Mondo Grass

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Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus)

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Mondo grass is an ornamental plant used as groundcover in a garden or lawn. An alternative to turf grass, mondo grass is a low maintenance turf that never needs to be mowed and remains colorful all-year long. Its rich green color helps to provide definition, allowing the features of the garden to really stand out. While technically a member of the lily family, this evergreen plant, also known as monkey grass or ophiopogon japonicus, has the appearance of a lush, hardy grass with slender blades. The summer months mark the appearance of small, blue berries that blend in naturally with the plant’s green leaves.

This ornamental plant is a popular choice for use along garden borders, between stones, and in flower beds. Mondo establish themselves rapidly and do well in most any type of soil. They are a perfect solution in areas where water conservation is necessary since they do not require a lot of watering and can easily withstand heat and drought. The plants are successful in full shade as well as in direct sunlight. Weed control is also quite simple, giving mondo a distinct advantage over traditional grasses. Mondo grass typically reaches a height of 6 to 10 inches (15-25 cm).

Varieties of Mondo Grass

Gardeners who like a tidier look may want to consider dwarf mondo grass as an alternative. Dwarf mondo is similar to traditional mondo, however the leaves are more closely-cropped and compact, reaching a height of only 2 to 4 inches (5-10 cm). This gives the groundcover more of a well-maintained look. This ornamental grass works great between stepping stones or as a bulk ground cover and can grow just about anywhere in the yard.

Black mondo grass is a unique groundcover that has been seeing a strong rise in popularity. One of the few plants in the world with black leaves, black mondo provides a contrast that really brings out the color of other garden plants and flowers. The plant grows tiny, pink blooms in the summertime that create a dramatic look along any border or garden pathway. Like other mondo grasses, black mondo is easy to maintain and grows in most soil types.

The Liriopes

Closely related to mondo grass is the lilyturf known as liriope muscari. This tufted perennial has a grassy foliage with long, purple flowers. It can be used as an edging for pathways and driveways or as groundcover in a garden or low-traffic area of the lawn. Those looking for less prominent flowers may wish to consider its close cousin, liriope spicata.

Ornamental grasses come in a variety of tones and textures and most of them persist year round no matter what the weather. These plants are a wonderful addition to any backyard and are ideal for filling in spaces where nothing else seems to grow. They are extremely important for controlling soil erosion and to help reduce soil evaporation. They also provide a lush canvas that allow your brightly colored plants and flowers to truly shine.

Mondo Grass Comparison

Name	Hardiness Zones	Mature Height	Best Uses	Ordering Information
Mondo Grass (monkey grass, ophiopogon japonicus)	6-10	6 to 10 inches	borders, edging, ground cover, erosion control	More Info
Dwarf Mondo Grass (dwarf monkey grass, dwarf lilyturf)	6-10	2 to 3 inches	ground cover/turf grass substitute, edging, under-planting	More Info
Black Mondo Grass (black dragon, ebony knight)	5-10	6 to 10 inches	ground cover, borders, edging, under-planting, rock gardens	More Info