Images Depict Mature Plants
Mondo Grass
Ophiopogon japonicus
Mondo Grass is the ultimate landscape problem solver — elegant, evergreen, and almost indestructible. It looks polished along walkways and thrives where turf won’t grow. Once you plant it, you can forget about it — it just stays green, stays tidy, and keeps the garden looking refined year-round.
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Lush, Evergreen Texture for Every Corner of the Landscape
Evergreen Elegance for Borders and Beds
Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus) is a classic evergreen groundcover that delivers refined texture and year-round color. Its deep green, grass-like foliage forms low, arching tufts that create a smooth, continuous carpet along borders, paths, or shaded garden areas. Perfect for formal or natural designs, Mondo Grass brings effortless elegance anywhere it’s planted.
Durable and Adaptable to Sun or Shade
This low-growing perennial thrives in a wide range of conditions — from full sun to deep shade. It tolerates heat, humidity, and drought once established, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance landscapes. Its tidy, clumping growth habit keeps it neat and contained, ideal for edging walkways or defining garden borders.
Drought-Tolerant and Deer-Resistant
Once established, Mondo Grass requires minimal water and maintenance. Its tough, fibrous root system helps prevent erosion on slopes and withstands dry spells, while its foliage naturally resists deer and rabbits. Few plants combine versatility, resilience, and visual appeal so perfectly.
A Groundcover That Gives All Year Long
In summer, Mondo Grass produces tiny lilac-white blooms tucked among the foliage, followed by glossy blue-black berries in fall. These subtle details add depth and seasonal interest. Use it beneath shrubs, around stepping stones, or mass-planted for lush texture that stays green through winter.
| Botanical Name | Ophiopogon japonicus |
|---|---|
| Hardiness Zone: | 6-10 |
| Mature Height: | 6 to 10 Inches |
| Mature Width: | 8 to 12 Inches |
| Classification: | Groundcover, spreading |
| Bloom Time / Color | Summer / White to Pale Lilac |
| Sunlight | Full Sun to Full Shade |
| Soil Condition: | Moist, well-drained soil; adaptable |
| Water Requirements: | Low once established |
| Landscape Uses | Borders, groundcover, edging, slopes, containers |
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 should I plant Mondo Grass?
Choose a well-drained area that receives partial shade to full sun. Loosen the soil to twice the width of the root ball and mix in compost to enrich the planting area. Dig a hole just deep enough for the root ball, then backfill gently and firm the soil around the base. Water thoroughly after planting to help roots settle. When planting multiple Mondo Grass plants, space them 6–12 inches apart depending on how quickly you want full coverage. Closer spacing fills in faster for solid groundcover; wider spacing allows for natural spreading. Apply a light layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but avoid piling it against the crown.
How often should I water Mondo Grass after planting?
Water deeply twice per week for the first month after planting to encourage strong root development. Once established, Mondo Grass becomes highly drought-tolerant and generally thrives with minimal watering. In very dry or hot climates, a deep soak every two to three weeks during extended drought will keep foliage lush. Avoid overwatering, as this evergreen prefers to dry slightly between waterings.
When should I fertilize Mondo Grass?
Fertilize in early spring using a balanced slow-release fertilizer such as 10-10-10. This supports new foliage growth and keeps the grass vibrant. Water thoroughly after applying to distribute nutrients evenly. For an organic option, top-dress with compost or a natural soil conditioner each spring. This provides gentle nutrition while improving soil health and water retention.
When and how should I prune Mondo Grass?
Mondo Grass is the ultimate landscape problem solver — elegant, evergreen, and almost indestructible. It looks polished along walkways and thrives where turf won’t grow. Once you plant it, you can forget about it — it just stays green, stays tidy, and keeps the garden looking refined year-round.
