Unpack bare roots or rhizomes on arrival and plant them within a week. Until then, keep them somewhere cool and ensure the roots remain slightly moist, never wet.
Out of season
Ophiopogon
'Nigra'
black lilyturf
Go contemporary and flaunt this little black number with confidence, Ophiopogon 'Nigra' is popular, goes with anything and, best of all, easy to grow and long-lasting. This is a great value plant for filling a space with texture and sleek colour. Although the leaves are virtually jet back, their narrow, strap-like shape and natural sheen means that each blade catches the light with a silver tone. Ophiopogon, also known as lilyturf or mondo grass, is evergreen so this silver and black medley lasts all year round. In summer it’s joined by upright flower spikes in a pretty shade of lilac-mauve.
This hardy perennial also benefits wildlife. The flowers attract pollinators and, after flowering, Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigra' bears shiny, black berries, which blackbirds and other fruit-loving birds will adore. This year-round grass can be combined with different flowers all through the year, such as spring-flowering Anemone blanda to add a blue tone, hardy geraniums with purple or pink blooms make a nice plant neighbour for summer, or a jet of vibrant nerines above them in autumn. Ophiopogon 'Nigra' is a compact ornamental grass, when mature it reaches a height of up to 30cm. It spreads gradually over time, eventually filling the gap it’s given with its dense tufts of black foliage.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Remove the packaging straight away, check the compost and water thoroughly if dry. Check the plant’s hardiness before placing it outdoors. Plant into a border or permanent container within a month, choosing the position recommended for the variety. Keep the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil, firm gently and water well.
Soak the roots in water for three to six hours immediately before planting. Keep any crown, buds or emerging shoots above the water where possible.
Pot most bare roots into 15–20cm pots filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. Large or depth-sensitive roots, including peonies, are often best planted directly into borders.
Arrange the roots naturally without bending them. Cover the roots completely, positioning the crown and buds at the depth recommended for that particular perennial.
Keep pots in a sheltered outdoor position and water whenever the compost begins to dry. Grow on until roots hold the compost together when lifted from the pot.
Plant into a suitable border or permanent container once well rooted. Add a label and water regularly throughout the first growing season while the perennial establishes.
- Botanical name
-
Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Kokuryū'
Ophiopogon 'Nigrescens' - Flower colour
- Near-black
- Established height
- 20-30cm
- Established spread
- 30-50cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Upright
Clump-forming - Hardiness
- Half hardy
- Leaf colour
- Near-black
- Mouse resistant
- Yes
- Plant size
- 1
- Plant spacing
- 5 plants per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- No
- Position
-
Sheltered
Exposed - Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
-
Free draining
Dry - Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Loam-based compost
Multipurpose compost
Stony - Suitable for
-
Borders
Coastal gardens
Cottage gardens
Gravel gardens
Large containers
Low maintenance gardens
Cut flower gardens
Wildlife gardens - Sunlight
- Full sun
- Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 2-3 years
Good for cutting
RHS Recommended
Perennial
Packed peat-free
Drought tolerant
Low maintenance
Attracts wildlife
-40%
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