Mondo Grass

Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus)

Monkey Grass, Dwarf Lilyturf

Full sun to full shade, moderately moist to well-drained; tolerates clay and dry shade once established; pH 5.5–7.0; more vigorous in part shade with consistent moisture.

8–15 cm tall, spreading 20–30 cm wide by slowly clumping stolons; bloom inconspicuous (white to pale lavender, summer); small metallic blue berries in fall; semi-evergreen in Zone 6b, often suffering winter leaf burn that shears out cleanly in early spring.

Division in spring is the standard propagation method; separate clumps and replant at original soil depth.

Native region: Not native to Tennessee; ornamental introduction from Japan and Korea.

Widely used as an edging plant and small-scale groundcover in Middle Tennessee landscapes. In Zone 6b winters, foliage frequently suffers tip burn or complete browning by February — shear to ground level in late February or early March before new growth emerges; the plant rebounds quickly. Dwarf mondo (Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana') at 5–8 cm is useful between stepping stones and flagstone. Black mondo grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens') is a distinct species with nearly black foliage, slower-spreading and preferred for accent use. Slugs can damage new growth in wet spring conditions; iron phosphate bait is effective and low-risk.