Black Mondo Grass Ophiopogon planiscapus Black Beard = 'Yapard' (PBR)
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ABOUT
The Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Black Beard' (often referred to by its common name, the Black Mondo Grass) is a distinctive ornamental plant that boasts a dramatic, dark foliage. The grass-like leaves are a deep, almost jet-black color, offering a striking contrast to lighter colored plants in a garden setting. Its dense, tufted habit forms a lush groundcover of narrow, strap-like leaves, which emerge with a slight purplish tinge before maturing to their signature ebony tone. As the seasons progress, the Black Mondo Grass produces small, inconspicuous flowers that can range in color from white to pale lilac. These blooms may be followed by shiny, dark berries that contribute an additional element of visual interest to the plant's appearance. The overall look of the Black Mondo Grass is elegant and modern, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to create a nuanced landscape with plants of varying textures and colors.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae.
Synonyms
Black Mondo Grass, Black Dragon, Ebony Knight.
Common names
Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens', Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Arabicus', Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Kokuryu'
ToxicityTo humans
The most common common name of Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens', commonly known as Black Mondo Grass, does not appear on lists of toxic plants for humans. It is generally considered non-toxic, so accidental ingestion is unlikely to cause any severe symptoms of poisoning. However, it is still advisable to not consume any part of ornamental plants due to potential individual allergic reactions or upset stomach.
To pets
The Black Mondo Grass is not considered toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. If a pet were to ingest parts of the plant, it's unlikely to result in serious poisoning. However, since pets can have unpredictable reactions and sensitivities, monitoring for any signs of gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, is recommended if ingestion occurs. As with any non-food plant, it's best to prevent pets from chewing on it to avoid any potential issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Black
Flower color
Lavender
Height
6-8 inches (15-20 cm)
Spread
6-8 inches (15-20 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Black Beard' offers a striking dark foliage that provides a dramatic contrast in the garden.
- Low Maintenance: This plant is known for its ease of care, requiring minimal upkeep once established.
- Drought Tolerance: It is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and for gardens in arid climates.
- Shade Tolerance: This variety can thrive in partial shade, making it a versatile option for different garden spots.
- Groundcover: Its dense growth habit makes it an effective groundcover, which can help to suppress weeds and cover bare spots.
- Year-Round Interest: It maintains its foliage throughout the year, providing consistent garden interest across seasons.
- Soil Erosion Control: The dense, mat-forming characteristic helps to reduce soil erosion, especially on slopes.
- Urban Tolerant: It can tolerate urban pollution and is therefore well-suited for city gardens and landscapes.
- Container Gardening: Suitable for containers, it adds texture and color to patio pots and balcony planters.
- Wildlife Friendly: While not primarily planted for wildlife, its flowers may attract pollinators such as bees.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ophiopogon planiscapus Black Beard, commonly known as Lilyturf or Black Mondo Grass, can be used as an ink dye due to its deep purple-black foliage, providing a unique natural coloring agent for artists and crafters.
- The striking dark leaves contrast beautifully with light pavement or gravel when used as edging alongside walkways or driveways to create a visually appealing landscape design.
- Black Mondo Grass is effective in container gardens where it adds a dramatic touch with its foliage, pairing well with brightly colored or silver-leaved plants.
- Its dense growth habit makes it appropriate for use as a living mulch, suppressing weeds while adding aesthetic value to garden beds.
- This plant is suitable for planting between stepping stones where its hardy nature tolerates foot traffic, providing a lush, ornamental ground cover.
- Used in Japanese garden designs, it adds depth and texture while complementing the minimalist aesthetic associated with such gardens.
- Lilyturf's unique coloring provides a stunning backdrop for photography, especially for macro and plant photography enthusiasts.
- The foliage, when dried, can be incorporated into floral arrangements and wreaths, offering a twist on traditional greenery with its dark hue.
- As a water-conserving plant, Black Mondo Grass is ideal for xeriscaping, requiring minimal irrigation once established, making it a wise choice for drought-prone areas.
