GLEAMING BLADES

Commonly known as black mondo grass or black lilyturf, Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ is a small, evergreen perennial that forms dense tufts of slender, arching, purple-green leaves that turn inky-black when grown in full sun. In summer, racemes of tiny, bell-shaped, pale mauve flowers emerge, followed by gleaming, dark purple berries. It does particularly well in full sun and partial shade, planted in slightly acidic soil that is moist, but well drained. The compact grass can reach a height of up to 8in (20cm) and spreads slowly to 12in (30cm) wide. The ebony leaves pair particularly well with the bright green fronds of ferns, and it is best grown in a rock garden or raised bed, where its dwarf habit can be seen. In winter, delicate fringes of crystalline frost coat the outline of the slender leaves in an icy sheen, and opalescent crystals give the plant a silvery hue that vanishes with the light of the sun.