Green Ophiopogon, Mondo Grass
Ophiopogon japonicus, commonly known as Mondo Grass, is a striking ornamental grass. It grows as a clump and produces a dense tuft of grass-like, dark green leaves to about 25 cm tall and the same wide. Ophiopogon japonicus performs best when mass planted and is commonly used in rock gardens, included in borders, planted as a ground cover, or maintained in a container.
Suited to regions: | All regions |
Plant type: | Grasses |
Height: | 25 cm |
Spread: | 25 cm |
Flowering time: | Summer |
Tolerances: | Hardy |
Garden uses: | Borders, Containers, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas, Specimen |
Garden styles: | Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern |
Easy to grow? | Yes |
Maintenance requirements | Low |
Growth rate | Medium |
Also known as | Green Ophiopogon, Mondo Grass |
The optimum Ophiopogon japonicus spacing for the plants to merge and become an effective ground cover is 15-20 cm apart. However, if you want them to grow as a unique plant, they will need to be spaced at least 40 cm apart. The Ophiopogon japonicus spacing for having them merging to a limited degree is 20-25 cm apart.
Ophiopogon japonicus is a popular choice in landscaping projects across NZ. It is commonly mass planted either as a ground cover or on a bank, included in borders or mixed plantings, or planted around outdoor living areas such as pools and barbecue areas. This hardy, ornamental grass is also perfect for modern gardens but also for planting around commercial buildings where the plants are often somewhat neglected. Ophiopogon japonicus is favoured by landscape designers across NZ for its elegant foliage and versatility. Little wonder it is a popular choice in landscaping.
The most important part of Ophiopogon japonicus care is to make sure they have a well-drained soil that does not become waterlogged at any time. This, along with over-watering, are the main causes of plants to fail to perform or die. The next critical elements are weed control and The Plant Company recommends an organic mulch is spread around the plants after planting. They should be fed in spring with a general fertiliser. At this time any dead leaves can be removed. The plants are generally not trimmed aside from removing unsightly leaves. They rarely suffer from any pests or diseases but you may want to keep an eye out for mealy bugs and scale insect. Overall, they are a very easy plant to care for.
The Plant Company has the best Ophiopogon japonicus for sale in NZ. Our production nursery specialises in growing amazing plants and our logistics team pack them carefully for our customers. The pricing is competitive and the quality is exceptional. Let us look after your Mondo plant needs and impress you with both our products and service!
The best growing conditions for Ophiopogon japonicus are a full sun or part shade position. These are hardy plants that will tolerate frost, drought, cold climates, wind, coastal climates, and most soil types, except extreme wet. Above all else, make sure it is grown on well-drained soil that does not become water-logged. Similarly, if you intend growing Ophiopogon japonicus in a pot, make sure that only potting media is used and never use garden soil. After planting be sure to spread fertiliser across the soil surface and do not put any in the holes at planting.
Ophiopogon japonicus grow to about 25 cm tall and the same wide and it will reach this inside of three years with optimal growing conditions. If the growing conditions are less favourable, the plants may stay smaller and will take longer to reach their mature size.
The common names for Ophiopogon japonicus are Mondo Grass and Dwarf Lilyturf.
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