Mondo Grass

Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus) is the groundcover Australian landscapers lean on when the brief says green, neat and no fuss. It forms dense evergreen tufts of narrow, deep green leaves about 25cm tall and 30cm wide that knit together into a lawn like carpet you never mow. Short spikes of purple and white flowers sit low in the foliage in summer, but this plant is bought for the year round finish it gives paths, borders and the ground under trees.

Why you'll love it

• A lawn look without the lawn work. Once the tufts merge there is no mowing and no weekend maintenance beyond an occasional tidy.
• It grows almost anywhere in the country. Tropical, subtropical, warm temperate and cool temperate gardens all suit it, and it is fully frost hardy.
• Happy in sun or deep shade. The same plant works in an open border and under an established tree.
• Unfussy about soil. It tolerates poor soils and humid summers, holding its colour where showier groundcovers thin out.
• A crisp, permanent edge. Planted in lines along paths and beds, it draws the tidiest green border in landscaping.

Where it works best

Groundcover. Plant 20cm apart, which works out to about 25 plants per square metre, for a solid carpet. Closer planting closes cover faster but adds cost rather than quality.

Borders and edging. A single row at 20cm spacing gives a continuous ribbon along paths, driveways and bed edges within a couple of seasons.

Under trees. Shade and root competition defeat lawn; established mondo copes with both, the standard fix for bare ground beneath mature trees.

Pots and containers. A fine living mulch under potted trees and a neat filler in mixed containers.

Growing Mondo Grass in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to deep shade, with the richest, darkest foliage in part to full shade. It performs across tropical, subtropical, warm temperate and cool temperate climates and takes frost without marking.

Soil. Any reasonable soil suits, including poor and compacted ground once opened up at planting. Good drainage helps but perfection is not required.

Water and feed. Water weekly through the first summer while the tufts establish, then only through extended dry spells. Feeding is optional; a light spring application of slow release fertiliser speeds the fill.

Pruning. None needed. If foliage looks tattered after a hard summer, shear the planting back by about a third in late winter and it refreshes with the spring growth.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Mondo Grass as tube stock and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tubes are the economical way to plant at this density, while the 140mm packs carry established clumps that cover sooner. Be patient: mondo is slower than running groundcovers, typically two to three growing seasons to a closed carpet, and it stays put once there.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95 and a minimum order of $300 before delivery. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Getting to know mondo grass
• Browse the full groundcover range
• Choosing plants for the ground under trees
• See Dwarf Mondo Grass for finer detail work

Common questions

How many plants do I need?

At the recommended 20cm spacing, allow about 25 plants per square metre. For edging, a single row at 20cm intervals means five plants per metre of path.

Does it grow in shade?

Yes, shade is where it looks best. It handles everything from open sun to deep shade under established trees, which is why it is the default choice for difficult spots.

Do you ever mow it?

No. It holds itself at about 25cm indefinitely. At most, shear tired foliage back in late winter every few years to refresh the planting.

Will frost damage it?

No. It is frost hardy and stays evergreen through winter in cool temperate gardens, which few carpet groundcovers manage.

What is the difference between this and dwarf mondo?

Dwarf mondo is a much smaller, slower form used for detail work between pavers and in miniature landscapes. For covering real area, standard mondo fills faster and costs less per square metre.