Black Mondo Grass Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Kokuryu'
ABOUT
Often referred to as Black Mondo Grass due to its strikingly dark foliage, Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Kokuryu' is a perennial plant with a clump-forming habit. Its leaves are linear and arching, possessing a deep purple-black color that adds a sense of drama to garden settings. The plant bears small, bell-shaped flowers in the summer, which are usually a light pink to white color. After flowering, it may produce dark berry-like fruits that further accentuate its dark foliage. Black Mondo Grass is prized for its texture and contrasting color in garden compositions.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Black Mondo Grass, Black Dragon, Black Lilyturf
Common names
Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Kokuryu'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Black Mondo Grass is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of this plant typically does not lead to serious symptoms or consequences for human health.
To pets
Black Mondo Grass is also not known to be toxic to pets. It is considered safe around pets and does not usually cause any adverse reactions if ingested by cats or dogs. However, ingestion of any plant material can potentially cause mild stomach upset in some pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Dark purple
Flower color
Lavender
Height
6-8 inches (15-20 cm)
Spread
6-12 inches (15-30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Landscape aesthetics: The Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Kokuryu', also known as black mondo grass, provides a striking contrast with its dark purple to black foliage, adding visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Low maintenance: Black mondo grass is a hardy plant that requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for busy gardeners or those with little gardening experience.
- Drought tolerance: It is relatively drought-tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering and making it ideal for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.
- Erosion control: Black mondo grass can help to prevent soil erosion due to its clumping growth habit and strong root system that holds the soil in place.
- Ground cover: It is an excellent ground cover option, filling in spaces and suppressing weeds with its dense foliage.
- Versatility in landscaping: This plant is versatile in design, suitable for borders, edging, containers, and rock gardens, allowing for various uses in the garden.
- Pest resistance: Black mondo grass has good resistance to many common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical pest control measures.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Kokuryu', also known as Black Mondo Grass, can be used to create a contrasting edge along garden paths, emphasizing the geometry of the design.
- In flower arrangements or ikebana, the dark foliage of Black Mondo Grass provides a unique backdrop that makes bright flowers stand out sharply.
- The plant's dense clumps can be utilized as a living mulch to help retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth around larger landscape plants.
- Black Mondo Grass can be planted in between stepping stones or pavers, adding a touch of drama to hardscaped areas with its dark foliage.
- As it can tolerate some foot traffic, it can be used as a lawn alternative in small, shady spaces where grass struggles to grow.
- Its distinctive texture and color make Black Mondo Grass a popular choice for Gothic or Halloween-themed gardens to create a dark, moody atmosphere.
- The plant can be used in containers, where it provides a striking, year-round visual interest against lighter colored companions.
- In water-conserving landscapes, Black Mondo Grass serves as a drought-tolerant groundcover, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- By planting Black Mondo Grass beneath deciduous trees, it can serve as a year-round ground cover that takes advantage of the changing light conditions through the seasons.
- It can be used to accentuate modern or minimalist garden designs, playing off the simplicity and clean lines with its subtle texture and deep color.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant commonly known as Black Mondo Grass is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityBlack Mondo Grass is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: The black mondo grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Kokuryu') is known for its ability to thrive in various conditions, symbolizing the capacity to persevere and adapt.
- Mystery: Its unusual black foliage makes it a symbol of mystery and the unknown, as it is a rare color for plants.
- Protection: Given its dense growth habit, the black mondo grass can also symbolize a protective barrier against negativity and harm.
- Sophistication: The plant's distinctive dark hue can symbolize sophistication and elegance in garden design.
- Contrast: It often represents the idea of contrast, especially when planted alongside lighter or more colorful flowers, thus symbolizing diversity and balance.
WaterBlack Mondo Grass requires consistent moisture, especially during its first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, but should still be watered regularly. Provide about 1 inch of water per week, either through rainfall or manual watering. In hotter, drier climates, increase watering to twice per week, ensuring that soil is moist but not waterlogged. During winter, reduce watering slightly as the plant's growth slows down.
LightBlack Mondo Grass thrives in partial to full shade. It can tolerate morning sun but should be protected from the intense afternoon sun, which can scorch its leaves. Ideally, plant it in a spot where it will receive dappled sunlight or in an area with bright, indirect light to maintain its rich, dark foliage.
TemperatureBlack Mondo Grass is hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as 0°F and as high as 85°F. Its ideal growing conditions range between 60°F to 75°F. This plant's foliage may sustain damage if exposed to temperatures below 0°F without proper winter protection.
PruningPruning Black Mondo Grass is primarily for aesthetic purposes, to remove any brown or damaged leaves and to maintain its neat appearance. This task is best performed in early spring before new growth starts. Prune sparingly, as this slow-growing plant does not require frequent cutting back. It may also be pruned lightly throughout the season to remove any unsightly foliage.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBlack Mondo Grass prefers well-draining soil with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. An ideal soil mix can be created using equal parts of peat, pine bark, and coarse sand to ensure proper drainage and aeration, preventing root rot and encouraging healthy growth.
RepottingBlack Mondo Grass does not require frequent repotting; it can be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container. Spring is the best time for repotting to allow the plant to establish in the new soil before winter.
Humidity & MistingBlack Mondo Grass thrives in moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate a range of humidity conditions. It generally does well in the humidity levels found in most homes without the need for additional humidity control.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with moderate watering.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, well-draining soil, protect from harsh sun.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleOphiopogon planiscapus 'Kokuryu', commonly called Black Mondo Grass, starts its life cycle when its seeds germinate in spring, given moist soil conditions and partial to full shade. After the initial root development, the seedling emerges and begins to form a dense, slowly spreading clump of grass-like foliage, which is initially green but turns to a characteristic dark purple-black as the plant matures. The vegetative growth phase continues over several years, with the plant focusing energies on producing its evergreen foliage and expanding its root system. In mid to late summer, small, inconspicuous purple flowers develop on spikes just above the leaves, followed by the production of dark blue-black berries. These berries can drop to the ground and self-sow, potentially generating new plants if conditions are right. Over time, older clumps can be divided in the spring to propagate new plants and to rejuvenate the parent clumps, continuing the life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The Black Mondo Grass, scientifically known as Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Kokuryu', is commonly propagated through division, which is ideally done in the spring when the plant emerges from dormancy and in the fall as the growing season winds down. To propagate by division, gently lift the clump of Black Mondo Grass out of the ground using a spade, ensuring you have a sizable amount of roots. Once out of the ground, use your hands or a knife to divide the clump into smaller sections, each having at least two or three growing points. Replant these divisions at the same depth they were growing before, spaced about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Water the new plantings thoroughly to help establish the roots in their new location.
