Mondo Grass – Growing and Care Guide for New Zealand Gardens

Mondo Grass NZ

Mondo grass is a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers in NZ, offering a lush, green appearance that works well in a variety of settings. Whether you're considering it for ground cover, edging, or adding texture to your garden, Mondo grass can be a versatile addition to your outdoor space. In these articles, we will explore everything you need to know about Mondo grass in New Zealand, including its varieties, growing conditions, and how to grow it successfully.

Varieties of Mondo Grass

There are several varieties of Mondo grass available in New Zealand: They generally fall into four types:

• Green Mondo Grass: This is the standard variety, featuring dark green, narrow leaves that form dense clumps. Ophiopogon japonicus and Ophiopogon planiscapus are the prominent varieties.
• Black Mondo Grass: Known for its striking black foliage, these varieties add a dramatic flair to any garden. They are often used for contrast against lighter-coloured plants. Popular varieties include: Ophiopogon nigrescens, Ophiopogon Short Black, and Ophiopogon Black Dragon.
• Dwarf Mondo Grass: A smaller version of the green Mondo grass, these varieties are ideal for borders, smaller spaces, and planting between pavers. Ophiopogon Kyoto and Ophiopogon japonicus Nana are the prominent varieties.
• Variegated Mondo Grass: These have green and cream-coloured leaves are similar in size to the black and green Mondo grasses. Ophiopogon Silver Mist, Ophiopogon Stripey White, and Ophiopogon Alba Variegata are the main varieties here.

How Far Apart To Plant Mondo Grass

The appropriate distance between Mondo grasses depends on whether they are to function as a ground cover or as discrete plants. For non-dwarf varieties such as Ophiopogon planiscapus and Ophiopogon nigrescens used as a ground cover, space them 15-20 cm apart. For dwarf varieties such as Ophiopogon Kyoto, space the plants 10-15 cm apart. They will merge and become an effective ground cover inside of 18 months.

If the plants are be discrete such that gaps between the mature plants are desired the spacing is increased. For non-dwarf varieties, the spacing is generally 30 cm apart, and 15-25 cm apart for dwarf varieties.

Can Mondo Grass Be Planted In Sun?

Mondo grass can be planted in the sun. In fact, some varieties prefer full sun. However, it is important to note that they can be susceptible to leaf scorch in hot, dry climates. If you live in such an environment, it is best to plant them in a location that receives partial shade in the afternoon.

Can You Overwater Mondo Grass?

Yes, it is possible to overwater Mondo grasses. They are a drought-tolerant plant and overwatering can lead to root rot. Some signs you might be overwatering your Mondo include:

• The leaves turn yellow or brown.
• The leaves wilt and fall off.
• The roots are mushy and brown.
• The plant has a foul odour.

If you notice any of these signs, stop watering the plant immediately. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. You may also need to prune away any dead or dying foliage.

Growing Conditions for Mondo Grass

Mondo grasses are hardy plants that can adapt to a range of growing conditions. However, understanding their preferences can help ensure optimal growth and health.

Light Requirements

• One common question is whether Mondo grass grows in full sun. The answer is yes, but with a caveat. While Mondo grass can tolerate full sun, they do thrive in partial shade. Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to lose their vibrant colour and become scorched.

Soil Preferences

• Mondo grass prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a variety of soil types, but ensuring good drainage is key to preventing root rot. Adding compost or organic matter to the soil can improve its structure and nutrient content.

Watering Needs

• This plant has moderate watering needs. It's important to keep the soil consistently moist, particularly during dry spells. However, avoid overwatering, as soggy soil can lead to rot issues. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

How To Plant Mondo Grass

Planting Mondo grass is a relatively straightforward process. Planting is best done anytime from autumn through until spring. You can still plant in summer provided careful attention is paid to watering.

Ensure the soil you intend to plant the Mondo grasses on is well-draining. They prefer moist soils, but not waterlogged conditions. Adding compost in with the soil will help improve the fertility and soil health which will result in stronger plants. Ensure the area is completely free of weeds before digging any holes. The Plant Company recommends spraying out the area with a herbicide to ensure weeds have been completely eliminated.

Dig holes that are twice as wide as the plant's root ball. Space the plants according to the desired density. That is, for a dense ground cover, space them closer together (15-20 cm apart for non-dwarf varieties and 10-15 cm apart for dwarf ones). Place the plants in the holes, ensuring the crown of the plant is at soil level, backfill the holes with soil, and gently firm it around the plants. Spread shrub fertiliser on the soil surface and water the plants thoroughly.

Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first few weeks after planting, to help the plants establish. They do become relatively drought-tolerant once established but they still benefit from occasional watering during dry periods. Mulching around the plants can help to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

How to Transplant Mondo Grass

Transplanting Mondo grass is a relatively straightforward process, and it can be done to propagate new plants or move existing ones to a different location. The best time to transplant Mondo grass is during the cooler months of spring or autumn when the plant is not actively growing. Carefully dig around the clump of Mondo grass you wish to transplant, taking care not to damage the roots. Lift the plant from the ground and divide it into smaller pieces, ensuring each section has roots attached. Plant them in their new location!

Landscaping Ideas with Mondo Grass

Mondo grass is incredibly versatile and can be used in various landscaping designs. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Ground Cover: Use Mondo grass to create a lush, green carpet under trees or in shaded areas where other plants may struggle.
• Borders and Edging: Dwarf Mondo grass is perfect for defining garden beds and pathways with its compact growth habit.
• Contrasting Foliage: Pair black Mondo grass with lighter-coloured plants for a striking visual contrast in your garden design.

Mondo Grass As Ground Cover

Mondo grass excels as a low-maintenance ground cover and is great for creating a dense, carpet-like texture. Its evergreen foliage provides year-round appeal, filling spaces beneath trees or between pavers. They will effectively suppress weeds once established and the key is to plant them densely so that create shade on the soil surface which inhibits weed seed germination. Adding a layer of organic mulch such as bark chips around young plants will also help suppress weeds while they establish.

The Plant Company recommends for a green Mondo ground cover that Ophiopogon planiscapus is used. For a black ground cover, use Ophiopogon nigrescens. The best spacing for both of these varieties is 15-20 cm apart. If a dwarf variety is used, these will need to be planted 10-15 cm apart to be effective and the best variety is Ophiopogon Kyoto.

Mondo Grass Maintenance and Care

Mondo grass requires minimal maintenance and care once established. Some basic housekeeping includes:

• Remove any dead or damaged leaves to keep the plant healthy and tidy. This can be done any time of year.
• Mondo grass doesn't require heavy feeding. An annual application of garden fertilizer in spring is generally sufficient.
• Mondo grass is relatively pest-free, but watch for signs of slugs and snails, which may nibble on the leaves. Using slug bait if necessary.

Understanding Mondo Grass

Mondo grass, scientifically known as Ophiopogon japonicus, is a perennial plant native to East Asia. It's not technically a grass, but rather a member of the Asparagaceae family, which includes asparagus. This plant is known for its dense, grass-like clumps and is commonly used for its aesthetic appeal in gardens.

How to Propagate Mondo Grass

Propagating Mondo grass is a relatively straightforward process. The best time to propagate Mondo grass is during the cooler months of spring or autumn when the plant is not actively growing. Carefully dig around the clump of Mondo grass you wish to propagate, taking care not to damage the roots. Lift the plant from the ground and divide it into smaller pieces, ensuring each section has roots attached. They are then ready to be planted in the garden and be sure not to let the newly divided plants dry out.