How to kill Mondo grass?
You can get rid of monkey grass by digging it up and setting a barrier to control and contain it. Spraying the plants and roots after digging will ensure they die completely and not sprout again. It is also possible to kill monkey grass by the use of herbicides containing glyphosate.
Does mondo grass have seeds?
There are two propagation methods available for dwarf mondo grass. One is planting dwarf mondo grass seeds and the other is division of your plant. If you decide to grow dwarf mondo grass seeds, be aware that they are finicky and you may have trouble getting them to grow. They may also not grow true to the parent plant.
Can mondo grass take full sun?
It will grow in full sun, but thrives and spreads more quickly in partial to full shade. 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 to maintain mondo grass?
Part 3 Part 3 of 3: Maintaining Your Mondo Grass Download Article
- Water the grass daily for the first 3-6 months. Be sure to moisten the entire area. ...
- Use compost to top-dress annually. Once your grass is planted, you'll want to make sure it retains nutrients.
- Apply organic fertilizer lightly if desired. ...
- Don't cut the grass until it completely fills in. ...
Does mondo grass stay green all winter?
Mondo grass is evergreen year-round in warm climates. In cooler areas, new growth begins in early spring. The species grows very slowly. As such, it is a low-maintenance species that requires very little mowing.
Does mondo grass spread out?
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. Leaves are ½ inch wide (1 cm.)
Will black mondo grass survive winter?
As the grass grows, it has a light green color that fades to black as the growing season progresses. This variety of mondo grass is resilient to the cold and will last through the winter without any issues.
How quickly does mondo grass spread?
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.
Should mondo grass be cut back?
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.
Can I walk on mondo grass?
Dwarf mondo grass can tolerate being walked on every now and then, but regular foot traffic will destroy it. If you'll need to walk through an area planted with mondo grass, install stepping stones or another type of path. The plant is moderately pet-friendly.
Does mondo grass tolerate frost?
Mondo Grass prefers a part shade to full sun position in the garden that has well drained soil. They should not be planted in full afternoon sun as the leaf tips will burn. They are frost tolerant and require little water once established.
What is the difference between mondo grass and dwarf mondo grass?
Dwarf Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon Japonicus 'Nanus') 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.
What happens to mondo grass in winter?
The plants are easily established and require little effort. The plants do not need heavy feeding. Mondo grass looks attractive year-round. However, the leaves may become ragged by late winter.
How far apart do I plant mondo grass?
Dwarf Mondo grass requires 3-4 inch spacing and the larger growing species need a spacing of 5-6 inches. If you use more plants, the area will get covered faster. You can separate the individual plants from the clump and they can be planted in the soil with the root covered completely in the soil.
Is mondo grass the same as monkey grass?
Monkey grass is a groundcover that looks very similar to turf 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).
What is the difference between mondo grass and liriope?
I just learned the difference between liriope (Monkey Grass) and Mondo Grass! The leaves of mondo grass are narrower than those of liriope. The berries of mondo grass are bright blue, while liriope berries are black. The flower stalks of liriope are usually quite showy and stick out above the foliage.
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.
How do you control mondo grass?
Install a root barrier around the outer limits of the area containing Mondo grass. Dig up clumps of Mondo grass with the spade. Separate as many of the plants' rhizomes, stolons and roots as possible. Carefully rake up all of these pieces and discard.
How do you divide 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. Plant the dwarf mondo grass clumps in the locations you would like them to grow in.
What is the difference between mondo grass and dwarf mondo grass?
Dwarf Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon Japonicus 'Nanus') 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.
What is mondo grass?
Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist. Printer Friendly Version. Image by vblinov. Mondo grass is also known as monkey grass. It is an evergreen perennial that makes a great groundcover or standalone grass-like plant. These plants perform well in almost any soil and lighting condition.
How big does mondo grass grow?
Imagine great grassy tussocks shrunk down to fairyland size, and you can envision mondo grass. These small plants grow only 6 to 10 inches tall (15-25 cm.) and have a clumping or mounding nature depending upon variety. Ophiopogon japonicus is the scientific name and refers to the plant’s native region of Asia.
What is a good sod alternative?
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. Leaves are ½ inch wide (1 cm.) and glossy green or even variegated.
Is mondo grass a problem?
Any mondo grass information should list its pest and disease issues. Snails and slugs may be a problem, as can scale. Disease issues are fungal and form during wet, warm periods. Serious damage by any of these is unlikely.
Can mondo grass be divided?
These plants perform well in almost any soil and lighting condition. Mondo grass is a slow growing plant that can be easily propagated by division and requires minimal care once established. A truly attractive and outstanding landscape plant with a multitude of uses, it is well worth the gardener’s time to learn how to grow mondo grass.
Is it easy to grow mondo grass?
