Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

black mondo grass spacing

Discovering the ideal black mondo grass spacing for your garden is essential for creating a striking, low-maintenance landscape feature. Black mondo grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’) is beloved in New Zealand gardens for its dramatic, jet-black foliage and its versatility—it can be used as a ground cover, edging plant, or even in pots. To achieve the lush, dense look that makes black mondo grass so popular, understanding exactly how far apart to plant each clump is key to successful growth and a seamless effect in your garden design.

Ophiopogon japonicus nana (dwarf Mondo grass) growing between paving stones.

Ophiopogon japonicus Nana

Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana' is a dwarf or mini Mondo Grass grown for its delicate, dark green foliage. Flower spikes are borne in summer and bear tiny, lilac flowers, which are followed by blue-black berries as it grows to 15 cm tall and 20 cm wide.

From $9.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 15 cm
Spread: 20 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Ophiopogon planiscapus nigrescens (Black Mondo) plants with lush, black foliage.

Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens

5 from 2 customers

Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens, commonly known as Black Mondo Grass, is a clump-forming plant with fine, near black foliage. The foliage is complemented with flower spikes in summer, which bear tiny, pale pink flowers as it grows to 20 cm tall and the same width.

From $9.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 20 cm
Spread: 20 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Banks, Borders, Containers, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Cottage, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Ophiopogon planiscapus (Mondo Grass) with lush green foliage growing as a ground cover.
Ophiopogon planiscapus

Ophiopogon planiscapus, commonly known as Dwarf Lilyturf, is a Mondo grass grown for its fine, dark green foliage and short stature. The foliage is...

From$6.95
Ophiopogon japonicus Silver Mist grass in a garden.
Ophiopogon 'Silver Mist' (Silver Mondo Grass)

Ophiopogon 'Silver Mist' is a dwarf silver Mondo Grass, and features fine, grass-like foliage that is variegated dark green and white. It typically...

From$6.95
weedmat-50-m-roll-
Weedmat (Weedmat 1.83 m wide x 50 m roll )

Our black polypropylene Weedmat provides long-term and superior weed suppression. It has been UV stabilised for NZ conditions and allows water to...

From$287.98
Phormium 'Black Magic' plants in a large pot and featuring elegant, dark-coloured foliage.
Phormium 'Black Magic'

Phormium ‘Black Magic’ is a striking NZ flax prized for its deep purple black foliage and strong architectural form. This evergreen variety adds year...

From$17.95
weedmat-1
Weed Mat (Weed Mat 90 cm wide x 50 m roll )

Our woven black polypropylene Weed Mat provides long-term and superior weed suppression. It has been UV stabilised for NZ conditions and allows water...

From$166.60
rhododendron-black-magic--1
Rhododendron 'Black Magic'

Rhododendron 'Black Magic' is a striking evergreen shrub renowned for its rich, dramatic flowers and glossy dark green foliage. During spring, the...

From$28.91
isolepsis-cernua-1
Isolepis cernua (Scirpus cernua)

Isolepis cernua (Fiber Optic Grass) is a distinctive ornamental grass prized for its fine green stems tipped with tiny white flowers that resemble...

From$16.49
Lomandra Tankia with lush green foliage bordering a path.
Lomandra 'Tanika'

Lomandra Tanika is a hardy, Australian Native grass that is commonly known as Mat Rush. This grass features fine, deep-green foliage and a graceful...

From$10.97
hebe-black-panther-1
Hebe 'Black Panther'

Hebe 'Black Panther' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its dark purple foliage that provides outstanding year round colour and contrast...

From$22.01
Carex 'Feather Falls' plants with variegated foliage in a garden.
Carex 'Feather Falls'

Carex 'Feather Falls' is a popular ornamental grass characterised by its cream and green variegated leaves. It typically grows to 30 cm tall and the...

From$19.95
Libertia paniculata plant with white flowers.
Libertia paniculata (Grass Flag)

Libertia paniculata is an elegant evergreen perennial admired for its fine, upright foliage and delicate white flowers that appear in airy clusters...

From$16.50
Camellia 'Black Magic' red flower.
Camellia Black Magic

Camellia 'Black Magic' is a dramatic evergreen shrub known for its deep red, almost black blooms and glossy green foliage. It delivers striking...

From$32.95
Coprosma 'Black Cloud' shrub in a garden with black and green foliage.
Coprosma 'Black Cloud' (Black Coprosma)

Coprosma 'Black Cloud' is a striking evergreen shrub valued for its deep near black foliage and compact growth habit. Well suited to New Zealand...

From$16.95
Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai) juvenile tree growing as a specimen in a park.
Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai)

Prumnopitys taxifolia, commonly known as Matai or Black Pine, is a stately, NZ native tree with quite different juvenile and adult forms. The...

From$309.51
Dactylis glomerata plant with a cat.
Dactylis glomerata (Cat Grass)

Dactylis glomerata, commonly known as Cat Grass or Catnip Grass, is a popular grass that is loved by cats. It features flowing, green foliage held as...

From$22.01
heuchera-northern-exposure-black--1
Heuchera 'Northern Exposure Black'

Heuchera 'Northern Exposure Black' is a dramatic perennial renowned for its intensely dark foliage that provides exceptional contrast and year round...

From$20.63
Poa cita grass plants on a plateau overlooing the sea.
Poa cita

Poa cita, commonly known as Silver Tussock, is a clump-forming NZ native grass with delicate, green foliage that wafts gracefully in the breeze. It...

From$9.95
Ficus Black Knight growing in a pot with lush, dark foliage.
Ficus 'Black Knight'

Ficus ‘Black Knight’ is a striking indoor plant characterised by its large, glossy leaves, which range from deep green to nearly black tones. This...

