Ophiopogon planiscapus Black Dragon

Black -  it is back: after Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens', discover Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Black Dragon'! Similar to 'Nigrescens', 'Black Dragon' is a slightly more compact and more vigorous cultivar. Indeed, the only criticism that can be made of the splendid 'Nigrescens' is that it is sometimes slow to establish. The only gramineous plants with truly black foliage, these two Ophiopogons develop splendid ribbons of leaves that captivate the eye. Plant this 'Black Dragon' selection preferably in fresh, well-drained and rich soil, in partial shade. Graphic, Ophiopogon is a companion to contemporary, Japanese, shade and gravel gardens. It also thrives in potted plantings. It develops a discreet but contrasting flowering in summer, with a very pale mauve colour, followed by blueberry-like fruits that add to its charm.

Ophiopogon is a perennial herbaceous plant from the lily family, native to shaded thickets and wooded areas in China and Japan. Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Black Dragon', a close relative of Lily of the Valley, forms a small, spreading clump on a compact stump that gradually extends thanks to its suckers in fresh and rich soil, but does not spread much in drier and compact soil. It reaches 15cm (6in) in height and spreads up to 30 to 40cm (12 to 16in) in the long term. At the start of growth, its young linear and arching leaves are a bright green. They quickly take on their definitive bronze colour, so dark that it appears black. These evergreen leaves measure 20 to 25cm (8 to 10in) in length. In early summer, small bell-shaped flowers appear in shades of white, mauve, and pale pink. They are then replaced by cute round and shiny (toxic) berries in a bluish-black colour. Ophiopogon is hardy down to -10 to -15°C (14 to 5°F).

Easy to grow, Ophiopogon tolerates all exposures as long as the soil is well-drained and remains moist. However, it prefers shaded situations. Associate the Ophiopogon, in borders or pots, with Heucheras, ferns, perennial geraniums, or Epimediums.