Here you will find 11 indoor and 20 outdoor plants to plant with black mondo grass with pro tips that guide you on how to select the best companion plants for it.
In landscape designing or indoor gardening arrangements, you should plant companion plants together to create a visually appealing and dynamic garden. Black mondo grass with its elegant dark foliage and tiny white and pink blooms can add a luxurious view to every place, indoors and outdoors.
It will be better if you accompany your black mondo grass with other plants and complete your arrangement. In this article, I will tell you what to plant with black mondo grass and to make it easy for you, I decided to group them into outdoor and indoor groups.
In addition, I will provide you with pro tips that you must consider before selecting the companion plants. Keep reading.
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9 Pro Tips to Plant with Black Mondo Grass
Before diving into the world of companion plants for black mondo grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’), let’s consider critical factors in selecting companion plants to ensure they thrive together successfully. It is critical to find what to plant with black mondo grass.
Light Requirements:
When selecting companion plants, choose those that have similar light requirements. As I told you in my previous article about “Outdoor Black mondo grass sun or shade”, it prefers a “full sun” or “part shade” place however can thrive in a full shade place too. it is critical to keep its black foliage and see the black mondo grass flowers.
So, Shade-loving plants like Hostas, Ferns, and Heucheras can work well.
Soil Conditions:
Having similar soil preferences is another important factor that you have to consider in choosing companion plants. Black mondo grass grows well in well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Check the soil requirements of your chosen companion plants and amend the soil accordingly. It will help you to plant with black mondo grass.
Watering Needs:
Watering is a critical factor in healthy gardening. Hence you have to select plants that have similar moisture requirements to black mondo grass. I talked with you about the watering needs of this plant in my previous article (growing black mondo grass).
You must consider the watering needs of the companion plants to avoid overwatering or underwatering.
Mature Size:
To find what to plant with black mondo grass, be mindful of the mature size of both the black mondo grass and the companion plants. You don’t want one plant to overshadow or overcrowd the others as they grow. Arrange them in a way that allows each plant to reach its full potential without competition.
Colour and Texture Contrast:
Utilize the striking black foliage of mondo grass by pairing it with plants that offer contrasting colours or textures. For instance, you could combine it with silver-leafed plants like lamium or variegated hostas for visual interest.
Seasonal Interest:
It is another factor that has an impact on what to plant with black mondo grass. Consider plants that provide year-round interest. Since black mondo grass maintains its colour throughout the year, pairing it with evergreen or winter-interest plants can enhance your garden’s beauty even in the colder months.
Maintenance Requirements:
Assess the maintenance needs of both black mondo grass and the companion plants. Some plants may require more frequent pruning or deadheading, so ensure you’re prepared for the upkeep.
Complementary Height:
Vary the height of your plants to create a layered and visually appealing garden. Taller plants at the back and shorter ones at the front can add depth and dimension.
Disease and Pest Resistance:
Choose companion plants that are less susceptible to common pests or diseases that might affect black mondo grass. This can help maintain the overall health of your garden. In addition, if you spot these tiny bugs on your plant, you can control them in the same way.
Proper spacing and arrangement can also enhance the visual impact of your garden design.
20 Outdoor Companion Plants to Plant with Black Mondo Grass
If you are a fan of Black mondo grass and want to create a harmonious landscape in your outdoor garden, below I provided you with a list of companion plants that pair well with black mondo grass in an outdoor garden setting.
I try to consider almost all the important factors mentioned above to select the right companion plants. it will help you to find what to plant with black mondo grass. Choose the best ones to enhance the visual appeal of your garden.
Scientific name: Ajania pacifica
Low, spreading plants with silvery foliage and yellow or orange daisy-like flowers.
2- Ajuga
Scientific name: Ajuga reptans
Ground-covering plants with colourful foliage and spikes of blue or purple flowers.
3- Astilbe
Scientific name: Astilbe spp.
Known for its feathery plumes in various colours, astilbe adds a pop of colour and vertical interest.
4- Bamboo
Scientific name: Fargesia spp.
Tall and graceful bamboo can create a dramatic backdrop for black mondo grass.
5- Bergenia
Scientific name: Bergenia spp.
Provides bold, round leaves and spikes of pink or white flowers.
6- Bletilla
Scientific name: Chinese Ground Orchid
Delicate, orchid-like flowers on slender stems.
7- Brunnera
Scientific name: Brunnera macrophylla
Features heart-shaped leaves with silver veining, creating an eye-catching combination.
8- Coral Bells
Scientific name: Heuchera spp.
Offers a variety of foliage colours and textures that pair well with black mondo grass.
9- Columbine
Scientific name: Aquilegia spp.
Adds unique, bell-shaped flowers in various colours to the garden.
10- Creeping Jenny
Scientific name: Lysimachia nummularia
Its trailing stems and yellow foliage provide a vibrant contrast.
11- Fernleaf Bleeding Heart
Scientific name: Dicentra eximia
Shade-loving perennial with delicate, fern-like foliage and pink or white flowers.
12- Foxtail Lily
Scientific name: Eremurus spp.
Tall spires of colourful flowers create striking vertical accents.
13- Hellebore
Scientific name: Helleborus spp.
