Ophiopogon Planiscapus, Black Mondo Grass; A Look at This Unique, High Class Ornamental Perennial

Black Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus) is an ornamental perennial sought after for its dark green to solid black foliage and contrasting violet to white flowers. High-end gardeners who value the compact, slow spreading habit and color of the plant seek after the plants, which are more a specialty plant and can be hard to find. Let's take a closer look at this prized perennial.

Native to Korea and Japan, Black Mondo Grass grows 6-12 inches in height. Plants spread by short underground rhizomes, forming new tufts of leaves close to the parent plant. Remaining compact, plants do not spread rapidly; a mature plant only spreads out a foot in each direction in ten years. Flowers are borne on short racemes not much taller than foliage, blooming a contrasting violet to white in late spring to early summer. Berry-like fruit capsules black in color form after flower and remain into late fall. Foliage lasts into the winter, becoming dark black in color. Although foliage is evergreen, it may take some damage during colder winters. Plants tolerate full sun to shade, but will not tolerate a deep shade.

Black Mondo Grass does not have any major pests or diseases. Plants are deer resistant; important considering many people have deer problems. With proper care and protection, Black Mondo Grass can be easy to grow. The plants prefer a rich, well-drained yet moist, slightly acidic soil in full to partial sun. Black Mondo Grass is marginally hardy in zone 6, so selecting a sheltered location and protecting with winter mulch will help improve your plant's chance of survival. If the south side of the house gets partial shade in summer, this may be a good location for the plant. The south side of a rock or stone wall also will work well.

Finding a local source of Black Mondo Grass can be challenging; you may need to order it by mail. I first found the Black Mondo Grass when I was working for a garden center a few years ago when I was sent to dig up some large clumps for propagation from my boss's exotic backyard garden. Black Mondo Grass is more a high-end specialty item and can be pricey. However its unique black color and excellent habit make this plant worthwhile.

Because the plant remains short, Black Mondo Grass works best on the border or in a rock garden, as it can get lost among taller plants. Contrast against white or light colored hardscapes and light colored flowers and foliage. The plant can be used as a specimen in the garden if the surrounding plants are short and don't divert the eyes.

Divide Black Mondo grass in the spring when the plant has had a few years to expand. Although the new rhizomes can be separated, it is better to start off with a plant that has a few more shoots, as divisions can be slow to initially establish. You can also divide the clump into pieces, taking care not to damage too many shoots in the division process. Plants are best divided in the spring. Take care not to let the plants dry out, watering regularly until the plants are established.

With proper care, your Black Mondo Grass can be a worthwhile investment that rewards you for years both by its beauty in your garden and by propagation.