Mondo Grass
Best low-maintenance groundcover for gardeners seeking year-round texture and easy care.
Mondo Grass, or Ophiopogon japonicus, presents attractive clumps of stemless, dark green, grass-like leaves, making it an excellent choice for small-scale groundcover or low borders. This care-free perennial produces tiny spikes of lilac flowers during the summer months, adding subtle seasonal interest. It is an evergreen plant ideal for introducing texture to various garden settings. Due to its ease of growth and evergreen nature, it serves well in borders, edging, and mass plantings, offering reliable year-round appeal in the landscape.
$19.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
762
/ 3082
#762 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-28%
Below average
Mature Height
15
/ inches
Who it's for
- Busy homeowners seeking low-maintenance groundcover for challenging landscape spots
- Gardeners needing lush greenery for difficult, deep-shade garden borders
- Eco-conscious landscapers prioritizing water-wise plants for dry climates
Who should skip it
- Impatient gardeners wanting immediate, full-coverage results for large areas
- Low-maintenance enthusiasts unwilling to perform regular manual weeding
- Northern residents living in regions with harsh, freezing winters
Performance breakdown
Maintenance Ease
A truly low-effort perennial that thrives with minimal intervention.
Groundcover Versatility
Perfect for filling borders or creating lush, textured mass plantings.
Year-Round Appeal
Evergreen foliage ensures your garden retains structure through every season.
Environmental Adaptability
Robust enough to handle coastal conditions and varying light exposures.
Propagation Potential
Simple division every few years makes expanding your landscape effortless.
Visual Interest
Subtle lilac blooms provide a delicate contrast to dark foliage.
Key Specs
Mature Height
15 inches
Mature Width
15 inches
Light Requirement
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Bloom Time
Summer
Foliage Color
Green
Flower Color
Purple
Growth Rate
Medium
Plant Family
Mondo Grass
Features
- Attractive, dark green, grass-like foliage year-round
- Produces tiny spikes of lilac flowers in summer
- Care-free and easy to grow perennial
- Excellent for adding texture to garden designs
- Suitable for coastal exposure areas
- Can be divided every 2 to 3 years
What customers say
Customers consistently highlight the exceptional quality of the Mondo Grass received from Monrovia. Reviewers frequently note that the plants arrive healthy, robust, and ready for immediate planting, minimizing transplant shock. The primary appeal is the plant's reliability as a durable, low maintenance groundcover that thrives in various conditions, making it a trustworthy choice for landscape projects. This premium quality justifies the slightly higher price point for many gardeners seeking guaranteed success and long term performance.
Know before you buy
To achieve a solid, carpet-like groundcover, space your Mondo Grass plants about 8 to 12 inches apart. If you prefer a more spaced-out, clumping look, you can increase that distance to 15 inches.
Mondo Grass is versatile and thrives in both partial shade and full sun. While it is highly adaptable, it performs best in areas that receive at least some protection from the harshest afternoon heat in hotter climates.
Yes, Mondo Grass is an evergreen perennial. It will maintain its dark green, grass-like foliage throughout the year, providing consistent color and texture even during the winter months.
Mondo Grass is considered a care-free plant that requires minimal maintenance. You can divide the clumps every 2 to 3 years if you want to propagate new plants or manage the spread of the existing ones.
Yes, Mondo Grass is suitable for coastal exposure. It is a resilient plant that can handle the specific environmental conditions often found in seaside landscapes.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$20