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Ophiopogon japonicus (Mondo Grass)

Mondo Grass, Dwarf Lilyturf, Dwarf Mondo Grass, Japanese Lilyturf

Ophiopogon japonicus, Mondo Grass, Dwarf Lilyturf, Dwarf Mondo Grass, Japanese Lilyturf, evergreen grass

Noted for its attractive evergreen foliage, Ophiopogon japonicus is a desirable Mondo Grass forming dense tufts of arching, strap-shaped, grass-like, dark green leaves. Racemes of small, lilac flowers emerge amid the leaves in summer before giving way to blue berry-like fruits. Reminiscent of Liriope, this popular evergreen grass is tough, durable, very compact and perfect for adding texture to the garden. Native to China, Japan and Korea, it is a traditional groundcover used in Japanese gardens, which is also wonderful with which to create geometric layouts in contemporary gardens. Quite pleasing to the senses as it ripples in the wind, this evergreen perennial grass is perfect for shady areas. 

  • Care-free and easy to grow, this Mondo Grass grows up to 12 in. tall (30 cm) and 15 in. wide (37 cm) to form a weed-proof mat. The roots are tuberous and this plant spreads via stolons. With age the clumps will merge to form a soft, dense carpet of foliage
  • Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Adaptable to a wide range of conditions. Salt and drought tolerant.
  • Deer and rabbit resistant
  • Great for beds and borders, edging, groundcovers, underplanting shrubs, city gardens, coastal gardens, gravel gardens or Mediterranean gardens. 
  • Virtually disease free. Watch for slugs

Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 10
Heat Zones 1 - 12
Climate Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses
Plant Family Asparagaceae
Genus Ophiopogon
Common names Japanese Lilyturf, Mondo Grass, Dwarf Mondo Grass
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 10" - 1'
(25cm - 30cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" (50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Salt, Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles Modern Garden, Coastal Garden, City and Courtyard, Mediterranean Garden, Japanese Garden, Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nana’ (Mondo Grass)
Ophiopogon jaburan ‘Vittatus’ (Giant Lilyturf)
Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ (Black Mondo)

Recommended Companion Plants

Phormium tenax (New Zealand Flax)
Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ (Hakone Grass)

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 10
Heat Zones 1 - 12
Climate Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses
Plant Family Asparagaceae
Genus Ophiopogon
Common names Japanese Lilyturf, Mondo Grass, Dwarf Mondo Grass
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 10" - 1'
(25cm - 30cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" (50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Salt, Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles Modern Garden, Coastal Garden, City and Courtyard, Mediterranean Garden, Japanese Garden, Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Ophiopogon (Mondo Grass) to pick?
Compare Now

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