Explore Black Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus Black Dragon), a perennial included in this Canterbury plant reference. Its listed flower colours include pink and black. Foliage colours recorded include purple. Before planting in Christchurch, consider mature size, soil drainage, shelter and how much care the garden will need.
Explore garden maintenance services or contact Dallas Timpson for a quote. Plant supply is not currently offered.
Christchurch planting and maintenance notes
Black mondo grass contributes near-black foliage to edging and underplanting. Its value is the colour contrast at ground level rather than a large seasonal flower show.
Practical care detail
Plant in clumps where the dark foliage is visible against lighter paving or leaves. Clear surrounding weeds carefully to avoid pulling up the shallow-growing clumps.
Plant characteristics at a glance
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Botanical or cultivar name
- Ophiopogon planiscapus Black Dragon
- Common name
- Black Mondo Grass
- Flower colours
- pink and black
- Foliage colours
- purple
- Light mentioned in source
- Not specified
- Flowering season in source
- Summer
- Garden use tags
- Ground cover, Borders & edging, Containers
- NZ native
- Not confirmed in this directory
Colours, seasons and tolerance descriptions are indicative. Flowering and growth can differ with cultivar, weather, soil and the particular garden site.
Where Black Mondo Grass may fit in a Christchurch garden
Combining flowering and foliage plants can extend seasonal interest without assuming everything blooms at once.
Possible uses to explore include ground cover, borders & edging, containers. These are reference tags, not a guarantee of success on every property.
Look at existing hedges, paths, lawn edges and neighbouring plants before deciding where to place it. A compact city garden has different needs from an open rural or restoration planting.
Sun, drainage and local conditions
First establish whether the space gets full sun, partial shade or very little direct light, then check the species' requirements before placing it.
Christchurch sites can combine cold winter nights with hot, drying summer weather. Soil structure, drainage and the amount of shelter are as important as the suburb name.
Before planting, test soil drainage after rain and consider whether winter frosts, easterly winds or summer drying will affect establishment.
Care and maintenance
Mark the plant's position before winter tidy-ups so dormant crowns are not accidentally removed. Remove spent material in a way that suits its growth cycle and avoid constant wetness around the crown.
Watering, feeding and pruning should follow the exact species and site. Observe the plant through the first full growing season; adjust the plan rather than applying the same schedule to every shrub, tree or flower.
Reference and plant identification
This entry draws on factual characteristics in a publicly listed Canterbury nursery catalogue. For identification details and more botanical information, see the Goughs Nurseries listing for Ophiopogon planiscapus Black Dragon ↗. Kiwi Gardeners is independent of the nursery. We do not reproduce its photographs, descriptions or stock claims.
If you are unsure of a cultivar, check the actual plant label and seek horticultural advice before purchasing. Avoid introducing regulated or invasive species, and check local rules where relevant.
Dallas Timpson Garden Services welcomes enquiries about garden maintenance, lawn mowing, garden tidy-ups, pruning and green waste removal. Plant supply is not currently offered through this directory.