As a lawn substitute in shady to partially sunny locations, it is a great sod alternative that never needs mowing. Mondo grass spreads by stolons, or underground stems, and can slowly form dense colonies.

How do you keep mondo grass from spreading?

Digging the monkey grass will get the roots and will keep the spreading nature under control. Use a spade or shovel to dig down around the liriope. Till the area around the removed plants and over the ground with plastic or newspaper to help choke out further growth.

What is the difference between mondo grass and dwarf mondo grass?

This is a specialized type of Mondo Grass. It grows to only around half the size of the other species in this family (around 2 – 4 inches). Dwarf Mondo Grass will have more slender leaves that give it a more petite look.

Is mondo grass an invasive species?

Mondo grass isn’t a slow-grower everywhere, though. In the warm, humid Southern U.S., it flourishes so well it can easily become invasive. If you live in the South, talk with a plant nursery worker about mondo grass’ growth habits in your area.

Will mondo grass choke out weeds?

If you are patient, dwarf mondo grass is another great choice; it will give you deep green color all year and choke out most weeds once it is established.

Can you mow dwarf mondo grass?

Mondo grass lawns need no mowing, tolerate pretty deep shade and are very drought resistant. Mondo grass is also used to fill in areas between pavers and stepping stones. The dwarf varieties—named versions of O. … So no more mowing.

How long does dwarf mondo grass take to spread?

Growth Rates. Standard mondo grass reaches a mature spread up to 1 foot wide within a year or two, but dwarf mondo grass needs two to three years under ideal conditions to reach its spread of 3 to 4 inches.

How far apart should you plant mondo grass?

Mondo Grass Spacing Plant 4 to 12 inches apart in mass plantings or when planted as an edging. The closer you plant each plug, the faster it will fill in for complete coverage. You should also stagger between rows for the best coverage.

Should you trim mondo grass?

Mondo Grass does not require pruning though you can give it an annual pruning or mowing in late winter, before new spring growth begins to emerge.

How do you keep dwarf mondo grass from spreading?

Weed control after planting the Dwarf Mondo grass Without herbicides: Apply straw or wood mulch in between plants to suppress weed growth while the plants are young. Pick out the weeds that do emerge by hand. They come out much easier when the soil is moist.

Article first time published on

Can you split mondo grass?

For division, dig up a well established clump of dwarf mondo grass. Use your hands to break the clump into smaller clumps or use a sharp, clean knife to cut the clump into smaller pieces. … The best time to divide your mondo grass is in the early spring or early fall.

What's the difference between mondo grass and monkey grass?

It is the common name for liriope (Liriope muscari), but it is also referred to as border grass. In addition, monkey grass is oftentimes used as the common name for a similar plant, dwarf mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus). … Dwarf mondo grass has thinner leaves and a finer texture than liriope.

What can you plant with mondo grass?

Planting: Plant mondo grass from spring through fall in well-drained soil. Companions: Plant with ferns, impatiens, liriope, and begonia; black mondo grass is especially showy next to light colored foliage like Acorus gramineus ‘Ogon’, blue fescue, and lime or bronze heuchera.

How big does Mini Mondo grow?

As the name suggests, Mini Mondo Grass is a dwarf or mini form of Mondo grass, with an overall height of 10 to 15 cm tall. It is an evergreen plant that spreads by underground rhizomes. It is a very tough plant that has a high drought and cold tolerance.

Can mondo grass grow in a pond?

Mondo grass is primarily used as groundcover. It is also attractive as a border along paths, between stepping stones or flowerbed and lawn, or in rock gardens. It grows well along streams and around garden ponds. … Under trees or shrubs it makes an excellent shade-tolerant lawn that never needs mowing.

Does mondo grass like full sun?

When it comes to light exposure, mondo grass is not too picky. The most common green varieties can take pretty much anything from full sun to full 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.

Is mondo grass low maintenance?

Mondo grass (Ophiopogon) is a robust, low-growing leafy plant that is an excellent substitute for turfgrass. The benefits of planting mondo grass are that it’s low-maintenance, grows in the shade, doesn’t take over gardens, and stays green all year long.

Is mondo grass toxic to cats?

I can’t tell you that mondograss is definitely NOT toxic to cats. … It is not unusual for cats to consume grasses and other such plants and then regurgitate to remove something from their stomach. Ask you vet about this and perhaps he could offer some other possible causes.

Can I transplant mondo grass?

Mondo grass grows best in hardiness zones 7 through 10. … Mondo grass—which is technically not a grass but a member of the lilac family—is a warm weather grass that is easy to transplant and takes over a yard relatively quickly, crowding out all other grasses and weeds.

What is the shortest mondo grass?

Mondo Grass dot COM Purchase online. This ornamental grass is our smallest grass, growing only 1 1/2 inches tall! Works nicely with smaller flower beds, indoor planting and bonsai arrangements.

Is mondo grass Hardy?

Mondo Grass is a hardy plant and requires low care. They look amazing when planted en masse as a ground cover and to fill in gapes in and around pathways. They also look good when planted under trees, in front of borders as edging plants and grown in pots.

What eats mondo grass?

Rabbits, chipmunks and squirrels will all happily munch on your mondo grass.

Why is my dwarf mondo grass turning yellow?

A bacterial disease that causes burnt-looking leaf tips, yellowing leaves and rotting roots, pythium root rot is a serious disease in miniature mondo grass that often develops in heavy soils with poor drainage. Biological pesticides control Pythium splendens, the bacteria that causes the disease.

How often do you water dwarf mondo grass?

Water the dwarf mondo grass thoroughly when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil becomes dry, usually every 10 to 14 days. Never allow the soil to become soggy, instead water to keep it evenly moist. Stop applying water during the winter when new growth has slowed or stopped.

Does mondo grass like acidic soil?

Soil Acidity Mondo grass grows best in slightly acidic soil. If your soil pH is lower than 5.5 or higher than 6.5, you should treat the soil to change the pH. To lower the pH of basic soils, work in bark chips from coniferous trees or use a soil treatment product that contains sulfur.

Will deer eat mondo grass?

Examples of ornamental grasses deer might eat include bamboo, bottlebrush grass, drooping sedge, dwarf mondo grass, ribbon grass, and sedge. … Other popular grasses, such as big bluestem, blue fescue, and feather reed grass are rarely eaten by deer.

Is mondo grass OK for dogs?

Don’t use pet droppings after a worming treatment as it will kill garden worms, too. Some plants, such as mondo grass, can be • killed by dog wee, so be careful about which plants you use where dogs frequently “go”. whether they’ll be left at home alone for long periods.

How do you grow mini mondo grass?

1. Choose a place in the garden that gets full sun to full shade (depending on variety). …
2. Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. …
3. Position in hole and backfill, gently firming down.

Why is my mondo grass dying?

Mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus) that becomes discolored or grows poorly might be suffering from root rot. This dark green, grassy perennial grows best in moist, freely draining soil. Poor drainage and overwatering cause root rot, and slugs and snails can also attack mondo grass, causing wilting.

Is there a dwarf black mondo grass?

Dwarf Black Mondo Grass is resistant to pests and disease, low maintenance, and can be grown almost anywhere in the US. Growing to about 8 inches tall and up to 12 inches wide, Black Mondo Grass is a distinctive addition to any landscape!

How much does mondo grass cost?

QuantityPrice Each1$59.972 – 3$56.914+$53.85