Black Dragon
ophiopogon planiscapus
Also known as: ["Black Lilyturf","Black Mondo Grass"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant with dark purple to black foliage, native to Japan.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","low maintenance","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Asparagaceae |
| Genus: | Ophiopogon |
| Botanical Name: | Ophiopogon planiscapus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Leaf Plants
- Suitable Location: ground cover in shaded garden beds or as an indoor plant in a cool, bright location
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining; avoid heavy clay soils that retain excess water.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; can tolerate poor soils but thrives with added compost.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically in spring or after flowering; light pruning can be done year-round.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove only dead, yellowing, or damaged foliage.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; tolerates low light but thrives with dappled sunlight or bright indirect light for 4–6 hours daily.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate to brighter light gradually to avoid leaf burn; protect from intense midday sun; ideal for shaded garden beds or indoor areas with limited direct light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid direct afternoon sun; place in a spot with morning sun or filtered light; adjust light exposure seasonally.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; amend heavy soils with organic matter; maintain consistent moisture.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 50–75°F (10–24°C); tolerates mild frosts but avoid prolonged exposure to extreme cold or heat.
Protect from frost; avoid placing in drafty areas; maintain consistent temperatures to prevent stress.
Fertilizing
monthly during spring and summer, every 2 months in fall and winter
Fertilize lightly in spring; reduce or stop in fall and winter; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent root burn.
Propagation
Methods
Division of clumps or root cuttings; easiest method is dividing mature plants in spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Dig up mature plant.
- Divide clumps into smaller sections with roots.
- Replant divisions at the same depth.
- Water thoroughly.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand; can also be propagated directly in the garden.
Hormone
Not typically required for division; rooting hormone may help with root cuttings but is not essential.
Timeline
Division establishes quickly within weeks; root cuttings may take 4–8 weeks to root.
Tools Needed
Garden fork, sharp knife or shears, clean pots (if propagating in containers).
Quick Tips
Divide plants every 2–3 years to maintain vigor; ensure each division has healthy roots and foliage.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip individual leaves at the base with clean, sharp scissors or shears; avoid cutting into healthy growth.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing dead or damaged leaves to maintain appearance and health.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners or scissors, clean gloves.
Checklist
Remove dead leaves; sanitize tools between cuts; avoid over-pruning healthy growth.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter); ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil and space.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency based on season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the base of the plant, ensuring even moisture distribution to the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and drainage; incorporate perlite or sand for better aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch or yellowing in excessive heat; stunted growth or browning leaf tips in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and may cause leaf discoloration or dieback; prolonged cold can damage roots.
Solution: Provide winter protection with mulch; move potted plants to a sheltered location; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, or premature drying of foliage; may go dormant in extreme heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity around the plant; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; dilute liquid fertilizers; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength if applied monthly during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal distress if they ingest the roots or berries of Ophiopogon planiscapus. The saponins present can lead to irritation of the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe roots and berries of Ophiopogon planiscapus can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs due to the presence of saponins. Symptoms are typically temporary and resolve without long-term effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicOphiopogon planiscapus contains saponins, which can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation when ingested in significant quantities. The effects are generally not severe but can be unpleasant.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I propagate Ophiopogon planiscapus?
A: Propagate by division in spring or early autumn.
Q: Does this plant require full sun?
A: It prefers partial shade to full shade.
Q: Is Ophiopogon planiscapus invasive?
A: No, it is not considered invasive.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asparagaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
