Black Mondo Grass

Black Mondo Grass creates dramatic contrast with narrow arching leaves that mature to deep purple-black. This compact evergreen groundcover looks striking beside pale stone, golden foliage, or bright-green companions and fits easily along paths, in rock gardens, or in containers. Give it some afternoon shade and steady moisture for the best foliage color in South Carolina. Available for local pickup from Towns Edge Nursery.

Plant details

• Botanical name: Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'
• Light: Full sun to partial shade; afternoon shade is helpful in hot climates
• USDA zones: 6-10
• Mature size: 8-12 in tall x 8-12 in wide
• Foliage: Evergreen to semi-evergreen, narrow deep purple-black leaves
• Flower color: Small white bells tinged with pink or lilac, followed by dark purple berries
• Bloom season: Summer
• Water: Moderate; performs best in evenly moist, well-drained soil
• Growth habit: Compact arching clump that slowly spreads
• Landscape uses: Edging, groundcover, rock garden, container, small space, contrast planting, and walkway border
• Deer tolerance: Not reliably deer resistant

South Carolina garden note: A site with morning sun and afternoon shade helps prevent stress while keeping the nearly black color rich in Zone 8b.