Mondo Grass: A Shade-Loving Groundcover for Borders, Containers, and Rock Gardens

Perfect for medium to full shade, Ophiopogon japonicus (mondo grass) is a great filler for containers and beds, a useful groundcover, and ideal for bordering paths, front of borders, and rock gardens. Black mondo grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens') spreads slowly, so it's best used as a specimen where its unusual color can be appreciated up close.

Colors

Mondo grass has 8- to 12-inch-long strappy dark green leaves; short spikes of lilac flowers are inconspicuous. Black mondo grass has green-to-ebony leaves reaching 14 inches, with white flowers.

Size

Dense clumps reach 6-8 inches high and about a foot wide. Mondo grass spreads by underground stems.

Care

Prefers part to full shade and regular water. If plants look ragged, mow or shear before new growth begins in spring. Divide when clumps become overgrown; replant divisions 6-8 inches apart.

Planting

Plant from spring through fall in well-drained soil.

Companions

Pair 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.