Growing mondo grass is easy, as the plant withstands neglect in regions where plentiful moisture is naturally available. Once established, you can pretty much forget about the plant unless you want to go check out its seasonal beauty, or it is time to divide it.
What is mondo grass used for?
Landscape Use. 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. Mondo grass competes well with the roots of other plants.
How tall is black mondo grass?
The plants are about 6 inches tall. In South Carolina, black mondo grass should be planted in partial shade. Cultivars ‘Nigrescens’ and ‘Ebony Knight’ do not differ very much. O. jaburan is coarser than O. japonicus, with light purple to white flowers.
What is monkey grass?
Mondo grass, also known as monkey grass ( Ophiopogon japonicus ), is an evergreen, sod-forming perennial. The scientific name is derived from ophis = snake, and pogon = beard, most probably referring to the flower spike.
Can oleander scale be found in mondo grass?
False oleander scale may infest and damage mondo grass. This armored scale is best controlled by late winter shearing and disposal of the trimmed foliage. Additionally, sprays with a 2% solution of horticultural oil can aid in control of these armored scales.
Does moondo grass grow in the shade?
Mondo grass grows well in ordinary garden soil, requiring minimum attention once established. Plants thrive in filtered sun to full shade and prefer moist soil. The foliage is usually light green when plants are grown in filtered sun. Plants growing in the shade have dark green leaves.
Is mondo grass the same as liriope?
Mondo grass is quite often confused with liriope ( Liriope muscari ). However, the leaves of mondo grass are more narrow than those of liriope, the smaller flowers are hidden by the leaves, the fruits are blue compared to the black fruits of liriope and mondo grass is less cold hardy.
Why Use Mondo Grass?
Since mondo is a lily and not a true grass it has several advantages over normal grass. First of all, mondo’s leaves will remain green throughout the winter months. When normal grass starts to turn brown as the temperatures get cool, mondo grass stays deep green all year round.
What is dwarf mondo grass?
Bright blue berries appear in the fall, which will attract birds. A closely related variety is called dwarf mondo grass. Dwarf mondo is more closely cropped than regular mondo, growing only 2-4 inches in height.
What is the difference between liriope muscari and liriope?
Liriope muscari has a pronounced purple flower spike that blooms in mid to late summer. It is often used as a border or in a flower bed. Liriope spicata is the faster spreading of the two and is frequently used as erosion control on hillsides. The liriopes are sometimes referred to as monkey grass.
What is the difference between black mondo grass and black mondo grass?
Super dwarf is often found in flower beds and bonsai arrangements. Black mondo grass has a distinctive black foliage that provides a dramatic contrast with lighter colored plants.
What is the name of the grass that grows in small clumps?
It is closely related to liriope muscari; however mondo grass blades are softer and floppier and tend to look more like turf grass. Dwarf mondo grass around a tree base.
How long does it take for mondo grass to grow?
Each clump sends out shoots that will gradually spread to produce a lush, dark-green lawn. Complete coverage typically takes from two to four years depending on the variety used and how closely the plants are spaced.
How tall does dwarf mondo grow?
Dwarf mondo is more closely cropped than regular mondo, growing only 2-4 inches in height. This variety has no blooms and prefers a well-drained soil and full shade. It tends to spread more slowly than regular mondo. Super dwarf mondo grass, or kyoto dwarf, is the smallest mondo available.
What is the botanical name for mondo grass?
The botanical name for mondo grass is ophiopogon japonicus. Another common name for it, especially in the Southern U.S., is monkey grass. Mondo grass is referred to as an ornamental grass. It’s not, however, technically a grass. Instead, mondo grass is a member of the lily family.
Where does mondo grass grow?
But the two plants are otherwise alike. Both varieties of mondo grass are native to Japan, China, and Korea. Mondo grass is a common feature of Japanese gardens. And it’s often part of the landscaping around temples.
What herbicides can kill dwarf mondo grass?
Herbicides to Avoid. Some broadcast herbicides such as sethoxydim and clethodim can destroy grassy weeds without harming the dwarf mondo grass — it’s not a grass but a member of the lily family. However, it’s best to avoid spraying these pesticides on young plants.
What is the name of the grass that grows in the lily family?
Instead, mondo grass is a member of the lily family. To further confuse things, mondo grass shares the monkey grass nickname with another species called liriope. Liriope also is a member of the lily family and looks a lot like mondo grass. Gardeners also often use the plants in similar ways.
How wide are dwarf mondo grass tussocks?
The clumping tussocks are only 4 inches or so wide each. Dwarf mondo grass spreads by extending underground runners. It’s a slow-growing plant, so it’s not likely to be invasive.
What is dwarf mondo grass?
Dwarf mondo grass is the short variety of a sturdy and low-maintenance plant that is widely used for borders and groundcover. Dwarf mondo grass is easy to grow, and its understated good looks can effectively dress up a landscape. The botanical name for mondo grass is ophiopogon japonicus. Another common name for it, especially in the Southern U.S., ...
