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black dragon mondo grass

Black dragon mondo grass is a stunning, low-maintenance ornamental grass that's fast becoming a favourite in New Zealand gardens for its bold, almost black foliage and year-round appeal. Perfect for borders, ground covers, or container planting, black dragon mondo grass adds rich colour contrast and intriguing texture to any landscape design. With its arching, strap-like leaves and delicate summer blooms, this versatile plant can elevate everything from Japanese-inspired gardens to modern urban spaces. Keep reading to discover how to grow, care for, and creatively use black dragon mondo grass in your outdoor oasis.

Ophiopogon 'Black Dragon' (Black Mondo) grass plant.

Ophiopogon Black Dragon

5 from 1 customers

Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Black Dragon' is a variety of black Mondo Grass that is grown for its fine, near black foliage. The foliage is complemented with flower spikes in summer, which bear tiny, lilac flowers as it grows to 15 cm tall and the same width. Ophiopogon 'Black Dragon' looks best when mass-planted and is commonly used in rock gardens, included in borders, grown as a ground cover, planted around outdoor living areas, or grown in containers.

From $8.78

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 15 cm
Spread: 15 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Ophiopogon planiscapus nigrescens (Black Mondo) plants with lush, black foliage.

Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens

5 from 2 customers

Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens, commonly known as Black Mondo Grass, is a clump-forming plant with fine, near black foliage. The foliage is complemented with flower spikes in summer, which bear tiny, pale pink flowers as it grows to 20 cm tall and the same width. Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens nigrescens looks best when mass planted and is commonly used in rock gardens, included in borders, planted as a ground cover, or maintained in a container.

From $8.78

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 20 cm
Spread: 20 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Banks, Borders, Containers, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Cottage, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Ophiopogon japonicus nana (dwarf Mondo grass) growing between paving stones.

Ophiopogon japonicus Nana

Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana' is a dwarf or mini Mondo Grass grown for its delicate, dark green foliage. Flower spikes are borne in summer and bear...

From$9.38
Ophiopogon 'Kyoto' (Dwarf Mondo grass) growing between paving stones.

Ophiopogon Kyoto

Ophiopogon 'Kyoto' is a Dwarf Mondo Grass and grows as a small clump with fine, dark green foliage. Flower spikes appear in summer bearing tiny...

From$6.08
Ophiopogon planiscapus (Mondo Grass) with lush green foliage growing as a ground cover.

Ophiopogon planiscapus

Ophiopogon planiscapus, commonly known as Dwarf Lilyturf, is a Mondo grass grown for its fine, dark green foliage and short stature. The foliage is...

From$6.08
Ophiopogon japonicus Silver Mist grass in a garden.

Ophiopogon Silver Mist (Silver Mondo Grass)

Ophiopogon 'Silver Mist' is a dwarf silver Mondo Grass, and features fine, grass-like foliage that is variegated dark green and white. It typically...

From$6.08
Ophiopogon japonicus (Green Mondo Grass) growing as a groundcover in a woodland garden.

Ophiopogon japonicus

Ophiopogon japonicus, commonly known as green Mondo Grass, is a striking ornamental grass. It grows as a clump and produces a dense tuft of...

From$9.38
Chrysopogon zizanioides grass plants growing alongside a stream.

Chrysopogon zizanioides (Vetiver)

Chrysopogon zizanioides, commonly known as Vetiver Grass or Khus Grass, grows as a clump with lush, dark green foliage and can reach 1.5 m tall and 1...

From$20.18
Lomandra Tankia with lush green foliage bordering a path.

Lomandra 'Tanika'

Lomandra Tanika is a hardy, Australian Native grass that is commonly known as Mat Rush. This grass features fine, deep-green foliage and a graceful...

From$20.18
isolepsis-cernua-1

Isolepis cernua (Fiber-Optic Grass)

Isolepsis cernua (aka Scirpus cernua), commonly known as Fiber Optic Grass, grows as a tidy clump to about 25 cm tall and the same wide with green...

