Go contemporary and flaunt this little black number with confidence, Ophiopogon 'Nigra' is popular, goes with anything and, best of all, easy to grow and long-lasting. This is a great value plant for filling a space with texture and sleek colour. Although the leaves are virtually jet back, their narrow, strap-like shape and natural sheen means that each blade catches the light with a silver tone. Ophiopogon, also known as lilyturf or mondo grass, is evergreen so this silver and black medley lasts all year round. In summer it’s joined by upright flower spikes in a pretty shade of lilac-mauve. 

This hardy perennial also benefits wildlife. The flowers attract pollinators and, after flowering, Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigra' bears shiny, black berries, which blackbirds and other fruit-loving birds will adore. This year-round grass can be combined with different flowers all through the year, such as spring-flowering Anemone blanda to add a blue tone, hardy geraniums with purple or pink blooms make a nice plant neighbour for summer, or a jet of vibrant nerines above them in autumn. Ophiopogon 'Nigra' is a compact ornamental grass, when mature it reaches a height of up to 30cm. It spreads gradually over time, eventually filling the gap it’s given with its dense tufts of black foliage.