Ophiopogon planiscapus Ebony Knight

Ebony Knight Mondo Grass

Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Ebony Knight’
Ebony Knight Black Mondo Grass

Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Ebony Knight’ is a low, grass-like evergreen perennial used as a dramatic groundcover or edging plant. It forms dense, clumping tufts of narrow, arching, purple-black to nearly black foliage. Small bell-shaped white to pale lilac flowers appear in summer, followed by dark purple-black berries that are often tucked within the foliage. Although it looks like an ornamental grass, mondo grass is not a true grass.

Type: Evergreen perennial / grass-like groundcover
Mature Size: 6–12 in. wide × 6–12 in. tall
USDA Zones: 6a–10b, sometimes listed as hardy into 5b with protection
Form: Dense, clumping, arching tufts; spreads slowly by rhizomes
Light: Part sun to part shade; best dark foliage color with some sun, especially morning sun
Soil / Water: Moist, well-drained soil; prefers consistent moisture but not wet, heavy soil
Bloom Time / Length: Summer, often July–August; about 2–4 weeks
Wildlife: Flowers may attract small bees; berries can be eaten by birds, but ornamental value is mostly foliage

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for edging walkways, small-scale groundcover, rock gardens, containers, shade gardens, and contrast planting with gold, silver, chartreuse, or variegated foliage. Its black foliage is especially useful for creating color contrast in mixed perennial beds. It is slow-growing, compact, and deer resistant once established.

Care:
Plant in well-drained soil and water regularly during establishment. Avoid hot, dry sites, especially in full afternoon sun. Trim away winter-damaged foliage in early spring before new growth pushes. Divide mature clumps in spring if needed. Mulch lightly to conserve moisture, but do not bury the crown.

Plant type

Ornamental Grass

Height

6-12"

Width

6-12"

Hardiness zones

6–10

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Summer

Flower color

Lavender, White

Leaf color

Black

Fall color

Black

Attracts

Bees, Birds

Soil

Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Container, Mass Planting, Pond Edge

Shape

Arching, Clump

Drought tolerant

No