Mondo Grass
Ophiopogon japonicus
A versatile evergreen ground cover that forms dense, dark green carpets perfect for edging, borders, and areas where traditional grass struggles. Despite its name, this hardy plant is actually a lily family member that maintains its rich color year-round and requires minimal maintenance once established.
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
6–10
USDA hardiness
Height
6-12 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Mondo Grass in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 grass →Zone Map
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Mondo Grass · Zones 6–10
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day), Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand. Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Division. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Fruit is a globose berry, opalescent or metallic blue in color, less than an inch in diameter, and are hidden in the foliage.
Color: Blue. Type: Berry. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Garden value: Showy
Harvest time: Fall
Bloom time: Summer
History & Origin
Origin: China, Korea, Japan
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Black Walnut, Deer, Foot Traffic, Heavy Shade, Insect Pests, Rabbits, Salt
- +Low maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Hosta
Similar shade tolerance and moisture requirements, creates layered texture in shade gardens
Ferns
Both thrive in similar moist, shaded conditions and complement each other aesthetically
Camellia
Provides overhead canopy protection while mondo grass serves as attractive groundcover beneath
Azalea
Both prefer acidic soil and partial shade, mondo grass suppresses weeds around azalea roots
Japanese Maple
Creates ideal dappled shade conditions that mondo grass prefers
Heuchera
Similar growing conditions and complementary foliage colors and textures
Astilbe
Both enjoy moist, shaded areas and provide contrasting textures in woodland gardens
Impatiens
Both shade-loving plants that create attractive seasonal color combinations
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone which is toxic to many plants including ornamental grasses
Eucalyptus
Allelopathic oils can inhibit growth of nearby plants including groundcover grasses
Mint
Aggressive spreading habit can overwhelm and compete with mondo grass for space
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Very good disease resistance
Common Pests
Scale insects, spider mites in dry conditions
Diseases
Crown rot in waterlogged soils, generally very healthy