Images Depict Mature Plants
Mondo Grass
Ophiopogon japonicus
Mondo Grass is valued for its dense, evergreen foliage that adds year-round texture and color to garden beds, borders, and shaded areas. Its low-maintenance, drought-tolerant nature makes it ideal as a ground cover, edging plant, or filler between stepping stones, thriving in both sun and shade.
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Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus) is a versatile, low-maintenance ornamental grass known for its lush, grass-like foliage and ability to thrive in both full sun and shade. This evergreen perennial features slender, dark green leaves that form dense, clumping mounds, making it perfect for adding texture and greenery to garden beds, borders, or as a ground cover. Mondo Grass grows well in USDA Hardiness Zones 6-11, reaching a mature height of 6-12 inches and spreading about 12 inches wide. Its compact size makes it an excellent choice for edging pathways, filling shaded areas, or planting between stepping stones.
Mondo Grass produces small, pale lavender flowers that rise above the foliage in late summer, adding subtle seasonal interest to your landscape. These flowers are followed by dark blue-black berries, offering additional texture and color throughout the fall and winter months. Known for its adaptability, Mondo Grass thrives in a variety of soil conditions as long as the soil is well-drained and it is drought-tolerant once established. Whether you’re looking to fill in bare spots under trees or add a neat, uniform border along garden beds, this ornamental grass provides year-round greenery and low-maintenance appeal.
Beyond its aesthetic value, Mondo Grass is also deer-resistant and tolerant of light foot traffic, making it ideal for high-use areas or gardens with wildlife. Its ability to thrive in both full sun and partial to full shade makes it one of the most versatile ground covers available. Mondo Grass offers long-lasting beauty and resilience, whether used in mass plantings, containers, or as an accent. It is popular for gardeners seeking a durable, attractive, and low-maintenance landscape solution.
| Hardiness Zone: | 6-11 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 6 to 10 Inches |
| Mature Width: | 12 to 18 Inches |
| Classification: | Groundcover, spreading |
| Flower Color: | None |
| Flowering Season: | None |
| Foliage: | Green |
| Soil Condition: | Prefers dry, average to sandy soil |
| Water Requirements: | Water well until established |
| Uses: | Extremely attractive when used as a focal point as a border, mass planting |
How to Care for Mondo Grass
Before you buy Mondo Grass, make sure to read about the recommended care instructions to keep this plant healthy and thriving.
How do I Plant Mondo Grass?
To plant Mondo Grass, start by choosing a location with well-drained soil and partial to full shade, though it can also tolerate full sun in cooler climates. Begin by loosening the soil to a depth of about 6-8 inches and amending it with organic matter if needed to improve drainage and nutrient content. Dig holes that are about twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball of each plant, spacing the plants 6-12 inches apart, depending on the look you want to achieve. Place the Mondo Grass in the hole with the crown level to the soil surface, backfill with soil, and gently firm it around the roots. Water the plants thoroughly after planting to help them settle in. For best results, mulch around the base of the Mondo Grass to help retain moisture and prevent weeds, but be careful not to cover the crown of the plant. During the first growing season, keep the soil consistently moist to help the plants establish a strong root system. Once established, Mondo Grass becomes relatively drought-tolerant and requires minimal care. Its slow-spreading, clumping growth habit makes it ideal for filling in gaps in garden beds, along borders, or as a lush ground cover in shaded areas. With proper planting and care, Mondo Grass will thrive, providing year-round greenery and texture to your landscape.
How do I Water Mondo Grass?
To water Mondo Grass, it’s important to keep the soil consistently moist during its first growing season to help the plants establish a strong root system. Water deeply once or twice a week, especially during hot or dry periods, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. After the first year, Mondo Grass becomes relatively drought-tolerant and only needs supplemental watering during extended dry spells. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between watering sessions to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. For container-grown Mondo Grass, check the soil more frequently, as containers tend to dry out faster than garden beds. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, but make sure the container has proper drainage to prevent water buildup. In established landscapes, Mondo Grass requires minimal watering and thrives with occasional deep watering, making it a low-maintenance plant perfect for busy gardeners. By following these watering guidelines, Mondo Grass will remain healthy and vibrant, providing lush, evergreen foliage to your garden beds, borders, and shaded areas year-round.
How do I Fertilize Mondo Grass?
To fertilize Mondo Grass, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and lush, green foliage. A general-purpose 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 fertilizer works well, providing the essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium that the plant needs. Spread the fertilizer evenly around the base of the plants, being careful not to let it touch the leaves, and water thoroughly afterward to help the nutrients reach the roots. Since Mondo Grass is a low-maintenance plant, one application in early spring is typically sufficient to support its growth for the entire growing season. For an organic approach, you can use compost or well-rotted manure as a top dressing around the Mondo Grass in early spring to provide a slow, steady release of nutrients. Be cautious not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to overly vigorous growth, making the plant less compact and affecting its overall appearance. If you are growing Mondo Grass in containers, a diluted liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season can keep the plant healthy and vibrant. Proper fertilization ensures that Mondo Grass maintains its dense, evergreen foliage and continues to enhance your garden or landscape with minimal care.
How do I Prune Mondo Grass?
To prune Mondo Grass, the best time to do so is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Use sharp garden shears to trim back the old, damaged, or brown foliage to about 2-3 inches above the ground. This helps remove any unsightly or dead leaves from the previous season and encourages fresh, healthy growth for the upcoming year. Be sure to clean up any clippings to prevent them from smothering new growth. Pruning Mondo Grass annually keeps it looking neat and compact, making it an attractive ground cover or border plant. During the growing season, you can also perform light pruning to remove any yellowing or damaged leaves to maintain the plant's appearance. If Mondo Grass becomes too thick or starts spreading beyond its desired space, you can thin it out by dividing the clumps. This will help control its growth and keep it manageable in your garden. Regular pruning ensures that Mondo Grass maintains its lush, dense foliage, allowing it to serve as a low-maintenance and visually appealing option for filling shaded areas, edging walkways, or as a reliable ground cover.
