Black Lilyturf

Ophiopogon planiscapus Nigrescens

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: June to August
• Hardiness: fully hardy

  
  This small, easy to grow, clump-forming evergreen perennial has strappy, inky purple, grass-like leaves. In summer, small spikes of bell-shaped, pale mauve flowers appear, followed by spherical, dark blue fruit. This unusual plant looks fantastic with other grasses, especially if grouped in tubs or planted into gravel, and it provides a brilliant contrast with silvery plants in sun, or bright green ferns in shade.
  

• Garden care: Top-dress plants in autumn with leaf mould.