Where To Plant And How To Grow And Care For Ophiopogon Planiscapus Nigrescens (Black Mondo Grass, Black Lilyturf, Black Spider Grass, Monkey Grass)

Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ or, as more commonly known, black mondo grass, brings a dramatic purple-black – sometimes almost jet black – colour to the garden. Set against green foliage, it adds depth and interest with its distinctive dark spidery leaves. The information below will help you to where best to plant and how to grow and care for this ornamental grass perennial.

Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ is also known as black spider grass, black lilyturf or monkey grass. Though not a true grass, it provides a dense carpet of elegant grass-like foliage that is evergreen, deer resistant and low maintenance. It has attractive small dark flowers that bloom in late summer and early autumn, followed by purple-black jewel-like berries. The black mondo grass is suitable as an edging plant, groundcover, container gardening and just about perfect for a section that needs dense low foliage with minimum care that is easy to control. Black mondo grass is not only popular for its dynamic colour contrast in a garden but for its easy care. It is native to East Asia. Black mondo grass is not toxic to pets.