Black Mondo Grass Ground Cover | Dramatic Dark Foliage

Black Mondo Grass

1 Gallon

$19.90

$19.90 $0.00

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Black Mondo Grass

Ophiopogon planiscapus, Black Lily-Turf

A unique, clump-forming perennial with striking black foliage, perfect for adding dramatic contrast and sophistication.

$19.90

$19.90 $0.00

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Black Mondo Grass is a bold ornamental ground cover prized for its deep, near-black foliage and refined, grass-like texture. It creates dramatic contrast in the landscape, making lighter plants and hardscape materials stand out with striking visual impact.

This slow-growing, clumping perennial is well suited for borders, pathways, and accent plantings in contemporary, Asian-inspired, and minimalist garden designs. In summer, small pale lavender flowers may appear, followed by decorative dark berries, adding subtle seasonal interest.

Adaptable to a range of California climates, Black Mondo Grass performs best in well-draining soil with regular moisture during establishment. It tolerates partial shade and can handle full sun in coastal and mild inland areas when protected from extreme heat.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Features:Foliage: Narrow, strap-like, almost black to deep purple-black leaves forming dense, low clumps. Flowers: Small, bell-shaped, pale pink to white flowers in summer, followed by glossy black berries.Habit: Shade-loving evergreen perennial with a slow-spreading, clumping habit.
Mature Height: 6–8 in
Mature Width: 10–12 in
Growth Rate: Slow
Light Needs: Partial to full shade (best color develops with some light)
Key Advantages:Striking dark foliage creates dramatic contrast in the garden.Low-maintenance and unique ground cover.Tolerant of a variety of soil conditions.Deer and rabbit resistant
Landscape Uses:Ground cover in shaded areas.Edging along pathways and borders.Contrast planting in rock gardens.Container and patio gardens.Accent in mixed plantings for foliage color

Q: How do I keep the foliage truly black?
A: The color is darkest in cooler temperatures (spring/fall) and with ample sunlight(at least partial sun). In too much deep shade, the foliage may appear more dark green than black. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen.

Q: Is it evergreen?
A: Yes, it is evergreen in mild climates (Zone 7-10). In colder zones, the foliage may die back but usually returns in spring. In Zone 9a, it remains evergreen year-round.