and keep your soil alive by adding other beneficial compounds and microbes that encourage plant health and nutrient absorption.

Additionally, overfertilization can have a negative effect on mondo grass, causing it to grow too quickly and become weak and susceptible to disease. It can also lead to nutrient imbalances in the soil, which can further harm the plant and damage the surrounding ecosystem.  So, skip those harsh chemicals and give your black mondo some love with some awesome natural balanced fertilizer once in the spring! 

Hardiness Zones & More 

When growing indoors, this black mondo grass Ophiopogon Nigrescens prefers average room temperatures between 45°F to 75°F. It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, but avoid exposing it to extreme cold or drafts. It generally appreciates moderate humidity. You can increase humidity by placing a tray of water near the plant or using a humidifier. It's important to note that indoor environments tend to have lower humidity, so it's good to keep an eye on the moisture levels.

For outdoor cultivation, the black mondo grass is typically hardy in USDA zones 5 to 11. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from hot summers to mild winters. However, in colder regions, it may benefit from some winter protection, such as mulching around the base of the plant. It's a fairly adaptable plant when it comes to temperature extremes.

Remember, it can also withstand a range of humidity levels, but it prefers moderate to high humidity. If the air is too dry, the leaves can become brown and crispy. To maintain the plant's health, it's important to keep the soil consistently moist and to mist the leaves with water regularly. 

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Black mondo grass (Ophiopogon Nigrescens) with its striking dark foliage, adds an elegant touch to any garden or indoor space. It forms dense clumps and grows to about 8 inches tall. It thrives in partial to full shade and can tolerate various soil types, as long as the soil is well-drained. Indoors, place it in a spot with bright, indirect light and maintain a temperature of 45°F to 75°F. Pruning is minimal, but removing damaged leaves helps keep it looking tidy. 

Be sure to add Ophiopogon Nigrescens black mondo grass to your home or garden and enjoy its low maintenance care, while admiring its impressive display year after year.