An Evergreen Groundcover Sensation: Mondo Grass
If you’re new to the gardening world, you probably are dabbling with the idea of incorporating groundcovers into your landscape. Beyond covering your garden in a lush carpet of beautiful foliage and blooms, groundcover plants offer a multitude of benefits to one’s landscape!
In this blog, we will first delve into the benefits of planting groundcovers in your yard. We will then dive into one the most versatile, well-loved groundcover plants on the market: Mondo Grass!
The Benefits of Groundcover Plants
Groundcovers are more than just pretty additions to your garden. Here are some key reasons why they’re a game-changer for landscaping:
- Weed Control: Groundcover plants' dense foliage and wide-spread growth work to prevent sunlight from reaching weed seeds. In turn, this reduces their overall presence in a landscape.
- Erosion Control: The root systems of groundcover plants stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes.
- Moisture Conservation: These plants act as a natural mulch, helping retain soil moisture and reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Habitat Enrichment: Groundcovers provide a home for beneficial insects, birds, and other wildlife.
- Low-Maintenance: They require minimal upkeep compared to traditional lawns.
- Ideal Lawn-Substitute: Groundcovers are an eco-friendly, low-maintenance alternative to traditional grass lawns.
An Elite Evergreen Groundcover: Mondo Grass
Now that you’re aware of all the reasons to love groundcovers, you can begin planning your next incredible garden endeavor: planting them! If you are unsure where to begin, we want to highlight a family of groundcover plants that is one of the best options on the market: Mondo Grass!
What Is Mondo Grass?
Although it’s named as a grass, Mondo Grass is actually a member of the Lily family! Native to East Asia, Mondo Grass naturally grows in the shaded woodlands and along forest edges. It’s name derives from the Greek words ‘ophis,’ and ‘pogon,’ which translates to snake beard. The plant is named after the unique mounds of arching foliage that are quietly accented by sprouts of small blooms in the summertime.
A Deeper Look into a Classic Groundcover Perennial
Coming in a variety of forms from the glossy green plumes of the original Mondo Grass, Ophiopogon japonicus, to the dwarf and black varieties, Mondo grass is so versatile and works in a wide range of landscaping projects. Also known as ‘monkey grass,’ this evergreen perennial is hardy to zones 6-11 and grows best in conditions of full sun to partial shade.
In addition to full ground coverage and use in no-mow lawns, Mondo Grass is also popular for path edging, rock gardens, formal gardens, and container planting.
Benefits of Mondo Grass
Homeowners, landscapers, and gardeners alike rave about Mondo grass for a plethora of reasons. Below are just a few!
- Low maintenance: Requires minimal watering and mowing, making it a great choice for busy gardeners.
- Shade tolerance: Flourishes in shady areas where other plants may struggle.
- Dense ground cover: Forms a thick carpet of foliage, suppressing weeds and providing year-round greenery.
- Versatile use: Can be used as a lawn alternative, between stepping stones, along pathways, or as a border plant.
- Drought tolerant: Once established, it can withstand dry periods.
- Erosion control: Helps stabilize slopes due to its dense root system.
- Aesthetic appeal: Provides a clean, textured look with dark green foliage.
Exploring The Different Varieties of Mondo Grass
Mondo Grass– The Original
If the vision for your landscape is sleek, fresh, and vibrant, the original Mondo Grass is likely the best option for you. Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus) grows to a mature height of about 10 inches, and reaches a spread of about 12 to 18 inches. The dense mounds of green are accompanied by pale lavender blooms in summer. The arching deep green foliage brings a clean uniform look to larger landscapes.
Dwarf Mondo Grass
If you love the look of the original Mondo Grass but are limited to a smaller planting area, you may opt for the Dwarf Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nanus'). With a mature height and width of about half that of the original Mondo, Dwarf Mondo Grass is perfect for smaller projects like garden edging, and container gardens.
Black Mondo Grass
To take your landscape to the next level and bring a striking contrast, Black Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens') is the groundcover for you. The dark glossy leaves provide a breathtaking juxstaposition to the sweet lavender flowers the protrude in summer. The deep black leaves also contrast beautifully with other vibrant plants in the landscape.
Shop Mondo Grass and More Online Today!
Ready to elevate your garden with the versatile and stunning Mondo Grass? Whether you’re looking for a lawn alternative, erosion control, or a touch of elegance, Mondo Grass has you covered—literally!
Explore our wide collection of groundcover options online today to start your next gardening masterpiece.