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Nearly black grass-like foliage of black mondo grass as ground coverGround cover

Ophiopogon planiscapus

Black Mondo Grass

black mondo grassground coverornamental foliageevergreencontrast plant

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.

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Before
After

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

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

Purple flower spikes of lily turf above dark green grass-like foliageGround cover

Liriope 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.

Partial shadeLow20–40 cm
Blue-purple flower spikes of bugleweed as ground cover in shadeGround cover

Ajuga 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.

Partial shadeMedium10–20 cm
Purple-bronze foliage of coral bells in a partial shade borderPerennials

Heuchera 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.

Partial shadeMedium30–50 cm