Growing Black Mondo Grass: Tips at a Glance
Black mondo grass has a confusing name; it's a spiky flowering perennial that is drought tolerant and performs well as a ground cover, its dark leaves a pleasing foil to greenery.
- Type Flowering ground cover
- Lifespan Perennial
- USDA Zones 5-10
- Light Sun to shade
- Water Consistent moisture
- When to Plant Autumn
- Design Tip Dramatic black leaves
- Companions Chartreuse, purple
- Peak Season Halloween, of course
Black Mondo Grass: A Field Guide
Despite the appearance of the word “grass” in its common name and the fact that its leaves look like blades of grass, mondo grass is a perennial ground cover in the Ruscaceae family (just like other chameleons such as Liriope and Carex).
Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ is a big name for such a low-growing plant. Black mondo grass lives up to its grand moniker, however, with evergreen, tufty charm. We like to use it as a dark, ornamental edging grass in the garden or in containers (where its black blades contrast beautifully with purple foliage and flowers). Bonus: black mondo grass is deer-resistant.
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