Ophiopogon Black Beard

Description

Ophiopogon ‘Black Beard’ – black mondo grass

Botanical name: Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Black Beard’
Common names: Black mondo grass
Family: Asparagaceae
Plant type: Evergreen grass-like perennial
Habit: Low, clump-forming, spreading by runners
Pot size: 2–3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 20–30cm tall × spreading
Foliage: Strappy, arching, near-black foliage forming striking low clumps; evergreen
Flowers: Small bell-shaped flowers in summer, followed by berries
Scent: Not scented
Aspect / light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Moist but well-drained, humus-rich; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H6 (hardy, to about −20°C); USDA zones 6–9
Exposure: Sheltered
Native range: Selected form; the species is native to Japan
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

Ophiopogon ‘Black Beard’ is a striking black mondo grass with strappy, arching near-black foliage. One of the darkest of all garden plants, it is superb for contrast in borders, containers and modern planting.

GardenAdvice notes

A dramatic evergreen perennial grown for its extraordinary near-black, strappy foliage — among the darkest of any garden plant — ‘Black Beard’ spreads slowly to form low clumps that provide unbeatable contrast against silver, gold or bright green neighbours. Small pinkish flowers are followed by shiny black berries, and the foliage looks good all year.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring or autumn in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in full sun to partial shade. It spreads slowly by underground runners to form a mat, so allow room, or use it as groundcover. Work in compost or leaf mould, and space about 20–25cm apart.

Care & maintenance

Low-maintenance and evergreen. Simply remove any tatty or damaged foliage in spring to freshen it up — it does not need cutting back. Water while establishing and in dry spells. Lift and divide the spreading clumps in spring to increase it or keep it in bounds.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide the spreading clumps or detach rooted runners in spring.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free. Slugs and snails may occasionally graze new growth, and it can look tired in a hard winter but recovers. Otherwise robust and reliable.

Uses in the garden

Superb for dramatic contrast in borders and containers, edging, gravel and modern minimalist planting, and especially striking set against silver, gold or lime-green foliage and pale gravel or paving.

Wildlife value

The small flowers offer minor value to pollinators, and the low evergreen mat provides ground-level cover for insects and small creatures.

Toxicity & safety

Mondo grass is generally regarded as non-toxic to people and pets.

GardenAdvice tip

The near-black foliage of ‘Black Beard’ is one of the best ways to add real drama and contrast to a planting — it looks fabulous against silver, gold or bright green leaves, or pale gravel. The colour is darkest in good light, so give it sun or only light shade; in deep shade it looks more green than black.

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