Ground coverOphiopogon planiscapus
Black Mondo Grass
Black Mondo Grass is a striking ground cover with nearly black, grass-like foliage that is unique in the plant world. Small white to light purple flowers appear in summer, followed by glossy black berries. The plant is evergreen and provides a stunning contrast with light-coloured neighbours.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Partial shade
- Water
- Medium
- Height
- 15–25 cm
- Spread
- 20–30 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 6–10
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Evergreen
- Yes
- Flower colors
- white
- Wildlife value
- bees
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in partial shade in moist, well-drained soil. Keep the soil evenly moist but avoid waterlogging. The plant grows slowly and needs patience to establish. Mulch in winter for protection against severe frost.
Pruning tips
Remove any damaged or bleached leaves in spring to keep the plant tidy. Divide every three to four years to encourage spread. Otherwise, barely any pruning needed.
Good companions
Ground coverLiriope muscari
Lily Turf
Lily Turf is a robust evergreen ground cover with grass-like dark green foliage and striking purple flower spikes in late summer. The plant forms dense clumps that suppress weeds effectively. After flowering, decorative black berries appear and persist through winter.
Ground coverAjuga reptans
Bugleweed
Bugleweed is a robust ground cover that spreads rapidly through runners. From April to June, dense spikes of blue-purple flowers rise above the dark green, glossy foliage. The plant is evergreen and forms a continuous carpet within a single growing season.
PerennialsHeuchera micrantha
Coral Bells
Coral Bells is an elegant perennial prized primarily for its striking foliage in shades of purple, bronze and green. The delicate flower stems carry airy clusters of white or pink bells in summer. The plant is evergreen and provides year-round colour.