Black Mondo Grass: A Striking Groundcover for Your Garden.
Black mondo grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’) is a unique, purple-black groundcover that rewards patience with its stunning color. The plant’s deep, glossy leaves maintain their rich black hue throughout the season, making it a standout “evergreen” option that adds an unusual and attractive element to winter gardens. Unlike some groundcover plants that can become invasive, black mondo grass is well-behaved, except for its close relative, Ophiopogon japonicus, which can spread aggressively in southern states. To highlight the beauty of black mondo grass, consider pairing it with complementary companion plants.
Hellebores: Ideal Companions for Black Mondo Grass
Hellebores (Helleborus spp.) are excellent companions for black mondo grass. These perennials bloom in early spring, sometimes while snow is still on the ground. With flowers that can appear as early as December, hellebores offer a range of colors, and their evergreen foliage begins to show vibrancy in late winter. The green-blue leaves of Majorcan hellebore (Helleborus lividus) would create a striking contrast against the dark leaves of black mondo grass.
Given the slow-spreading nature of black mondo grass, hellebores can be planted relatively close by. Both plants are clumping perennials and can be easily divided if they grow too large. For a dramatic display, consider black or pink-flowering hellebores such as ‘Wedding Party’, ‘New York Night’, or ‘Arthur’s Black Buttercup’ for black blooms, and ‘Pink Frost’, ‘Royal Heritage’, or ‘Paris in Pink’ for pink hues. However, it’s important to note that hellebores are highly toxic if ingested by humans.
Heuchera: Adding Colorful Contrast to Your Garden
Another excellent companion for black mondo grass is heuchera, also known as coral bells or alumroot. This foliage plant offers a striking contrast to the slender blades of black mondo grass. Heuchera is one of the most colorful non-flowering plants you can add to your garden. In spring, it emerges with clusters of leaves that feature veined patterns and scalloped edges. By late spring, the plant produces delicate stems of tiny flowers that last several weeks, ranging in color from white to red.
As summer progresses, heuchera’s leaves grow larger and create a spectacular foliage display. This plant comes in a wide variety of cultivars, many with vibrant foliage that shifts color throughout the season. When paired with black mondo grass, heuchera offers dramatic contrast options, including chartreuse, burgundy, bronze, orange, and red.
Red, bronze, and orange-leaved varieties of heuchera, like the red and pink-toned ‘Georgia Peach’ or the vivid orange-peach shades of ‘Sweet Tea’ (a heucherella, which is a cross between heuchera and tiarella), provide bold visual interest. For those looking to maintain the dark violet theme of black mondo grass, purple-leaved varieties like ‘Palace Purple’ or the deep violet ‘Forever Purple’ are ideal choices. For a more natural look, consider ‘Dale’s Strain’, with frosty green leaves accented by deep purple veins, or ‘Dolce Spearmint’, a silvery pale green variety with lovely pink flowers.
These companion plants not only enhance the visual appeal of black mondo grass but also create a dynamic and colorful garden that evolves with the seasons.