From$16.13
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Rhaphidophora decursiva

Rhaphidophora decursiva, commonly known as the Dragon Tail Plant or Philodendron Dragon, is a climber that features lush foliage and often grown as...

From$52.58
cymbopogon-citratus-4

Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass)

Cymbopogon citratus (aka Andropogon citratus), commonly known as Lemongrass Grass or Citronella Grass, grows as a clump and produces flavoursome and...

From$20.18
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Pittosporum Irish Luck (Black Matipo)

Caring for Sophora 'Goldies Mantle' is simple and low maintenance. Pruning after flowering will help maintain its shape and encourage fresh growth...

From$21.53
Hakonechloa albostriata plant with variegated foliage.

Hakonechloa macra 'Albostriata'

Hakonechloa macra 'Albostriata', commonly known as Japanese Forest Grass, is a stunning ornamental grass. It features variegated green foliage with...

From$22.88
Miscanthus Morning Light growing as a clump with variegated leaves.

Miscanthus 'Morning Light'

Miscanthus 'Morning Light' (Maiden Grass) is a refined ornamental grass valued for its fine narrow foliage edged with silvery white. This elegant...

From$18.83
Zebra grass (Miscanthus 'Zebrinus') leaves with cream and green stripes.

Miscanthus 'Zebrinus'

Miscanthus 'Zebrinus' (Zebra Grass) is a striking ornamental grass recognised for its bold horizontal yellow banding across arching green leaves...

From$21.53
Stunning Wisteria 'Black Dragon' purple and pink flowers.

Wisteria Black Dragon

Wisteria ‘Black Dragon’ is a spectacular flowering climber renowned for its double deep violet purple flowers that hang in dramatic cascading...

From$26.93
Lomandra 'Echidna' grass growing as a mass planting beside a path.

Lomandra Echidna

The Lomandra Echidna grass is a tough and reliable plant with outstanding aesthetics. It features lush, mid-green foliage held upright with a gentle...

From$16.13
Lomandra longifolia plant beside a path with lush, green foliage.

Lomandra longifolia (Basket Grass)

Lomandra longifolia (Basket Grass) is a resilient, evergreen ornamental grass native to Australia. Growing to approximately 60 cm in height and 65 cm...

From$16.13
An elegant Miscanthus sinensis grass with cream-coloured flower plumes and lush green foliage.

Miscanthus sinensis

Miscanthus sinensis is an ornamental grass that grows as a clump of narrow, arching, green leaves. The colouring gives a light silver-green effect to...

From$21.53
Phormium 'Black Pepe' dwarf flax plant.

Phormium 'Black Pepe' (Dwarf Black Flax)

Phormium 'Black Pepe' is a dwarf Flax variety that produces black leaves with a purple overtone. It grows to 60 cm tall and the same wide in full sun...

From$17.48
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Hebe Black Panther

Hebe Black Panther grows as a rounded shrub carrying glossy, green foliage with a purple tone. New leaves emerge with dominant dark purple overtones...

From$24.23
Hebe 'Black Satin' plant with dark foliage and pink flowers.

Hebe Black Satin

Hebe Black Satin is a popular variety of Hebe due to both its colourful foliage and flowers. It grows as a rounded shrub carrying glossy, dark purple...

From$25.58
Canna 'Tropicanna Black' in a garden with red flowers and dark foliage.

Canna 'Tropicanna Black'

Canna 'Tropicanna Black' is a dramatic tropical perennial known for its deep burgundy foliage and vivid red flowers. This bold plant adds strong...

From$22.88
Libertia paniculata plant with white flowers.

Libertia paniculata (Grass Flag)

Libertia paniculata is an elegant evergreen perennial admired for its fine, upright foliage and delicate white flowers that appear in airy clusters...

From$15.86
Liriope spicata 'Silver Dragon' plant with variegated foliage.

Liriope 'Silver Dragon'

Liriope 'Silver Dragon', commonly known as Creeping Lilyturf, produces arching, strap-like leaves which are variegated white and green. Short stems...

From$16.13
Ficus Black Knight growing in a pot with lush, dark foliage.

