Contrary to the name, this plant isn’t actually a grass at all.
Instead, it’s related to lilies.
An easy-to-grow, attractiveperennial groundcover, mondo grass is a good turf alternative in shade gardens.
Credit: Ed Gohlich
In summer, small stalks of flowers appear on top of the crisp foliage.
Mondo grass can also make aminimalist statementas a container plant indoors or out.
Mondo grass has no problem growing under large tree canopies, even between gnarled roots and rocks.
Credit: Ed Gohlich
In the densest shade, you might not see many blooms.
After the blooms fade, you may also see glossy dark purple to almost black berries.
Mondo grass isconsidered invasivein southern states but not in the rest of the country.
Credit: Richard Hirneisen
Weed the area and mix in compost to the top 6 inches of soil.
Divide mondo grass into small clumps with eight to ten leaves and many roots.
Plant 4 to 12 inches apart.Water the top of the soiluntil it’s moist to around 3 inches deep.
It’s in the lily family, as the dainty flowers suggest.
The plants are very slow-growing and spread by stolons, which are horizontal stems just below the soil surface.
Light
When it comes to light exposure, mondo grass is not picky.
Credit: Lynn Karlin
The most common green varieties can take anything fromfull sun to shade.
Leaf coloring may vary slightly depending on the exposure, including light green to deep emerald.
Full sun is essential for the deep black-leaved varieties.
Credit: Karlis Grants
The more shade, the more green the black becomes.
Mature mondo grass plants should be watered once a week.
Temperature and Humidity
Mondo grass iswinter hardyin Zone 6 and higher.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
It will grow back after a freeze.
The foliage of mondo grass is evergreen in warm climates.
Use a balanced10-10-10 formula, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Credit: Lynn Karlin
Fertilizer will help maintain the grass’s color.
Pruning
In early spring, cut back dead growth to make way for new grass.
If needed, add mulch at that time.
Credit: Illustration by Mavis Augustine Torke
It is ideally suited forminiature gardenprojects and pairs well with many other plants.
Plant it in a small container filled with potting soil and keep it at room temperature.
Many varieties grow no wider than 6 inches, but some are more than twice that size.
The small ones are better for indoor living.
Water the plant regularly but lightly, and apply a slow-release balanced fertilizer in spring and midsummer.
Mondo grass is such a slow grower that there may never be a need to repot it.
If you do repot, give it new potting soil at that time.
It’s caused byheavy soil with poor drainage.
It can be treated with appropriate products.
Pick the pests off the grass and drown them in soapy water.
Spray with iron phosphate to keep them away.
How to Propagate Mondo Grass
Mondo grass can be propagated via divisions or seed.
Divisions is the simpler method for anyone who has (or can buy) a plant.
Sowing seeds is a more unreliable method.
Mondo grass has tuberous rhizomes in which it stores water and nutrients.
Theymake it easy to divide plantsand establish new plantings.
Each section should have about 10 leaves and a generous amount of roots.
Water the planted divisions and continue to water them for a few weeks until they are established.
Harvesting seed from an existing plant can be disappointing because hybrid cultivars don’t reproduce accurately by seed.
It is better toorder seedfrom a garden center.
Cool weather results in the best germination rate.
Keep the seeds moist at all times and expect germination in two weeks to six months.
They won’t all germinate at the same time.
Spikes of pale whitish-lilac flowers nestle among the foliage.
This tough plant makes a fine edging.
Spikes of lilac-pink flowers resemblinggrape hyacinthrise on stiff stems in summer.
Zones 6-11
Mondo Grass Companion Plants
Loosestrife
These vigorous growersare beautiful additions to the garden.
They vary from tall, stately plants suitable for borders to others that can be planted as creeping groundcovers.
Flowers range from tight spikes of 1/2-inch to 1-inch cups carried alone or in whorls.
Unfortunately, several sorts may become invasive and need to be corralled.
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 texture to your shady spots.
Unlike most ferns, these will tolerate dry soil.
And they’ll accept some sun if they have ample water.
Zones 49
Ferns add delicate, feathery texture and tons of green to any garden bed.
Like mondo grass, they prefer shady spots.
Different types of ferns can vary from small, 8-inch plants to towering 6-foot-tall ones.
Astilbe
Astilbe bringsa graceful, feathery noteto moist, shady landscapes.
In drier sites, however, the leaves will scorch in full sun.
It will spread slowly over time where well-situated.
Zones 48
Impatiens
Impatiens flowers constantly, adding color without much maintenance to a garden.
It works well with mondo grass to add lightness to mondo grass’s monochromatic coloring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most types of mondo grass grow up to 12 inches tall.
They can also grow to 15 inches wide.
Dwarf mondo grass grows only 4 to 6 inches tall.
No, mondo grass doesn’t need to be mowed.
It grows in neat clumps that never grow taller than the plant’s stated size.
If you are using it for a lawn area, select one of the dwarf mondo grass cultivars.
It’s also deer and rabbit resistant.
