Ophiopogon japonicus (Mondo Grass)
Mondo Grass, Dwarf Lilyturf, Dwarf Mondo Grass, Japanese Lilyturf
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 |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
| Height |
10" - 1' (30cm - 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 | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Mediterranean Garden, Modern Garden |
Alternative Plants to Consider
Recommended Companion Plants
Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens
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 |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
| Height |
10" - 1' (30cm - 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 | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Mediterranean Garden, Modern Garden |
