Ophiopogon planiscapus (Ebony Night, Black Dragon) 'NIGER'

Mondo grass is a highly attractive evergreen perennial from China and Japan. It is cultivated for handsome, strap-like foliage. Niger is a variety offering narrow, flat, grass-like leaves of extremely deep purple, almost black leaves. In midsummer appear small, light pink flowers on short stems followed by glossy, black berries. The plants make dense tufts and unless young plants are removed and transplanted, they slowly form a unique groundcover.

Thanks to its unusual foliage of dark colour mondo grass looks best when mulched with decorating sand, pebbles, or light-coloured gravel. Grow it in moist but well-drained, fertile, slightly acid soil in full sun or partial shade. Ideal for rockeries, as well as beds and borders with dwarf plants of different leaf colour. It is reliably hardy to about -24°C (USDA zone 6) if protected from excess winter wet.

Last update: 25-02-2013