Evergreen perennials with nodding, cup-shaped flowers in late winter and early spring.
14- Hostas
Scientific name: Hosta spp.
These shade-loving perennials come in various sizes and foliage colours, offering a beautiful contrast to the dark foliage of black mondo grass.
15- Japanese Anemone
Scientific name: Anemone hupehensis
Late-summer bloomer with elegant, white or pink flowers.
16- Japanese Forest Grass
Scientific name: Hakonechloa macra
Its arching, golden-green foliage creates a soft, elegant contrast with black mondo grass.
17- Japanese Painted Fern
Scientific name: Athyrium niponicum
Its silvery fronds and unique texture pair well with black mondo grass.
18- Liriope
Scientific name: Liriope spp.
This grass-like plant has similar growing conditions and provides a textured backdrop for black mondo grass.
19- Ostrich Fern
Scientific name: Matteuccia struthiopteris
Adds height and lush green fronds to the garden.
20- Tiarella (Foamflower)
Low-growing plants with attractive, lobed leaves and delicate flower spikes.
Indoor Companion Plants to Plant with Black Mondo Grass
If you are searching for an attractive and low-maintenance addition to your home décor, growing black mondo grass in a pot can be a good idea. Its elegant dark foliage and tiny white-to-pink flowers can match your indoor arrangements.
It will be ideal if you use companion houseplants with your black mondo grass pot. But do you know what to plant with black mondo grass? In this part, I will provide you with the best plants to accompany your black mondo grass indoors. Before that, let to find more tips about this issue.
Pro Tips to Plant with Black Mondo Grass in a Pot Indoors
In the first part of this article, I mentioned the important factors in selecting companion plants for black mondo grass. Here, I want to tell you three more tips that are more important for indoor conditions. keep reading to show you how to create an appealing indoor arrangement with black mondo grass.
Select an Appropriate Container:
- Think about the size of the plants that you selected and the best space between them. After that, you can decide on the size of your container.
- Black mondo grass has shallow roots which lets you put it in shallow containers but if its companion plants have deep roots you should think about a deeper pot.
- Ensure the container has drainage holes to prevent overwatering. if you are a new gardener, planting in pots without drainage holes may increase the risk of root rot.
Consider the Light Conditions:
In my previous article (Black mondo grass sun or shade: indoors), I told you about the best light conditions for your black mondo grass. You must think about companion plants with similar lighting requirements.
Fertilization:
Black mondo grass doesn’t require heavy feeding. Be cautious not to over-fertilize, as it can lead to leggy growth. So, you should select companion plants with similar fertilizing requirements.
11 Companion Plants for Black Mondo Grass in an Indoor Pot
Now it is the turn to provide you with a list of indoor companion plants for black mondo grass. These plants not only complement the dark, grass-like foliage of the mondo grass but also thrive in similar indoor conditions. let to find what to plant with black mondo grass indoors.
1- Add the miniature ferns to your black mondo grass container:
- Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum spp.): Known for its delicate, lacy fronds.
- Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus): Features attractive, glossy fronds.
2- Cover the container with Mosses
- Sheet Moss (Hypnum spp.): Creates a lush, carpet-like effect at the base.
- Mood Moss (Dicranum spp.): Adds a soft, green texture.
3- Air Plants (Tillandsia sp.):
These unique, epiphytic plants come in various shapes and sizes and can be attached to decorative elements within the pot.
4- Miniature Succulents:
- Haworthias: Small, rosette-forming succulents with interesting textures.
- Echeverias: Rosette succulents with colourful foliage.
- Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii): This low-growing, carpeting plant has tiny, round leaves that contrast nicely with black mondo grass.
5- Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia):
Its trailing stems and bright green foliage provide a beautiful contrast to the dark mondo grass.
6- Selaginella (Selaginella spp.):
These fern-like, ground-covering plants come in various shades of green and can create an attractive carpet effect.
7- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum):
The arching, variegated leaves of a spider plant can provide a visual contrast to the mondo grass.
8- Chinese Money Plant (Pilea spp.):
These small, round-leafed plants have a modern aesthetic and can complement the mondo grass nicely.
9- Fittonia (Fittonia spp.):
Known for its striking, variegated leaves, Fittonia can add colour and interest to the pot.
10- Peperomia spp.:
These small, easy-to-care-for plants come in various leaf shapes and colours, making them a great choice for companion planting.
11- Calathea spp.:
These ornamental, foliage-rich plants come in a variety of patterns and colours, adding vibrancy to the arrangement.
Conclusion
You found a comprehensive list of the companion plants for black mondo grass with a lot of pro tips for selecting them. I grouped them into outdoor and indoor categories to make it easy for you. Now, you know what to plant with Black mondo grass.
What companion plants are on your favourite list? For indoors or outdoors? Why did you choose them? please tell our readers about your ideas and experiences below this page.
Elahe Rabiei
Hi, I’m Elaheh. My Academic major is plant protection, and houseplants are my expertise. As a houseplant lover, my house is full of indoor plants and it is my passion to take care of them. Hence, I’m here to share my knowledge and experience about growing healthy houseplants. I am also a plant protection advisor, so feel free to ask me any questions you may have.