If you’re in search of an attractive species to use as an ornamental border, lawn substitute or specimen plant, the mondo grass makes a fantastic choice. It is also commonly referred to as monkey grass or lilyturf the plant’s abundant, grass-like leaves aswell as its elegant flowers and vibrant berries , make it a popular choice for many different uses.
The grass is easy to propagate and is tolerant to a range different conditions. This is a great choice for those who are just beginning their gardening. There are many varieties of mondo grass. Therefore, prior to purchasing, you should spend some time learning the one that will provide you with the results you’re looking for.
Mondo Grass Basics
“mondo grass,” as it’s known, is a term used to describe “mondo grass” refers to a variety of kinds of evergreen perennial groundcovers indigenous in Southeast Asia. While they look similar to grasses, they’re actually part of the family of lily (Liliaceae) as well, according to certain classifications that are more recent they are they belong to the asparagus family (Asparagaceae). The plant is a clump-forming one and spreads via the underground tolons (runners) as well as the rhizomes (tuberous roots) However, it can also be propagated through division.
Mondo grass (Ophiopogon Genus) is often confused with Liriope (Liriope Genus) due to the fact that plants from the two genera are similar in appearance and practices. Common name “monkey grass” and “lilyturf” are used to refer to species belonging to both genera. To ensure you have the plant you are looking for be sure to verify your Latin plant’s botanical title. Three kinds that are mondograss can be generally offered.
Mondo grass (Ophiopogon Japonicus) – The standard and most well-known type of mondo grass The plant’s height is six to 10 inches tall and can grow to 15 inches in width. In summer, the stalks of tiny bell-shaped lavender flowers grow from the deep green leaves. They emit the faint scent of sweet. The blooms are then followed by blue cobalt berries. The plant is thriving in USDA zones 7-10 and is cold-hardy even down to -10 degrees. Even in temperatures that are near freezing its leaves remain green. Although it’s able to endure more mild winters in zones 6 and 7 but it will not make it through the colder winters.
Dwarf Moneto grass (Ophiopogon Japonicus “Nanus”) – This small cultivar grows between 4 and 6 inches tall, and is about 8 inches in width. It produces flowers of lavender or white and blue berries. Apart from its dimension and the color of its flowers It’s a lot like the standard mondo grass.
The black mondograss (Ophiopogon planiscapus “Nigrescens”) – Although it’s distinct from the standard mondo grass, it has the same growth habits and needs for care. It is most well-known for its black-purple color. its leaves, however its pink flowers can be a bonus. It’s also more expansive than other varieties of mondo grass that can grow up to 12 inches tall and between 12 and 24 inches wide.
Give Mondo Grass a Space in Your Garden
Mondo grass owes a significant portion of its success to the wide range of methods it can be utilized. If you’re looking for dwarf mondo grass grass is the most popular application. It’s a great lawn option for those who want lush green lawns without the stress of maintaining grass that is turf. When a couple of plants are established and spread, they form the appearance of lawn. This type of grass is a very slow-growing one, however the lawn may take some time to grow.
It’s great for areas of shade deep and may be found under the black walnut tree. It’s also well-suited to slopes where grass does not grow well. Mondo grass is a common groundcover for Japanese gardens, and is planted around stepping stones , statues, in the shade of trees and in flowing forms surrounding gravel beds.
Because it doesn’t grow until an unnatural level, it won’t be necessary to, and in fact, it’s not necessary to mow it. The drawback is that the mondo grass is more fragile in comparison to turf. The dwarf grass is able to withstand walking on it occasionally but constant walking on it will cause damage. If you’ll be walking through an area that is populated with mondo grass, put in steps or other types of pathway.
It is mildly dog-friendly. Although it is able to handle dogs playing and running around but it isn’t able to handle digging or urinating as well. But, it generally performs better than other turf grasses.
Due to its small size and slow-growing dwarf mondo grass is very well as a home plant. Plant it in a well-drained pots or potting mixes and put it in a shaded or partly shaded area.
