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.