Ficus Black Knight

Ficus ‘Black Knight’ is a striking indoor plant characterised by its large, glossy leaves, which range from deep green to nearly black tones. This...

From$36.38
Coprosma 'Black Cloud' shrub in a garden with black and green foliage.

Coprosma 'Black Cloud' (Black Coprosma)

Coprosma 'Black Cloud' is a striking evergreen shrub valued for its deep near black foliage and compact growth habit. Well suited to New Zealand...

From$17.48
Lomandra Green Allure plant with lush, green foliage.

Lomandra Green Allure

Lomandra Green Allure is widely used in landscaping projects across NZ. It is commonly mass planted as a ground cover or on a bank, included in...

From$20.18
Carex 'Everlime' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.

Carex 'Everlime' (Lime Grass Plant)

Carex ‘Everlime’ (Japanese Sedge) is a popular evergreen sedge valued for its graceful arching green foliage edged with bright lime cream margins...

From$26.33
Camellia 'Black Magic' red flower.

Camellia Black Magic

Camellia Black Magic produces dark, velvet red, semi-double flowers from spring through early summer. This evergreen produces semi-glossy, green...

From$37.73
Dactylis glomerata plant with a cat.

Dactylis glomerata (Cat Grass)

Dactylis glomerata, commonly known as Cat Grass or Catnip Grass, is a popular grass that is loved by cats. It features flowing, green foliage held as...

From$21.53
Ophiopogon Black Dragon

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Camellia, Canna, Carex, Chrysopogon, Coprosma, Cymbopogon, Dactylis, Ficus, Hakonechloa, Hebe, Isolepis, Libertia, Liriope, Lomandra, Miscanthus, Ophiopogon, Phormium, Pittosporum Rhaphidophora and Wisteria, or related Categories - Deciduous Climbers, Flaxes, Grasses, Mondo Grass, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants Perennials and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search black dragon mondo grass

What is Black Dragon Mondo Grass?

Black dragon mondo grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Black Dragon’) is a compact, evergreen perennial renowned for its dramatic, deep purple-black leaves. Native to East Asia, this variety thrives in a wide range of conditions across New Zealand, from cool coastal areas to warmer urban gardens. It forms neat clumps, growing to about 20-30 cm high, making it ideal for edging garden beds or interplanting among pavers and stepping stones.

If you're looking for related selections, you might also enjoy Ophiopogon Black Dragon, Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens, or Ophiopogon planiscapus, each with unique features to suit different garden styles.

Growing Conditions for Black Dragon Mondo Grass

One of the best things about black dragon mondo grass is its adaptability. It thrives in both full sun and partial shade and tolerates a variety of soil types as long as they are well-drained. While it prefers moderately moist soil, once established, this grass can cope with dry spells, making it a reliable solution for low-maintenance gardens.

Creative Uses for Black Dragon Mondo Grass

Black dragon mondo grass is an outstanding design element thanks to its unique colour and form. Use it to create striking garden borders, pathways, or mass plantings for a dramatic effect. It's also excellent for container gardens, where its compact growth habit and bold foliage serve as a beautiful backdrop for seasonal blooms or contrasting foliage.

For smaller plantings or fairy garden features, consider alternatives like Ophiopogon japonicus Nana, which offers the same lush look in a petite package.

Companion Planting and Landscape Pairings

Pair black dragon mondo grass with silver, white, or green-leaved plants for maximum contrast—popular companions include hostas, ferns, and colourful heucheras. For a cohesive style, explore the architectural look of Ophiopogon Kyoto or the glossy foliage of Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens.

Whether you want a striking groundcover or an accent for pots and borders, black dragon mondo grass is a versatile solution that brings year-round interest to New Zealand gardens. Visit our range of mondo grass varieties to find the perfect match for your next landscaping project.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

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Rhododendron Scented Sun and Coprosma Hawera (Sand Coprosma) are tried and true, but new favourites like Metrosideros 'Lighthouse', Epipremnum Glacier, and Tangelo 'Seminole' (Seminole Tangelo) are just waiting to be discovered.
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