Black Mondo Grass
Year-Round Color
Most garden plants have a “season.” That is, they have a time of the year when they look best or do something spectacular. Many rhododendrons, for example, look best while flowering in the spring. Sugar maples are known for their amazing fall colors. Other plants produce beautiful fruit in the summer or fall. There are a few plants, however, that produce color (other than green) all year.
One of those plants with is Black Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’). If you’ve been to Bloedel Reserve, you likely will have noticed this striking plant lining the sides of the stone path that leads from the Reserve’s paved roadway to the Sand and Stone Garden and the Japanese Guest House.
What’s In a Name
Despite its name, the leaves of Black Mondo Grass appear more purple than black. Neither is Black Mondo grass a true grass. It is more closely related to plant species like agave, scilla, and asparagus. When it comes to plant names, however, it is not unusual for the common name of a plant to be derived from its resemblance to other plants. Club moss, for example, is not a moss and may-apple is not an apple.
The native range for Black Mondo Grass is in Japan where it can be found growing on both open and forested slopes. Its foliage reaches about 8” high and, in our Puget Sound lowlands climate, the foliage stays deep purple all year. (In colder hardiness zones, however, the plant’s leaves may degrade over the winter until they are replaced by new leaves in the spring.) The portion of the leaves closer to the stem will often be green, but the purple ends of the leaves visually dominate. In the summer, small, pale, lilac-colored flowers appear, adding a delicate element to the striking foliage.
A Welcome Addition
Despite its unusual appearance, Black Mondo Grass is not a rare species and generally can be found at or ordered from our area nurseries. Gardeners who are looking for a good ground cover would do well to choose Black Mondo Grass. It spreads by underground stems and will fill in slowly without becoming aggressive. In Bloedel’s Japanese Garden, Black Mondo Grass makes a beautiful border planting along the entry path. But it can also be a good companion plant for small trees and shrubs.
As you make your way to the Japanese Garden, take a moment to admire this evergreen specimen (or should we say “ever purple”) that adds spectacular color and drama to the garden all year long.
SIGN UP FOR OUR ENEWSLETTER
Stay up to date on all of the events and activities taking place at Bloedel Reserve.