From$99.52
camellia-japonica-black-lace-
Camellia 'Black Lace'

Camellia 'Black Lace' is a dramatic evergreen shrub admired for its deep velvety red blooms set against glossy dark green foliage. Flowering from...

From$32.95
Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster' grasses as a mass planting and featuring elegant, cream-coloured flower heads as plumes.
Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster'

Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster' is a popular ornamental grass known for its upright, clump-forming habit and tall, feathery flower plumes. It grows to...

From$19.95
An elegant Miscanthus sinensis grass with cream-coloured flower plumes and lush green foliage.
Miscanthus sinensis

Miscanthus sinensis is an ornamental grass that grows as a clump of narrow, arching, green leaves. The colouring gives a light silver-green effect to...

From$19.95
camellia-japonica-black-tie-
Camellia 'Black Tie'

Camellia 'Black Tie' is a sophisticated evergreen shrub admired for its large formal deep red blooms and glossy dark green foliage. Flowering from...

From$27.95
Sisyrinchium californicum plants with yellow flowers and fine, green foliage.
Sisyrinchium californicum

Sisyrinchium californicum, commonly known as the Golden Eyed Grass, is an herbaceous perennial grown for both its foliage and flowers. It bears...

From$17.25
fagus-dawyck-purple-2
Fagus sylvatica Dawyck Purple

Fagus sylvatica Dawyck Purple, commonly known as the Purple Beech tree, is grown for its beautiful colours and slender growth habit. The foliage...

From$270.40
Lomandra Little Con plants with fine, green foliage.
Lomandra Little Con

Lomandra Little Con is a compact, evergreen ornamental grass known for its delicate, lush green foliage and tidy, rounded form. Growing to...

From$17.87
Lomandra longifolia plant beside a path with lush, green foliage.
Lomandra longifolia (Basket Grass)

Lomandra longifolia (Basket Grass) is a resilient, evergreen ornamental grass native to Australia. Growing to approximately 60 cm in height and 65 cm...

From$19.25
Orange foliage on Carex testacea.
Carex testacea

Carex testacea, commonly known as Orange Sedge, is a striking New Zealand native grass admired for its fine, arching foliage that turns a brilliant...

From$11.50
Lomandra 'Echidna' grass growing as a mass planting beside a path.
Lomandra Echidna

The Lomandra Echidna grass is a tough and reliable plant with outstanding aesthetics. It features lush, mid-green foliage held upright with a gentle...

From$17.87
Lomandra Lime Tuff in a garden showing elegant foliage.
Lomandra Lime Tuff

Lomandra 'Lime Tuff' is a hardy evergreen ornamental grass valued for its vibrant lime green foliage and compact tidy growth habit. This versatile...

From$8.21
Stunning Wisteria 'Black Dragon' purple and pink flowers.
Wisteria 'Black Dragon'

Wisteria ‘Black Dragon’ is a spectacular flowering climber renowned for its double deep violet purple flowers that hang in dramatic cascading...

From$26.95
Ophiopogon japonicus Nana

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Isolepis, Lomandra, and Ophiopogon, or related Categories - Weedmat, Flaxes, and Grasses.

Search black mondo grass spacing

Why Black Mondo Grass Spacing Matters

Correct black mondo grass spacing ensures that your plants have enough room to spread and mature while creating the uniform carpet effect for which this plant is known. If planted too closely, the plants can compete for space, resulting in overcrowding, poor air circulation, and issues with rot. If spaced too far apart, you’ll see patchy gaps that take seasons to fill. By giving your black mondo grass the optimum distance, you’ll encourage strong, healthy growth and make the most out of your landscaping.

How Much Space Does Black Mondo Grass Need

For best results, space your black mondo grass plants about 10 to 15 centimetres apart. This distance allows each clump to slowly fill in the gaps, forming a dense mat over one to two growing seasons. If you’re creating a border or edging around a path, stick with the 10 cm spacing for a seamless line. For larger ground cover areas, 15 cm is ideal, balancing coverage with plant economy.

Whether you’re planting an entire bed of black mondo grass or mixing with other varieties, proper spacing makes a real difference. Taller or narrower cultivars, such as Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens or Ophiopogon Black Dragon, may benefit from similar spacing guidelines depending on their mature width. Compact varieties such as Ophiopogon japonicus Nana might need slightly closer spacing for a dense effect.

Spacing Tips for a Lush Effect

Before planting, amend your soil with organic matter to ensure even moisture and steady growth. Black mondo grass prefers well-drained, humus-rich soil and partial shade, especially in the hotter regions of New Zealand. Lay out a grid at your chosen spacing and plant each division at the same ground level it was growing before. Water well after planting and keep the soil evenly moist through the first season for the best establishment.

If you’re pairing black mondo grass with relatives like Ophiopogon japonicus or Ophiopogon Kyoto, use similar spacing to create harmonious planting schemes with complementary textures and colours.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does black mondo grass spread?
Black mondo grass is a slow grower, so initial spacing is important for even coverage. Expect the plants to knit together within 2 years under ideal conditions.

Can black mondo grass be divided to speed up coverage?
Yes, established clumps can be divided and replanted at the recommended spacing for quicker results.

By following these black mondo grass spacing tips, you’ll achieve a lush, elegant ground cover or border that needs minimal maintenance for years to come. Explore our best black mondo varieties, including Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens, Ophiopogon Black Dragon, and Ophiopogon japonicus Nana, to finish your dream garden.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Gardenia radicans and Lomandra 'Tanika' turn heads, but Hemerocallis 'Wee William Mullis', Gardenia 'Lace Lady', and Michelia 'Paton Pink' quietly charm the most seasoned gardeners.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

445 Google reviews