Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ - often called black mondo grass or dragon grass - brings bold, jet-black leaves to your garden, but despite the name, it’s not actually a grass. This quirky perennial is part of the asparagus family, growing from underground rhizomes and producing delicate mauve flowers from June to August, followed by shiny black berries in autumn.
Its glossy, truly black blades stand out in any planting scheme - far darker than most so-called “black” plants.
For the best display, don’t plant it alone against bare winter soil, as its dark foliage can disappear into the background. Instead, team it with contrasting partners: grasses, ferns, plants with silver leaves, or vibrant red winter stems. Bright flowers – think cyclamen, crocus, or especially white snowdrops – also make great companions.
For the deepest colour, grow ‘Nigrescens’ in full sun and moist but well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It handles part shade, too, and works well as a slow-spreading ground cover. Top dress with leaf mould in autumn to keep plants fed and protected through winter. Plant height: 20cm. Spread: 30cm.
Four smart ways to use ophiopogon ‘Nigrescens’
Edge a path with box balls
Show off formal paths or patios by creating a smart border. Plant a row of dwarf box (Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’, H: 90cm) trimmed into neat topiary balls in August. Underplant with ophiopogon ‘Nigrescens’, then add a backdrop of blue Festuca glauca and tuck in red tulip bulbs for a burst of spring colour.
Pair with silver-leaved brunnera
Against silver foliage, the black blades of ophiopogon really pop. Try it with Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’ (H: 40cm, S: 60cm) or use as ground cover beneath Stachys byzantina ‘Silver Carpet’ for a lush, low-maintenance combo.
Mix with snowdrops and colourful stems
Ophiopogon looks especially good in winter pots. Plant alongside small white snowdrops, such as ‘S. Arnott’ (H: 20cm, S: 10cm), for crisp contrast. To boost the impact, add stems of fiery red cornus ‘Midwinter Fire’ at the back.
Combine with autumn colchicums
Switch things up for autumn by pairing ophiopogon with pink-flowered colchicums (H: 15cm, S: 10cm), which bloom from September to October. Plant in full sun, burying the bulbs 15cm deep for best results.
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