Black Ophiopogon - Ophiopogon planiscapus Nigrescens

The Ophiopogon planiscapus Nigrescens is a young grass-like plant with black leaves, which sets it apart from other plants.

A perennial ground cover plant, often mistaken for a grass, Ophiopogon Nigrescens is a close relative of lily of the valley. Much less suckering than lily of the valley, it forms a compact stump that suckers in cool and fertile soil but does not spread much in drier and compact soil.

Its foliage, black, is evergreen, measuring 20 to 25cm (7.9 - 9.8 in) in length. In summer, inflorescences of 25cm (9.8 in) in length appear. The flowers are pale pink and contrast beautifully with the foliage.

Easy to grow, pair Ophiopogon, in borders or pots, with heucheras, ferns, perennial geraniums or epimediums.