How to Grow Mondo Grass

Mondo Grass is a common sight in most gardens. Its deep green or purple/black perennial strappy leaves and compact growth habit make it perfect for fitting into those cracks in pavers, around garden edges or in pots to fill out the base and add a bit of elegance to the garden.

Full Sun to Full Shade (Depending on Variety)

Regular Watering

Fertile, Moist & Well-Drained

Suitable for All Climates

Mondo Grass Varieties

Common Mondo Grass

(Ophiopogon japonicas)

This grass is the most commonly available grass. It is popular due to its deep green foliage and its compact growth form. The maximum height reached by this species is from 10-25 cm.

Dwarf Mondo Grass

(Ophiopogon japonicas var. nanus)

Smaller variety of the Common Mondo grass that grows to a height of around 10 cm.

Black Mondo Grass

(Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’)

Great variety for contrast in pathways or around bright edges. This variety has deep purple to black leaves and grows to a height of about 10-25 cm.

How to Grow Mondo Grass in a Garden

Step 1

Choose a place in the garden that gets full sun to full shade (depending on variety). Prepare the planting area well by digging in Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser.

Step 2

Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the plant from the container, gently tease the roots.

Step 3

Position in hole and backfill, gently firming down. Form a raised ring around the plant, creating a well so that water will go where it’s needed most. Water in well.

Step 4

Mulch around the base with organic mulch like bark chips, sugarcane or pea straw, keeping it away from the base of the plant.

Step 5

Feed every 4 weeks with Yates Thrive All Purpose Liquid Plant Food.

How to Grow Mondo Grass in a Pot

Step 1

Choose a pot that is at least twice the size of the selected plant. Position in the garden that receives full sun to full shade (depending on variety).

Step 2

Fill the pot with a quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter.

Step 3

Remove the plant from the container, gently tease the roots.

Step 4

Position in hole and backfill, gently firming down. Water in well.

Step 5

Feed every 4 weeks with Yates Thrive All Purpose Liquid Plant Food.

Mondo Grass Growing Tips

To keep the plant looking at its best, remove any of the older or damaged leaves.
Best results are seen when the grass is planted in part shade or shade, with protection against the afternoon sun.
Some varieties of Mondo grass can perform well in full sun conditions. However, in the hotter days and with constant exposure, the leaves can develop burnt tips. Apply Yates Droughtshield which will provide some assistance to the grass with dealing with the stress of the sun and the level of tip burn occurring.
This plant can be easily propagated through division most times of the year by carefully removing it from the ground or the pot and dividing into separate clumps with a spade.
Great for use in pathways, borders or used around garden edges.

Can I Use a Selective Weedkiller on My Mondo Grass?

Unfortunately no. The best thing to do is remove weeds as soon as you notice by hand, or delicately paint on a non-selective weedkiller such as Yates Zero Weedkiller Super Concentrate.