Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

ophiopogon planiscapus nigrescens black mondo

Discover the dramatic beauty of ophiopogon planiscapus nigrescens black mondo, the striking perennial grass also known as Black Mondo Grass. With its unique jet-black, strappy foliage and subtle purple flowers in summer, this versatile ground cover is beloved by New Zealand gardeners for its modern appeal and low maintenance requirements. Whether you're designing a bold border, edging your pathways, or searching for a contrast plant for rock gardens and containers, ophiopogon planiscapus nigrescens black mondo adds a sophisticated touch to a wide range of garden styles.

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.

Ophiopogon planiscapus nigrescens (Black Mondo) plants with lush, black foliage.
  • 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 Silver Mist grass in a garden.
Most Popular 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$6.95
Ophiopogon japonicus (Green Mondo Grass) growing as a groundcover in a woodland garden.
Most Popular 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...

Ophiopogon 'Kyoto' (Dwarf Mondo grass) growing between paving stones.
Most Popular 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...

Ophiopogon japonicus nana (dwarf Mondo grass) growing between paving stones.
Most Popular 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...

Ophiopogon planiscapus (Mondo Grass) with lush green foliage growing as a ground cover.
Most Popular 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...

Carex 'Frosted Curls' plants with elegant green foliage growing in a pot with other plants.
Most Popular Carex Frosted Curls

Carex Frosted Curls is an ornamental grass with slender, hair-like, iridescent foliage that shimmers in light breezes. It typically grows to 30 cm...

From$11.50
Carex comans green plants with dense, green foliage in a garden.
Most Popular Carex comans Green

Carex comans Green is a NZ native, ornamental grass featuring slender and arching, lime green foliage. It grows as a tidy clump to about 40 cm tall...

From$11.50
Acorus gramineus Ogon growing in water beside a rock.
Most Popular Acorus gramineus 'Ogon'

Acorus gramineus 'Ogon' also called Japanese Sweet Flag is a graceful evergreen with striking gold and green blades that brighten damp and shaded...

From$12.95
Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster' grasses as a mass planting and featuring elegant, cream-coloured flower heads as plumes.
Most Popular Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster'

Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster' is a popular ornamental grass known for its upright, clump-forming habit and tall, feathery flower plumes. It grows to...

From$19.95
Imperata 'Red Baron' with colourful, red foliage
Most Popular Imperata Red Baron

Imperata 'Red Baron', commonly known as Japanese Blood Grass, features leaves that are green at the base and become red further up the blade. Through...

From$20.63
Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring Ophiopogon or Mondo Grass. Alternatively, forage through similar ideas like ophiopogon planiscapus niger, and ophiopogon japonicus black.

Search Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens

Why Choose Ophiopogon Planiscapus Nigrescens Black Mondo

Unlike typical green grasses, ophiopogon planiscapus nigrescens black mondo captivates with its intensely dark leaves, forming dense, tidy clumps that look stunning year-round. Its slow, manageable growth habit makes it excellent for borders and mass plantings, while its tolerance for partial shade and a range of soils ensures it thrives with minimal fuss. In summer, delicate spikes of pale lilac to purple flowers peek above the foliage, followed by shiny, black berries. This plant brings eye-catching contrast when paired with silver, green, or variegated companions.

Perfect Partners and Planting Ideas

Black Mondo Grass pairs beautifully with a variety of garden plants. For a textured ground cover combination, plant it alongside Ophiopogon japonicus, which offers lush green foliage for stunning contrast. If you're after a finer, more compact look, consider Ophiopogon japonicus Nana or the delicate tones of Ophiopogon Silver Mist (Silver Mondo Grass). For edging driveways or mixing into rockeries, Ophiopogon Kyoto and Ophiopogon planiscapus are attractive alternatives that complement Black Mondo Grass beautifully.

Try combining ophiopogon planiscapus nigrescens black mondo with fine-leaf sedges like Juncus edgariae (Edgar's Rush) or architectural natives like Bolboschoenus fluviatilis (Kukuraho) for a dramatic effect in wet areas or mass open spaces. For cottage gardens or coastal planting, interplant black mondo with cheerful perennials such as Armeria maritima 'Morning Star White' (Thrift).

Growing and Care Tips

Ophiopogon planiscapus nigrescens black mondo is celebrated for its resilience and adaptability. It prefers humus-rich, moist but well-drained soils, and is happy in full sun to part shade. Black Mondo Grass is drought-tolerant once established, and naturally resistant to most garden pests and diseases. Simply trim back any worn foliage in late winter to keep your clumps looking their best.

For a lush, layered look, consider pairing black mondo with evergreen ground covers and shade lovers such as Liriope 'Blue Skies' or Liriope 'Amethyst', both of which offer lovely blooms and contrasting foliage.

Transform Your Garden with Black Mondo Grass

Enhance your landscape with the bold form and distinctive style of ophiopogon planiscapus nigrescens black mondo. Whether you’re creating modern borders or adding interest to shady corners, this elegant grass delivers drama and structure in every season. Explore our full range of mondo grasses for more inspiration and companion planting options.


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.

–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

445 Google reviews