The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Mondo grass is also called “dwarf lilyturf” (Ophiopogon japonicus).
Because it can spread, it is used as a ground cover.
The leaves are narrow and dark green.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Mondo grass is most valued:
Plant clumps of mondo grass in early spring.
It grows best in fertile, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soil.
Mondo grass also doesn’t need pruning, making it a low-maintenance plant.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Planting
Plant it in early spring.
This gives the plant time to get established before the weather gets hot.
Locate mondo grass in a shaded area.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Before planting, add soil amendments to the ground to improve fertility and drainage.
You will buy mondo grass plants as clumps.
Divide each clump into smaller clumps, making sure each has several blades.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Install these smaller clumps 4 to 12 inches apart.
Water well to help the plants become established.
Light
At the southern end of its range, plant mondo grass in full shade.
At the northern end of its range, grow it in partial shade.
Soil
Mondo grass likes a soil pH that is slightly acidic so ahumusysoil is ideal.
Water
Keep the ground evenly moist while the plant is still establishing.
Once established, it is reasonably drought-tolerant.
But it isn’t reliably cold-hardy throughout zone 6, so it is uncommon in Northern landscapes.
Fertilizer
Fertilize mondo grass annually in spring by workingcompostinto its soil.
Propagating Mondo Grass
Dividing mondo grass is the easiest way to propagate it.
Early spring is the best time for the job.
If you do need to re-pot mondo grass, follow the same steps.
Don’t use the same potting mix: disinfect the container and refill it with a new potting mix.
What is a “sheltered” location?
It is an area protected from the elements (wind, cold, etc.)
that stays warmer than other yard areas.
It could be up against a south-facing wall, behind a fence, or under a large evergreen tree.
Common Pests and Plant Diseases
The main pests that bother mondo grass are slugs and snails.
In terms of plant diseases, the ones to worry about the most are fungus-related.
All three issues (slugs, snails, and fungus) are made worse by wet conditions.
There are also pellets you could buy to spread around plants for slug and snail control.
The pests are attracted to these pellets, ingest them, and eventually die.
Root Rot
One fungus-related disease that attacks mondo grass isroot rot.
Yellowing leaves are one sign of it.
Prevention is better than treatment.
Two effective ways to prevent it are providing good drainage and avoiding overwatering your yard.
Common Problems With Mondo Grass
Mondo grass is a low-maintenance ground cover.
Even this plant will not hold up to heavy foot traffic.
In zones 7 to 10, it stays evergreen.
