Black Mondo

Black Mondo (Ophiopogon nigrescens) is a bold groundcover with nearly jet-black, grass-like leaves, 30cm high and wide. Lilac flower spikes appear in the warmer months. It makes a dramatic edging, border or pot plant, and the dark colour stands out against pale gravel, silver foliage or coloured plants.

Why you'll love it

• Near black leaves. The strappy foliage is so dark it reads as black, a colour almost no other garden plant offers.
• Lilac flower spikes. Pale lilac flowers rise through the dark leaves in summer, a pretty contrast.
• A natural contrast plant. It makes coloured foliage and flowering plants look brighter beside it.
• Compact and evergreen. At 30cm by 30cm it forms tidy clumps that stay neat all year.
• Garden or pot. It suits borders, rockeries, underplanting and containers.

Where it works best

Borders and path edging. Plant 20cm apart for a continuous dark band along paths and garden beds. It is slower to spread than green mondo, so closer planting gives you a fuller effect sooner.

Rockeries and gravel gardens. Black leaves against pale stone or gravel makes a graphic contrast.

Mass planting. For a dramatic block of black, plant 20cm apart in a drift beneath shrubs or trees.

Pots. A single pot of black mondo, or a group of three, makes a strong statement on a patio.

Growing Black Mondo in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade suits it. It copes with most climates from the subtropics southward, and frost is no worry. In very hot western sun, give it some afternoon shade.

Soil. It prefers moist, well drained soil. Mulch to hold moisture.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until established, usually around 12 weeks. It tolerates dry conditions but thrives with regular water, and it is less drought tolerant and less vigorous than the green form. A light feed in spring suits it.

Pruning. Very little. Tidy damaged leaves at the base in late winter.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Black Mondo as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives small and slim, and it grows on slowly, so plant it at a close spacing for faster cover. Keep it watered through its first summer.

Our grower does not always have tube stock available. When there is none, this page shows the tube as sold out, and the notify button will email you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Low maintenance ground covers
• Mondo grass: types, spacing and how fast it grows
• Rockery plants
• Grasses and strappy leaf plants

Common questions

Is black mondo really a grass?

No, it is a lily relative with grass-like leaves, which is why it never needs mowing. It forms clumps rather than a lawn.

How fast does it spread?

Slowly. It is less vigorous than the green form, so plant it closely, about 20cm apart, if you want a fuller look in good time.

Can I grow it in a pot?

Yes, it suits container planting. Use a quality potting mix, keep it evenly moist and give it a spot with sun or part shade.