Contrary to the name , this plant is n’t in reality a grass at all . Instead , it ’s relate to lilies .
An easy - to - grow , attractiveperennial groundcover , mondo grass is a good greensward alternative in shade garden . Hardy in Zones 6 - 10 , its pasture - like foliage forms dense tufts that slowly overspread over time and require no mowing . In summer , pocket-size stalks of flowers appear on top of the crisp leafage . Mondo grass can also make aminimalist statementas a container plant life indoors or out .
Where to Plant Mondo Grass
In many instances , refinement gardens can be tricky to plant , especiallywhen it amount to turf grass . With something as low maintenance as a mondo grass lawn , you could have the look of grass in shady fleck . Mondo grass has no problem growing under large tree canopy , even between gnarled roots and rock . However , if you ’re planting black foliage varieties of mondo , they ’ll need some sun , or the plantswill be mostly green in full wraith .
In the densest shade , you might not see many bloom . Typically , mondo forage blossom in the summertime ; its short stiletto heel of pale pinko or lily-white appear just above ( or sometimes in ) the foliation of the plants . After the efflorescence fade , you may also see showy dark purpleness to almost black berries .
Mondo sess isconsidered invasivein southern states but not in the relief of the body politic . To keep it from spreading away from where it ’s planted as a border or in other limited outer space , fag a 6 - 12 column inch trench and append a barrier .
Credit: Ed Gohlich
How and When to Plant Mondo Grass
Plant mondo grass in early spring to give the roots time to take hold before the weather gets warm . Place it in an field with filtered sunlight to keep the plants from dry . better the soilto amend drainage and add the nutrients mondo grass needs . Weed the arena and mix in compost to the top 6 inch of soil .
Divide mondo grass into lowly thumping with eight to ten folio and many rootage . works 4 to 12 column inch apart . Water the top of the soiluntil it ’s moist to around 3 inches rich .
Mondo Grass Care Tips
Despite what the name might imply , mondo grass is n’t an actual forage . It ’s in the lily family , as the kickshaw flowers suggest . The plants are very tardily - growing and unfold by stolons , which are horizontal stems just below the soil surface .
Light
When it comes to light exposure , mondo grass is not picky . The most common green mixed bag can take anything fromfull sun to shade . foliage coloring may change more or less look on the exposure , admit abstemious unripe to deep emerald . Full sun is essential for the mystifying black - leaved varieties . The more tone , the more green the black becomes .
Soil and Water
One of the main drawback of mondo pot varieties is that they are n’t drought patient of . After they are established , colony can take some drying out , but ideally , they require uniform wet without being in standing urine . Newly planted mondo eatage should be imbed inwell - drained soiland watered a few time a week so the plant can set up roots . Mature mondo supergrass industrial plant should be irrigate once a week .
Temperature and Humidity
Mondo skunk iswinter hardyin Zone 6 and higher . It will mature back after a freeze . It thrives in humid climate , so if your country is dry , mist it with water to give it moisture .
The foliage of mondo grass is evergreen in tender mood . In cool temperatures , the leaf may die back , but theycan be shearedin early spring before new development begins .
Fertilizer
Fertilizer is n’t necessary , but if you like , apply it every three month during outpouring and summertime . Use a balanced10 - 10 - 10 formula , fall out the manufacturer ’s instructions . Fertilizer will serve maintain the grass ’s colour .
Pruning
In other leaping , disregard back dead growth to make agency for new grass . If needed , add mulch at that time .
Potting and Repotting Mondo Grass
Mondo pot is an excellent container works because of its modest sizing and irksome ontogeny rate . It is ideally suited forminiature gardenprojects and pair well with many other plants .
Plant it in a humble container filled with potting ground and keep it at room temperature . It is leisurely to mountain ( or repot ) because it has such a shallow root system , so do n’t use a deep pot — a shallow one with drain holes is a better selection . Many varieties acquire no wider than 6 inches , but some are more than twice that sizing . The little ones are better for indoor keep . Learn the mondo grass ’s await size before take a container ; it should match the plant ’s hoped-for width .
irrigate the plant regularly but lightly , and apply a slow - release balanced plant food in spring and June 21 . Mondo supergrass is such a slow grower that there may never be a need to repot it . If you do repot , give it fresh potting soil at that time .
Credit: Ed Gohlich
Pests and Problems
Pythium origin rot causes mondo grass ’s leaves to take on a cut smell , resulting in yellowing leaves and rotting roots . It ’s do byheavy grease with poor drainage . It can be care for with appropriate products .
