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Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'

Image of Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'

James H. Schutte

Family

Liliaceae

Botanical Name

Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'

Plant Common Name

Black Lilyturf, Black Mondo Grass

General Description

An evergreen grass-like plant that actually belongs to the lily family, Mondo grass is native to Japan. The cultivar 'Nigrescens' is distinguished by its striking deep purple leaves and flower stems. It spreads gradually by stout rhizomes to form tufts of strap-shaped foliage. Spikes of small, lavender-white, bell-shaped flowers appear in summer followed by blue-black berry-like fruits.

When grown in sun to part shade in a rich organic well-drained soil, this perennial makes a great edging or small-scale groundcover, contrasting effectively with gold-leaved plants such as Veronica prostrata 'Trehane.' It is also well suited to rock gardens, or as an indoor or outdoor container plant.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    6 - 11

  • Sunset Zone

    H1, H2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Perennial

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    0"-0" / 0.0cm - 0.0cm (8)

  • Bloom Time

    Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer

  • Native To

    Japan

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam

  • Tolerances

    Pollution

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Clump-Forming

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Insignificant

  • Flower Color

    White, Purple

  • Fruit Color

    Dark Blue, Black

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Purple, Black

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Purple, Black

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Purple, Black

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Purple, Black

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Semi-Evergreen

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Container, Edging, Groundcover, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No