Damon Mcknight
Mondo grass is an attractive ornamental grass with a calming effect that makes it the perfect filler around accent plants. It is a low-maintenance plant that can transform gardens and is well-suited to rockeries and along the edges of paths. Despite its name, mondo grass is not a true grass but is related to lilies. It is slow-growing and can be easily propagated by division. Mondo grass thrives in moist soils and full sun to part shade, depending on the variety. It is perfect for those seeking a low-maintenance garden with a calming atmosphere.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Height | 10-30 cm |
| Light Exposure | Full sun to full shade |
| Soil Type | Well-drained |
| Watering | Consistent moisture without standing water |
| Fertilizer | Balanced 10-10-10 formula |
| Propagation | Division |
| Common Uses | Groundcover, borders, rockeries, pots, window boxes, pathways |
| Pests | Snails, slugs |
| Diseases | Scale, fungal infections |
| Hardiness | Zone 6 and higher |
| Scientific Name | Ophiopogon japonicus |
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What You'll Learn
Light exposure and soil requirements
Mondo grass is a low-maintenance plant that can grow in various lighting conditions, from full sun to full shade. However, the amount of light exposure can impact the colour of the leaves. For example, the leaves of the common Mondo grass variety will be light green in full sun and deeper green in the shade. While Mondo grass can tolerate full sun, some varieties, like the black-leaved ones, require full sun to achieve their characteristic deep black colour. In contrast, the more shade they are exposed to, the greener the black leaves become.
When it comes to planting, it is recommended to choose a location with well-drained soil that is free of weeds. Newly planted Mondo grass should be watered a few times a week to help establish roots. While Mondo grass can withstand some neglect and does not require frequent fertiliser, it will not cope well without adequate moisture. Therefore, it is important to keep the soil moderately moist, especially during dry seasons.
Although Mondo grass is adaptable to different lighting conditions, it is important to note that constant exposure to the hot sun can cause the leaves to develop burnt tips. To prevent this, you can apply Yates Droughtshield, which will help protect the grass from the stress of the sun and reduce tip burn. Additionally, in extremely hot and sunny conditions, the protection of afternoon shade can be beneficial.
Mondo grass thrives in humid climates, so if your area is dry, misting the plant with water can provide the necessary moisture. In cooler temperatures, the leaves may die back, but they can be trimmed in early spring to encourage new growth. Overall, Mondo grass is a hardy and rewarding plant that can enhance the beauty of any garden with its calm and serene presence.
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Watering and fertiliser needs
Mondo grass is a slow-growing plant that requires minimal care once established. However, it will not cope well without enough water. It thrives in humid climates, so if your area is dry, mist it with water to give it moisture. The foliage of mondo grass is evergreen in warm climates. In cooler temperatures, the leaves may die back, but they can be sheared in early spring before new growth begins.
Mondo grass needs well-drained soil and consistent moisture without being in standing water. Newly planted mondo grass should be watered a few times a week so the plants can establish roots. Keep the soil moderately moist during the establishment, which usually takes around 12 weeks. If you are growing mondo grass as a lawn, there is little you need to maintain it. Remove any weeds as they appear and keep the area moist in the dry season.
Fertiliser isn't necessary, but if you want to maintain the grass's colour, you can apply it every three months during spring and summer. Use a balanced 10-10-10 formula, following the manufacturer's instructions. A once-annual feeding in spring with a diluted grass feed is also sufficient.
To prepare the planting area, you can dig in a soil improver and plant fertiliser.
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Common pests and diseases
Mondo grass is susceptible to a range of pests and diseases. One of the most common issues is root rot, caused by heavy soil with poor drainage. It can be identified by yellowing leaves and rotting roots, and can be treated with appropriate products.
Another issue is pests, particularly snails and slugs, which eat through the top of the mounds and destroy the grass. To prevent this, you can pick the pests off and drown them in soapy water, and then spray with iron phosphate to keep them away. You can also use snail bait, which contains ferric phosphate, a toxin that won't harm pets or birds but will stop snails from feeding on the mondo grass.
Other common issues that can cause mondo grass to die include underwatering, sunburn, and scale.
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Mondo grass varieties
Despite its name, mondo grass is not a grass but a member of the lily family. It is an excellent ground cover plant, forming a dense mat of evergreen leaves. It is also a good turf alternative in shady gardens, requiring no mowing. Mondo grass is easy to care for and can grow in full sun or shade, though it thrives in filtered sunlight.
There are several varieties of mondo grass, including:
- Mini Mondo, which grows to a height of 10 cm and forms a very dense, slightly curly, rich green border.
- Tall Mondo, which has a maximum height of 30 cm and forms a dense evergreen border with a soft look.
- Dwarf Mondo, which is a slow-growing variety used for ground cover.
- Black Mondo, which has black leaves and needs some sun to develop its colour.
- Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nana’, which offers compact, light green mounds.
- Other varieties include Gyoko-Ryu, Nigrescens, and Nippon.
Mondo Grass and Bongo Borders Liriope are often planted together, as they thrive in sun or shade and can create a wonderful evergreen ground cover.
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$218.98
Using mondo grass in your garden
Mondo grass is a common sight in most Australian gardens. Its deep green or purple-black perennial strappy leaves and compact growth habit make it perfect for fitting into those cracks in pavers, around garden edges, or in pots to fill out the base and add elegance to the garden. It is also known as monkey grass, lilyturf, or dragon's beard.
Mondo grass is not a true grass but a member of the lily family. It is native to the shady forests and woodlands of Japan and Korea, thriving in moist soils and next to streams. It is an evergreen perennial that makes a great ground cover or standalone grass-like plant. It grows well in almost any soil and lighting condition, and its slow growth rate makes it ideal for miniature garden projects. Mondo grass is also an excellent container plant because of its small size.
When it comes to light exposure, mondo grass is not picky. The most common green varieties can take anything from full sun to shade. Leaf colouring may vary depending on the exposure, from light green in full sun to deep emerald in shade. Full sun is essential for the deep black-leaved varieties. The more shade, the greener the black becomes. Mondo grass blooms in the summer, with short spikes of pale pink or white appearing just above or sometimes in the foliage of the plants. After the blooms fade, you may see glossy dark purple to almost black berries.
Mondo grass is easy to grow and requires minimal care once established. It can withstand neglect in regions where plentiful moisture is naturally available. It is also drought-intolerant and needs consistent moisture without being in standing water. Newly planted mondo grass should be planted in well-drained soil and watered a few times a week so the plants can establish roots. It can be easily propagated through division most times of the year by carefully removing it from the ground or the pot and dividing it into separate clumps with a spade.
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Frequently asked questions
Mondo grass is very hardy and can grow in full sun or shade, though it thrives in humid climates. It is suited to rockeries and along the edges of paths, in pots, under trees, and in window boxes. It can also be used as a lawn alternative for light traffic areas. Mondo grass grows well in almost any soil type, but the soil should be well-drained and free of weeds.
Mondo grass is slow-growing and requires minimal care once established. It should be watered regularly and kept moist during dry periods. If grown as a standalone plant, divide clumps every three years. Fertilizer is not necessary, but if you wish to use it, apply it every three months during spring and summer.
Mondo grass can be easily propagated by division. Carefully remove the plant from the ground or pot and divide it into separate clumps with a spade.
