Ophiopogon: Mondo Grass
The low maintenance mondo grass is not a true grass, but it certainly does resemble one! It has thick, re-curved blades, grows and spreads in tufts, and can be used as a turf substitute–although it should never be mowed.
Plant care & info
Family: Ruscaceae
Genus: Ophiopogon
Common Name: Mondo grass
Native to woodlands of Japan and Asia.
Does best in moist, lightly acidic, well drained soils in sun to shade. Will also tolerate a wider variety of soil conditions, but does not like to be soggy.
Very easy care. Upkeep is limited to cutting back spent fruiting stems if desired. Dividing if needed. You can propagate by division or seed.
This plant is generally pest and disease free.
Depending upon the variety, mondo grass can grow from 3-12″ tall and produces tiny, pale lavender, summer-blooming flowers on stalks nestled in the leaves.
Smaller varieties of this tough plant are perfect for anywhere you just want luscious green. It works great as a ground cover, in pots, or as an edging plant for pathways and features. The other striking version (Ophiopogon ‘Nigrescens’) is one of the blackest colored plants you can get, making it a unique garden accent.
This versatile mondo grass will handle a variety of sun or shade conditions and a range of moisture situations, but it will not handle a combination of excessive water and bad drainage. Its beautiful and graceful evergreen blades are an excellent addition to any style of garden—from modern to cottage style.
Explore More Mondo Grass
Ophiopogon japonicus
Ophiopogon japonicus
Zone 6-11. Green blades and blue berries. Spreads to 12-15″ high and wide.
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana'
Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nana’
Zone 5-10. A short growing version of the above topping out at 3″. Spreading. This is the one people choose most often as a lawn substitute. Although it requires no mowing it is also not as dense as a traditional lawn would be. Lavender flowers and dark purple berries.
Ophiopogon 'Pam Harper'
Ophiopogon ‘Pam Harper’
Zone 7-10. Green and golden creamy variegated leaves add a touch of highlight on this plant. Lavender flowers. Grows to 9″ tall and 12-18″ wide.
Ophiopogon 'Silver Mist'
Ophiopogon ‘Silver Mist’
Zone 6-11. Green and white variegated leaves. Slower growing making it great as a container plant or for use with bonsai. 6″ tall and slowly spreading.
Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'
Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’
Zone 5-9. Very striking dark, dark foliage appears almost black. Very light purple flowers are followed by black berries held on a stalk within the leathery foliage. Slow growing 8″ tall and spreading.
Find Grasses for your garden
We offer a great selection of Northwest Grasses.
