Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigra'
mondo grass 'Kokuryū'
An evergreen perennial to 20cm, forming dense tufts of arching, narrowly strap-shaped, leathery black leaves 20-30cm in length. Racemes of small purplish flowers, followed by glossy black berries
Other common names
mondo grass 'Kokuryu'Synonyms
Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigra'Ophiopogon 'Black Dragon'
see moreOphiopogon planiscapus 'Black Dragon'
Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Black | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Black | ||
| Autumn | Black | Blue | ||
| Winter | Black |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Ophiopogon are rhizomatous or tufted evergreen perennials forming clumps of leathery, narrowly strap-shaped leaves, with racemes of small bell-shaped white or mauve flowers on leafless stems in summer, followed by glossy black berries
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained soil, slightly acid, fertile, humus-rich soil in full sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring as growth resumes
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Rock garden
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
- Garden edging
- Ground cover
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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