- It can be used in fantasy-themed gardens to simulate a 'dark' or 'mystical' ambiance, playing into themes of magic and the enchanting.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Black Mondo Grass is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Black Mondo Grass is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Mystery: Black Mondo Grass, with its dark foliage, is often associated with mystery and the unknown due to its unique and striking color.
- Sophistication: The elegant appearance of the plant's dark, almost black leaves evokes a sense of sophistication and can represent luxury or high class.
- Protection: Plants are often viewed as protective elements in a garden, and the dense, clumping nature of Black Mondo Grass can suggest a barrier or a protective shield.
- Contrast: Its ability to stand out and contrast with brighter flora can symbolize difference, uniqueness, or the value of diversity.
WaterThe Black Mondo Grass should be watered regularly, especially during its growing season in spring and summer, to maintain consistently moist soil. Generally, it's best to water this plant once a week, but this can vary depending on climate conditions. Apply approximately one gallon of water per square yard each week, making sure the water penetrates the root zone deeply. During the hotter months, you may need to increase the frequency to keep the soil from drying out, but always check the soil moisture before adding water. In winter, reduce watering, providing just enough to prevent the soil from becoming completely dry.
LightBlack Mondo Grass prefers partial shade to full sun, thriving best in spots that receive morning sunlight and afternoon shade. Avoid placing it in locations with intense, direct sunlight all day, as this can scorch the leaves. An ideal spot would have dappled sunlight or light shade, allowing the plant to exhibit its full color potential without being stressed by too much sun.
TemperatureBlack Mondo Grass is hardy in temperatures ranging from about 0 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, with its ideal growing range being between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. While it can survive brief dips below freezing, prolonged exposure to temperatures below 0 degrees can be damaging. To encourage optimal growth, position the plant where it can enjoy moderate temperatures without exposure to extreme cold or heat.
PruningPruning Black Mondo Grass is typically done to remove any dead or damaged foliage and to maintain its tidy appearance. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Simply trim away any brown tips or dead leaves with sharp scissors or shears. Pruning is not often required but doing so annually can rejuvenate the plant and encourage denser, healthier growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBlack Mondo Grass prefers well-draining soil with a mixture of loam, peat, and sand; aiming for a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5 to 6.5 will support optimal growth.
RepottingBlack Mondo Grass does not require frequent repotting and can be done every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound.
Humidity & MistingBlack Mondo Grass thrives best in average humidity conditions but is adaptable and can tolerate a range of humidity levels typically found in home environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and maintain consistent moisture.
Outdoor
Plant in partial to full shade, ensure well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleOphiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens', commonly known as Black Mondo Grass, starts its life as a seed, which under favorable conditions such as warm temperatures and moist soil, will germinate and develop into a seedling. The seedling grows into a mature plant by developing a network of roots and grass-like leaves that are characteristically dark purple to black in color. This perennial plant will reach maturation in one to three years, at which point it may begin to flower during summer, producing small bell-shaped flowers, typically followed by blue-black berries. The plant continues to grow and spread slowly by rhizomes, underground stems that grow horizontally and give rise to new shoots. As a hardy perennial, Black Mondo Grass will enter a period of dormancy in the fall and winter, where above-ground growth slows or ceases and the plant conserves energy. Following winter, the cycle renews with fresh growth in the spring, continuing for many years as the plant maintains its life through vegetative reproduction and occasional seeding.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens', commonly known as Black Mondo Grass, is through division. This is best done in the spring as the new growth begins to emerge. To propagate by division, the gardener should gently dig up an established clump of Black Mondo Grass and carefully separate the plants into smaller sections, each with a portion of roots attached. These divisions can then be replanted into prepared soil, spacing them about 6 to 8 inches (approximately 15 to 20 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Water the new plantings well to help establish the root system. This method of propagation is simple and effective, allowing for quick multiplication of the plants while maintaining the unique characteristics of the parent plant.
