Ophiopogon japonicus, commonly known as Mondo Grass, is a dense grass like evergreen perennial prized for its fine texture and deep green leaves that provide year round groundcover in shaded areas. This slow spreading species is often used as a living mulch or edging plant and forms clumps that suppress weeds and retain soil moisture. It produces small lavender flowers on short stems in summer followed by blue black berries that add ornamental interest into fall.
Height & Spread: 6 - 10 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Midsummer
Light Requirements: Part shade to full shade
Soil Preference: Moist, well drained soil
Watering Needs: Moderate; water regularly until established
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant due to its tough fibrous foliage
Native Status
Native to East Asia including Japan, China, and Korea, Ophiopogon japonicus has naturalized in parts of the southeastern United States where conditions suit its needs.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Flowers offer light nectar to small native bees and hoverflies in mid to late summer.
Beneficial Insects
- The thick clumping foliage creates a microhabitat for predatory beetles and sheltering ground insects.
Birds
- Blue black berries are occasionally eaten by thrushes and robins and foliage provides winter cover for ground dwelling species.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Plant 12 - 18 in apart for massing groundcover effect or closer for dense edging.
Landscape Placement:
- Ideal for use between pavers, under shrubs, or along pathways in shade gardens. Also effective in rock gardens and containers.
Companion Plants
- Lamium maculatum 'White Nancy' - Silvery foliage and white blooms weave through the dark foliage of Mondo Grass.
- Ferns (Dryopteris erythrosora) - Copper tinted new fronds add a dynamic textural pairing to Mondo Grass mats.
- Carex morrowii 'Ice Dance' - Variegated foliage brightens shady areas and mingles well with the clumping form of Ophiopogon.
- Heuchera 'Palace Purple' - Rich burgundy foliage contrasts against the fine texture and deep green of Mondo Grass.
- Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears' - Compact blue leaved hostas create mounding contrast with Ophiopogon’s spreading habit.