- Botanical name: Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'
- Family: Convallariaceae
- Plant Type: Perennial
Purple
Black
- Key features:
- Dramatic foliage
- Flowers
Also known variously as ‘Black Dragon’, ‘Ebony Knight’, or ‘Arabicus’, Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ is an extraordinary looking plant, with purple-green leaves that turn jet black when grown in full sun and well-drained soil. Its dwarf habit means it’s easily lost in a border, and so it’s therefore best grown on a rock garden, container or raised bed. Left undisturbed it slowly forms fair-sized clumps and looks good interplanted with small perennials such as Geranium farreri. It also makes a good foil for dwarf rock garden bulbs in spring.
For best results, and the darkest foliage, grow Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ in very well-drained soil in full sun. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
How to grow Ophiopogon 'Nigrescens'
-
Plant size
20cm height
30cm spread
-
Aspect
North facing, east facing, south facing, west facing
- Sun exposure: Full sun, dappled shade
- Hardiness: Hardy
- Soil type: Well drained / light / sandy / clay / heavy / moist / acidic
- Plant care: Needs regular watering in pots
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
J
Do not Plant in January |
F
Do not Plant in February |
M
Do not Plant in March |
A
Do not Plant in April |
M
Do Plant in May |
J
Do Plant in June |
J
Do not Plant in July |
A
Do not Plant in August |
S
Do not Plant in September |
O
Do not Plant in October |
N
Do not Plant in November |
D
Do not Plant in December |
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Divide |
J
Do not Divide in January |
F
Do not Divide in February |
M
Do Divide in March |
A
Do Divide in April |
M
Do Divide in May |
J
Do not Divide in June |
J
Do not Divide in July |
A
Do not Divide in August |
S
Do not Divide in September |
O
Do not Divide in October |
N
Do not Divide in November |
D
Do not Divide in December |
Ophiopogon 'Nigrescens' and wildlife
Ophiopogon 'Nigrescens' has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
Is Ophiopogon 'Nigrescens' poisonous?
Ophiopogon 'Nigrescens' has no toxic effects reported.
No reported toxicity to Birds
No reported toxicity to Cats
No reported toxicity to Dogs
No reported toxicity to Horses
No reported toxicity to Livestock
No reported toxicity to People
Plants that go well with Ophiopogon 'Nigrescens'