Black and standard-sized grasses is more commonly used for ornamental purposes. They are used as edging plants and create gentle bordering that is informal between garden beds and pathways or lawns. Their tallness helps to keep back plants in the garden without overwhelming the plants. Mondo grass is particularly useful when you require an edge that’s larger and taller than what you’d get from strips or masonry edging.
It is a beautiful ornamental plant. the fountain of mondo grass’ deep-colored leaves and the soothing sound they create when they rustle in the wind make the plant an ideal feature for seating areas. The flowers are often lost in the foliage and are not a significant reason to plant the plant.
The varieties of mondo grass all have a high tolerance to salt that allows them to thrive in gardens that are coastal. Since the plant thrives under the shade of trees, and deer generally avoid it, it’s a great option for gardens located that are in forested areas.
Mondo Grass Care Requirements
Mondo grass is simple to maintain once it is established, however the process of establishing it requires some effort. In all conditions, it can thrive in any conditions from full shade to full sun however, it thrives in sun that is filtered. The more sun it is exposed to, the lighter its leaves will appear. In hot climates however, a shady place is essential. Select a site that drains well soil or increase the drainage by adding 3 to four inches of organic material, such as compost or manure that has been well-rotted.
It’s possible to start the plant from seeds however, most gardeners purchase packs of plugs to ensure an easier start. Plug plants that are small can be planted in the same way as they are. If you’re propagating an older plant, divide the plant into groups of between two and four stolons. Plant black and standard mondo grass 6-12 inches apart, and dwarf mondo grass between 2 and 4 inches away, based on the speed you’d like to have the area to be covered. Through division and propagation it is possible to make an entire border with just one plant, however it could require several years.
The only thing that mondograss is extremely picky about is the amount of water it gets. Water it as soon as the soil gets dry, preferably to one inch. This usually occurs every week, or once in mild climates. It is important to maintain the soil damp during dry weather, but be careful not to let it become excessively saturated as this plant will not like feet that are wet. It is generally accepted that the mondograss is tolerant of more well underwater than excessive watering.
Mondo grass requires very little fertilization and can often do well with no fertilizer at all. It’s generally sufficient for you to spray a slow release 10-10-10 fertilizer specifically designed for plants and trees one time each year, in the springtime.
Mondo grass isn’t particularly susceptible to diseases or pests However, it is important to be on the lookout for snails and slugs during damp cooler periods, and fungal infections in moist or warm times. Root rot, which is caused by an organism known as Pythium splendens is one of the most frequent problems. the brown tips of the leaves are typically the first indication. It is also possible that how the upper part of the plant can be simple to remove from the root. To treat the problem apply a fungicide specifically designed to fight this pathogen. Then cover the soil in organic material.
Then, in spring trim any broken or dead foliage to ensure the plant is neat.
It spreads slowly however it does expand and spreads rapidly, so you’ll have to work hard to control it. To ensure it stays in an established area, place strip edging or any other edge material around it. For small or single groups, limit their size by splitting the clump each three or four years, beginning in spring. To accomplish this, you need to dig up the plant, making sure to uncover the most tuberculous roots as you can and gently tear the clumps apart. Plant the new clumps in the place you would like them to be. To manage daughter plants which have appeared outside of the main plant area just dig them up and then replant them in another area.
Mondo grass isn’t the only slow-grower in the world but. In the humid, warm Southern U.S., it thrives so well that it could quickly become an overgrown. If you are in the South discuss with the plant nursery staff about the development patterns in your area.
A lawn substitute, dwarf mondo grass will provide a beautiful expanse of green, with much less work than turfgrass or other groundcovers. Black and normal mondo grass works great for borders for your garden beds that are distinctive enough to stand out however it won’t take away from the flowers. A single mondo grass plant in an urn will brighten up an otherwise dull area of your garden.
Get your mondo grass going with the proper conditions for the soil and light, be careful with watering and your plants will be thriving with just a little care.
