When Is The Right Time To Plant Mondo Grass?

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Last Updated on January 20, 2022 by

When to plant Mondo grass is a question we are frequently asked by gardeners and to answer this question, we decided to do a post.

Mondo grass is also known as monkey grass is an evergreen perennial that makes a great standalone or undercover grass-like plant.

This grass does well in almost any soil and lighting condition.  It is a slow-growing grass that can be easily grown through division and requires minimal care once established.

Interesting Mondo Grass Facts

• It is a good resistance to anything including deer
• It thrives in good moisture
• It is not a true grass but it has strappy leaves and a clumping habit
• During summer it produces white or lavender flowers that later develop into glossy black fruit
• Mondo grass grows easily without plenty of care
• Once established you can leave it alone only to check it occasionally

How To Plant Mondo Grass

Plant this grass in the spring season through fall, this is the best season to grow this plant.

Plant your grass in well-drained soils that receive full to partial sun and are free of weeds.  You don’t want your grass growing together with weeds that can be hard to remove.

Divide the mondo grass clumps into smaller sections using your hands and plant each section alone.  Each section should carry at least 8 – 10 leaves and as many rhizomes as possible.

Stick each section into the ground deep enough to cover their rhizomes and not too deep to cover the crowns.  Space them at least 4 to 12 inches apart covering the rhizomes with enough soil and pat it downward.

Remember to water your mondo grass frequently in the top 3 inches of soil to remain moist.  Whenever you notice it’s dry, keep watering.

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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.

You can apply a controlled-release fertilizer or organic fertilizer during summer and spring according to the fertilizers packaging directions. The fertilizer helps maintain the color and appearance of the mondo grass.

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Varieties Of Mondo Grass

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

Black Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon Planiscapus ‘Nigrescensan)

This grass provides your garden with an aesthetic appeal that you will love and will attract your guests. It is darker than the other varieties that have traditional bright or light-green colors.

It is a slow-growing variety that thrives in sunny areas but can also grow in shady parts of the yard.  It is a thirsty variety that requires plenty of watering for it to maintain its growth.

As it grows, it showcases a light green color that slowly fades to black. Its dark leaves are appealing and can be grown as an addition to flowerbeds and grow to a length of about 10-inches tall.  It flowers in the summer months producing beautiful bloom.

It is resilient to cold and lasts through the harsh months of winter without any issues.

Ophiopogon Japonicus Mondo Grass Care

This variety is the most common type found in many gardens across America.  It grows to an average height of 6 to 10 inches but some of it can grow up to 12 inches if given the right growing conditions.

It takes a wide space of about 15 inches and tolerates cold weather and pests.  It does pretty well in both sunny and shady areas of your garden.

Dwarf Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon Japonicus ‘Nanus’)

This variety grows to a height of about 2 to 4 inches.  It has slender leaves and a petite look that makes it attractive for use as a ground cover in your flowerbeds.  The dwarf mondo grass tolerates cold weather and pests too.

Conclusion About Planting Mondo Grass

If you are looking for an alternative to the normal turf grass, mondo will give you the look you are searching for.

Just like ordinary grass, it will remain green for the rest of the year.  Most people use mondo grass as an accent piece in many different types of garden arrangements because it adds a unique touch.

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.

Not only is it easy to grow and maintain but it also easy to tame and re-route where you want it to grow.

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