Product Description
Ophiopogon p. 'Arabicus'
aka 'Kokuryu', 'Ebony Knight' and 'Nigrescens'
Common Name: mondo grass
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Asparagaceae
Zone: 6 to 9
Height: 0.75 to 1.00 feet
Spread: 0.75 to 1.00 feet
Bloom Time: July to August
Bloom Description: Pink
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Suggested Use: Ground Cover
Tolerate: Drought
Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Arabicus' (or 'Kokuryu'), a striking variety of Black Mondo Grass. This evergreen perennial is renowned for its dramatic, almost black foliage, making it a standout in any garden.
Appearance and Characteristics:
- Deep purple-black foliage: The defining feature of 'Arabicus' is its deep purple-black, strap-like leaves that form dense, mounding clumps. This dark foliage creates a striking contrast against other plants, adding a touch of drama and elegance to your garden.
- Low-growing habit: It is a compact, low-growing plant, typically reaching a height of 6-12 inches, making it suitable for various garden settings.
- Fine-textured foliage: The narrow, grass-like leaves create a fine-textured appearance, adding visual interest to the garden.
- Small, inconspicuous flowers: In summer, it produces small, pale pink or white flowers that are often hidden amongst the foliage. These are followed by shiny, blue-black berries in the fall.
Growing Conditions and Care:
- Adaptable to sun and shade: 'Arabicus' is a versatile plant that thrives in both full sun and partial shade. It can tolerate a wide range of light conditions, making it suitable for various garden locations.
- Well-drained soil: Prefers well-drained soil, but it can tolerate a range of soil types. It is important to avoid waterlogged conditions, as this can lead to root rot.
- Drought tolerant: Once established, it is quite drought tolerant, making it a low-maintenance choice for water-wise gardens.
- Low maintenance: Requires minimal care. You can trim back any dead or brown foliage in late winter or early spring to tidy it up.
- Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 5-9, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.
Benefits:
- Dramatic foliage: The deep purple-black foliage creates a striking contrast and adds a touch of drama to the garden.
- Versatile: Can be used as a groundcover, border plant, edging, or in containers.
- Weed suppression: The dense growth habit helps to choke out weeds.
- Deer and rabbit resistant: Unpalatable to most browsing animals.
- Low maintenance: Requires minimal care once established.
Uses:
- Groundcover: Creates a striking, dark groundcover that contrasts beautifully with other plants.
- Borders and edging: Provides a dramatic edge for pathways or flower beds.
- Rock gardens: Adds a unique textural element to rock gardens.
- Containers: Can be grown in containers, adding a touch of drama to patios and balconies.
- Asian-inspired gardens: Complements the aesthetic of Japanese-style gardens.
Important Note:
- Correct Name: While often sold as Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Arabicus', the correct cultivar name is Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Kokuryu', which translates to "Black Dragon."
Overall, Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Arabicus' (or 'Kokuryu') is a fantastic choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance, dramatic, and versatile plant for their gardens. Its dark, evergreen foliage adds a touch of elegance and sophistication, making it a standout in any landscape.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
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black mondo
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