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Gardening
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Great Design Plant: Black Mondo Grass
Skip the mall and spend Black Friday planting this unusual low-maintenance grass
In the spirit of Black Friday, one of the most highly anticipated unofficial American holidays, this week’s plant pick features — you guessed it — a black plant. Black mondo grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens') has gained popularity as one of the most uniquely-hued and easy-to-grow plants out there.
As with many perennial grasses, fall is a great time to plant black mondo grass. Opt for well-drained, humus-rich soil for a favorable planting.
As with many perennial grasses, fall is a great time to plant black mondo grass. Opt for well-drained, humus-rich soil for a favorable planting.
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| Botanical name: Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'; Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Arabicus’; Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Black Night’ Common names: black mondo grass, black lilyturf USDA zones: 5-10 Water requirement: Moderate to regular, depending on climate Sun requirement: Full sun to partial shade Mature size: 12” tall x 12” spread Tolerances: Drought |
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| Distinguishing traits. Striking matte black foliage resembling a sea anemone immediately catches your eye and draws you into the plant. Droopy leaves reach 15" in length, resulting in an overall plant height of up to 10-12". While the grass is somewhat clumping and spreading, overall it will only grow to about 12” in diameter. Evergreen in temperate climates, black mondo provides year-round interest. In early spring new growth emerges in a dark green, quickly transitioning to its standard black. Summer brings minuscule bell-shaped pink, white or lavender flowers which then give way to bluish black berries lasting well into winter. |
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How to use it. Mass plant black mondo grass or use it as a planter accent, along a path, or in a rock garden.
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| Unlike many grasses, black mondo can successfully grow in the shade. Whether planted under an enormous spreading tree or beside a massive boulder, black mondo can serves as a textural contrast to basically any plant or landscape design element out there — particularly lighter foliage colors in a bold chartreuse or deep red. |
| Before you plant. Black mondo is a low-maintenance, cold-hardy and pest-free plant. Plant spring through fall in rich, well-drained soils with medium moisture. As a slow-growing and non-spreading perennial grass, it may take longer for beds to fill out than with other mondo grass varieties. More great design plants: Feather Reed Grass | New Zealand Wind Grass | Red Kangaroo Paw Blue Chalk Sticks | Catmint | Slipper Plant Great design trees: Japanese Maple | Persian Ironwood | Smoke Tree | Bald Cypress | Tree Aloe |
Ideabook published on Nov. 25, 2011.
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Kindof funny...I haven't been around the Houzz much lately and I was going to type AK above for short, but noticed you are now Thorton. Congratulations!!