How big does Black mondo grass grow?

About 20 cm × 30 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 15–30 cm × 20–30 cm.

What soil does Black mondo grass grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, acidic, sandy, clay.

Is Black mondo grass hardy?

Hardy down to -20 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H6). In the colder parts of the country (Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén, Heves, Nógrád, Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg) it may not survive winter without protection.

When does Black mondo grass flower?

Flowering: June–August, pink, white.

How much water does Black mondo grass need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Black mondo grass cost?

It sells for roughly HUF 2,400 to HUF 4,500 in local shops, depending on size.

Black mondo grass

Ophiopogon planiscapus

Black mondo grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus) is an ornamental grass that reaches 20 cm × 30 cm after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -20 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about HUF 2,400.

Illustration of Black mondo grass — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

Black mondo grass is sold almost only in its black-leaved form: low, grass-like evergreen tufts that stay nearly black all year, so it looks best against pale gravel, stone or lime-green foliage. Small pale pink flowers appear in summer, followed by glossy black berries in autumn. It thickens very slowly, so plant it densely and give it moist, humus-rich soil that is not chalky.

Watch out for

Its hardiness is borderline in Central Europe: in hard frost without snow cover (below roughly -15 to -20 °C) the foliage browns and exposed plants can be killed, so plant it in a sheltered spot, mulch it for winter and move pots somewhere frost-free. It grows extremely slowly and takes years to close up. Slugs and snails may eat the new shoots, the roots rot in standing water, and it scorches in hot sun on dry soil.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 20 cm × 30 cm
Hardiness: down to -20 °C
Foliage: Evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D June–August, pink, white

Group	Ornamental grass
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	20 cm × 30 cm
Ultimate size	15–30 cm × 20–30 cm
Hardiness	down to -20 °C (USDA 6, RHS H6)
Soil	Average garden soil, Acidic, Sandy, Clay
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	June–August, pink, white
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	15 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about HUF 2,400

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
20 cm	approx. HUF 4,000
size not stated	approx. HUF 2,400 – HUF 4,500

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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