Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ – black mondo grass – Poaceae

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Class summary:  Tough, evergreen plant, stemless, rhizome forming. In shade, the leaf is more green, in the sun, the leaf is more purple/black. Has white stripes on leaf. It can be small and not as substantial, along with being expensive (1#16.99) and in demand. Slow growing but it is tough and tolerates shade. Blue to black fruit.

Site: Rich, humus, well-drained, medium moist soil. Full sun to part shade. Pink/white flowers bloom in July to August. Zone 6-9. Around a foot tall. Can be used as a groundcover, feature, border, rockgarden.

Aesthetic Notes: The attraction of this plant is that the colour of the grass is so unusual and striking. The form is tricky since it is small and dark. However, I think drawing attention to the black grass will help make a place for it. In a zen inspired garden, contrasted by light sand or rocks could work. Or in a rock garden, with light pinkish white flowering plants.