Susan is also blogging at GardenRant.Ophiopogon / Mondo Grass
A clump-forming evergreen groundcover for shade or (with extra water) sun. Various types from 3 to 18 inches tall. The foliage is either dark green, black or variegated. A better behaved (though less cold-hardy) alternative to liriope.
Types
- Most popular is O. japonicus, 8-16" tall, with violet blooms. Space 6-9 inches apart; spreads quickly. Commmenters on Daves Garden warn that in Central Florida and San Antonio, Texas it's invasive, hard to get rid of after a couple of years.
- O. planiscapus 'Nigrescens' is the popular variety with black or maroon leaves. Zones 6 to 10. To 6" tall (or according to some reports, 10"). White or pink flower. Won't cover the ground like O. japonicus does, and it's much more expensive.
Uses
Edge of borders, along paths, in rock gardens, between stepping stones. One gardener on Daves Garden says she blends "all sorts of mondo and liriope together". (Hard to imagine they get along well but it's her garden!) Can be used successfully as lawn substitute in the shade. Less cold hardy than liriope.
Details
- Best in part shade, but fine in sun with moist soil.
- Tiny blooms in July and August.
- Hardy to Zones 6 to 10.
- Native to much of Asia.
Care
- Sources say "water regularly" but I say: "Really?" because everyone tells me it's low-care and to me that means it doesn't require much watering after it's settled in.
- Propagate by division.
- Easily established.
- Trouble-free. (See?)
- If it gets ragged after winter, shear it back in early spring before the new growth appears.
After it fills out, you may never have to weed again.
Good Information in Print
- Covering Ground
by Barbara W. Ellis - Encyclopedia of Perennials
by Graham Rice is exhaustive and an outstanding general resource on the subject.
Location matters
I grow mondo grass in the Washington, D.C area, Zone 7A. If you've grown it and want to add your two cents, drop me a note. Susan
Top photo — Missouri Botanic Garden.