Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ black mondo grass

Description

Part of the Village Green Collection. Native to Japan, ‘Nigrescens’ – commonly called black mondo grass or black lily-turf –  is most noted for producing narrow, linear, grass-like, blackish-purple leaves (to 3/16” wide) which appear in arching clumps rising to 8-12” tall. Clumps are somewhat shorter than those of species plants. Leaves appear almost black in many lighting situations. This cultivar may have the blackest foliage of any perennial. Makes an excellent accent plant in the garden; also works great in borders and edges. White, bell-shaped flowers (to 1/4” long) with pink to lilac tinting bloom in summer. Globular dark purple berries mature in fall. Hardy to Zones 6-9. Photo courtesy of Missouri Botanical Garden.