Pests that can damage mondo grass include snails and slugs , which eat through the top of the hummock and destruct the grass . Pick the pest off the locoweed and submerge them in fulsome water supply . Spray with iron orthophosphate to keep them off . If you live in a southern state , check that mondo grass has n’t been identified as invasive in your state , as it has in others , before you plant .
How to Propagate Mondo Grass
Mondo grass can be propagated via division or seed . Divisions is the simple method acting for anyone who has ( or can buy ) a works . Sowing seeds is a more unreliable method acting .
Mondo grass has tuberous rhizomes in which it stores body of water and nutrients . Theymake it easy to divide plantsand lay down new planting . In early outpouring , dig up an established clump of mondo grass and divide it into diminished sections using your hands or a incisive knife . Each subdivision should have about 10 leave of absence and a generous amount of roots . Then , replant the cluster where you want them to grow in the garden , spacing them 6 to 15 inches apart , count on the projected size of it of the full-grown plant — whether dwarf or standard . Water the planted naval division and proceed to water them for a few weeks until they are established .
Harvesting seeded player from an be plant can be dissatisfactory because hybrid cultivars do n’t reproduce accurately by seeded player . It is well toorder seedfrom a garden heart and soul . Even in the best case , mondo smoke seed has a poor germination rate , and the old the germ is , the worse the pace grows . Sow the seed shortly after receiving it in pots fill with uninventive potting soil and put them in a insensate frame or another coolheaded area . nerveless atmospheric condition results in the good sprouting rate . Keep the seeds moist at all times and await germination in two hebdomad to six calendar month . They wo n’t all bourgeon at the same time .
Credit: Richard Hirneisen
Types of Mondo Grass
Dwarf Mondo Grass
Ophiopogon japonicusgrows to 1 human foot magniloquent with linear immature leaves . Spikes of pale whitish - lilac flowers nestle among the leaf . This tough plant makes a fine edging . Zones 7 - 10
‘Nigrescens’ Mondo Grass
Ophiopogon planiscapus’Nigrescens ' has tufts of strappy morose purpleness leaves about 6 inch tall . spindle of lilac - pinkish flowers resemblinggrape hyacinthrise on stiff stem in summertime . zone 6 - 11
Mondo Grass Companion Plants
Loosestrife
These vigorous growersare beautiful addition to the garden . They diverge from tall , courtly plants suitable for borders to others that can be implant as creeping groundcovers . Flowers vagabond from smashed spikes of 1/2 - column inch to 1 - column inch cup carry alone or in whorl . Unfortunately , several sorts may become trespassing and need to be corral . zona 4–9
These are not the invasive purple loosestrife , which has been banned in many parts of the United States .
Japanese Painted Fern
Japanese painted fernsare washed with silver and burgundy markings . Lady fern is equally grand , though not quite as showy . Either will add interest and grain to your funny spot . Unlike most fern , these will tolerate ironical soil . And they ’ll accept some sun if they have ample water supply . Zones 4–9
fern bring delicate , feathery texture and lots of light-green to any garden bottom . Like mondo green goddess , they opt shadowed place . Different type of ferns can vary from small , 8 - inch plant to loom 6 - foot - tall one .
Astilbe
Astilbe bringsa graceful , feathery noteto moist , suspicious landscapes . In nerveless climates in the northern third or so of the land , it can tolerate full sun , provide it has a constant moisture supplying . In drying agent site , however , the leave will sear in full sun . It will open slow over sentence where well - locate . Zones 4–8
Impatiens
Impatiens flush constantly , adding color without much maintenance to a garden . It puzzle out well with mondo grass to bestow legerity to mondo grass ’s monochrome coloring . Zones 10 - 11
Snow-in-Summer
These bright white bloom ofsnow - in - summerlook contact when pair with black mondo skunk , and since they ’re groundcovers , produce a lively rug - like spirit . Zones 3 - 10
Garden Plan for Mondo Grass
Bold Woodland Garden Plan
Add a bright dose of colour to a spot under a canopy of Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree leaves .
Frequently Asked Questions
Most type of mondo grass grow up to 12 in magniloquent . They can also grow to 15 inch wide . Dwarf mondo grass grow only 4 to 6 inch tall .
No , mondo grass does n’t need to be cut down . It produce in neat clumps that never produce tall than the industrial plant ’s stated size . If you are using it for a lawn arena , select one of the dwarf mondo smoke cultivars .
No , mondo grass does n’t pose any peril to African tea or dogs , who may require to chew on its tenacious , slim leaf . It ’s also deer and rabbit resistant .
Credit: Lynn Karlin
Credit: Karlis Grants
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Credit: Lynn Karlin
Credit: Illustration by Mavis Augustine Torke