Can you grow dwarf mondo grass in a well-drained soil?
You can plant dwarf mondo grass in almost any well-drained soil type. It does not require much sunlight, water, or fertilizer and attracts few pests. It does not do well with a lot of foot traffic, however.
What is a mondo grass?
Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens,’ or black mondo grass, is a clumping plant with thick tufts of arching black leaves. The strappy leaves are about 12 inches long (30 cm.) when mature. Plants send out racemes to form little baby plants over time. In late spring to early summer, racemes of pink bell-like flowers appear. From these, bluish-black berries form.
How to grow black moondo grass?
How to Grow Black Mondo Grass. The best way to propagate this plant is through division . As the plant matures, usually in a couple of years, it will send out rhizomes that will form little baby plants. Divide these away from the parent in spring.
Is black mondo grass a perennial?
It is a low growing perennial plant with purplish-black, grass-like leaves. In proper sites, the little plants spread, forming a carpet of unique color and foliage. Before planting it’s good to learn just when to plant black mondo grass for better results.
Do black mondo grasses need fertilizer?
If planted in rich soil, they won’t need fertilizing but every couple of years in spring. Black mondo grass has few pest or disease issues. Smut may be a problem unless the plant’s leaves have time to dry before nighttime. Slugs occasionally are an issue.
Is mondo grass deer resistant?
From these, bluish-black berries form. Mondo grass is evergreen, deer and rabbit resistant, and even salt and drought tolerant once established. The plant is hardy to USDA zones 5-10. There are a few types of mondo grass, but the black variety brings an interesting color note to the landscape that really sets off other plant hues.
How to grow mondo grass?
Use compost manure as it provides the soil with enough nitrogen and macronutrients. Spread at least ½ inch layer of compost over the soil around the mondo grass to encourage its growth. Add the compost layer annually for optimum growth.
How many varieties of moondo grass are there?
There are 3 varieties of Mondo grass that can do well in your garden. Before you plant any of them, its best to know all of them to make an informed choice
Is a sage plant a good ground cover?
This plant is highly resilient and makes an excellent ground cover for large areas too. It is therefore a good replacement to turf and growing to become a popular option.
Is monkey grass perennial?
Mondo grass is also known as monkey grass is an evergreen perennial that makes a great standalone or undercover grass-like plant.
What is the Japanese groundcover?
Despite its name, this is more of a Lily-like plant than a true grass. It is the traditional groundcover of the Japanese garden, planted at the base of pagoda lights and stone basins. A fine groundcover that stays small, it's perfect for entry gardens, courtyards and atriums.
Is ophiopogon japonicus a perennial?
Tiny spikes of lilac flowers appear in summer. This care-free, easy to grow perennial is ideal for adding texture to the garden.
Description
Landscape Use
- 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. Mondo grass competes well with the roots of other plants. Under trees or shrubs it makes an excellent shade-tolerant lawn that never needs mowing.
Cultivation
- Mondo grass grows well in ordinary garden soil, requiring minimum attention once established. Plants thrive in filtered sun to full shade and prefer moist soil. The foliage is usually light green when plants are grown in filtered sun. Plants growing in the shade have dark green leaves. Propagate by dividing large clumps. Be sure to include as many roots as possible and eight to 1…
Cultivars
- The cultivars ‘Aureovariegatus,’ ‘Variegatus’ and ‘Vittatus’ have longitudinally striped leaves with white or yellow and green stripes. The variable variegated foliage usually makes it difficult to...
- The cultivar ‘Caeruleus’ has dark green leaves like the parent species and violet blue flowers.
- ‘Kioto’ or dwarf mondo grass grows only to about 4 inches high. Flowers are small, 2 to 3 milli…
- The cultivars ‘Aureovariegatus,’ ‘Variegatus’ and ‘Vittatus’ have longitudinally striped leaves with white or yellow and green stripes. The variable variegated foliage usually makes it difficult to...
- The cultivar ‘Caeruleus’ has dark green leaves like the parent species and violet blue flowers.
- ‘Kioto’ or dwarf mondo grass grows only to about 4 inches high. Flowers are small, 2 to 3 millimeters long and light lilac to white.
- ‘Nippon’ is very small (2 to 4 inches tall) and has whitish flowers in the summer.
Related Species
- Black mondo grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus) is an interesting introduction from England. The dark purple leaves appear almost black. The plants are about 6 inches tall. In South Carolina, black mondo grass should be planted in partial shade. Cultivars ‘Nigrescens’ and ‘Ebony Knight’ do not differ very much. O. jaburan is coarser than O. japonicus, with light purple to white flower…
Problems
- A fungal disease known as anthracnose is the most common problem. Remove infected leaves and/or apply a recommended fungicide. Document last updated on 2/21 by Joey Williamson. Originally published 06/99