FLASH SALES: 30% off selected Clematis until Tuesday night!
Share your pictures? Hide split images
I have read and agree the terms and conditions of service.

Ophiopogon planiscapus Black Dragon

Ophiopogon planiscapus Black Dragon
Mondo Grass, Fountain Plant, Monkey Grass, Snake's beard

Be the first to leave a review

Shipping country:

Select delivery date,

and select date in basket

This plant carries a 12 months recovery warranty

More information

Close to Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens', this variety is slightly more compact and slightly more vigorous. It develops splendid ribbons of black leaves that are captivating. Install this perennial preferably in fresh, well-drained and rich soil, in partial shade, although it can tolerate many situations that, however, harm its vigour. Graphic, Ophiopogon is the companion of contemporary, Japanese, shade and gravel gardens. Planting it in a pot suits it very well too. It develops a discreet, but contrasting, very light mauve flowering in summer, followed by a fruiting of bluish berries that adds to its charm.
Height at maturity
15 cm
Spread at maturity
30 cm
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade, Shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -15°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
plantfit-full

Would this plant suit my garden?

Set up your Plantfit profile →

Best planting time March to April, September
Recommended planting time March to May, September to October
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Flowering time July to August
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Description

Black -  it is back: after Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens', discover Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Black Dragon'! Similar to 'Nigrescens', 'Black Dragon' is a slightly more compact and more vigorous cultivar. Indeed, the only criticism that can be made of the splendid 'Nigrescens' is that it is sometimes slow to establish. The only gramineous plants with truly black foliage, these two Ophiopogons develop splendid ribbons of leaves that captivate the eye. Plant this 'Black Dragon' selection preferably in fresh, well-drained and rich soil, in partial shade. Graphic, Ophiopogon is a companion to contemporary, Japanese, shade and gravel gardens. It also thrives in potted plantings. It develops a discreet but contrasting flowering in summer, with a very pale mauve colour, followed by blueberry-like fruits that add to its charm.

Ophiopogon is a perennial herbaceous plant from the lily family, native to shaded thickets and wooded areas in China and Japan. Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Black Dragon', a close relative of Lily of the Valley, forms a small, spreading clump on a compact stump that gradually extends thanks to its suckers in fresh and rich soil, but does not spread much in drier and compact soil. It reaches 15cm (6in) in height and spreads up to 30 to 40cm (12 to 16in) in the long term. At the start of growth, its young linear and arching leaves are a bright green. They quickly take on their definitive bronze colour, so dark that it appears black. These evergreen leaves measure 20 to 25cm (8 to 10in) in length. In early summer, small bell-shaped flowers appear in shades of white, mauve, and pale pink. They are then replaced by cute round and shiny (toxic) berries in a bluish-black colour. Ophiopogon is hardy down to -10 to -15°C (14 to 5°F).

Easy to grow, Ophiopogon tolerates all exposures as long as the soil is well-drained and remains moist. However, it prefers shaded situations. Associate the Ophiopogon, in borders or pots, with Heucheras, ferns, perennial geraniums, or Epimediums.

 

Flowering

Flower colour mauve
Flowering time July to August
Inflorescence Cluster
Flowering description Small bells of white, mauve and pale pink.

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen
Foliage colour black
Foliage description Black. Evergreen.

Plant habit

Height at maturity 15 cm
Spread at maturity 30 cm
Growth rate slow

Botanical data

Genus

Ophiopogon

Species

planiscapus

Cultivar

Black Dragon

Family

Convallariaceae

Other common names

Mondo Grass, Fountain Plant, Monkey Grass, Snake's beard

Origin

West Asia

Planting and care

The 'Black Dragon' Ophiopogon planiscapus appreciates a semi-shaded to shaded location. It also tolerates a sunny exposure, if the rays of the sun are not too intense. Morning sun is preferred. Planting can be done in spring or autumn, in a light soil, without too much limestone, slightly acidic, rich in humus, clayey or sandy, well-drained. It is grown in moist soil and tolerates dry periods or drier soil once well established. In regions with harsh winters, it is highly recommended to place it in a sheltered location from severe frosts and to mulch its base with a good layer of dead leaves from autumn. It requires no care after planting.

 

Planting period

Best planting time March to April, September
Recommended planting time March to May, September to October

Intended location

Suitable for Shaded rockery, Woodland edge, Undergrowth
Type of use Edge of border, Container, Slope
Hardiness Hardy down to -15°C (USDA zone 7b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Planting density 7 per m2
Exposure Sun, Partial shade, Shade
Soil pH Acidic, Neutral
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, Humus-bearing and well-drained

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground

This item has not been reviewed yet - be the first to leave a review about it.

Leave a review →

Summer flowering perennials

Haven't found what you were looking for?