Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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japonicus mondo grass

Japonicus mondo grass is a beloved landscaping favourite across New Zealand for its elegant, grass-like foliage and adaptable nature. This clump-forming perennial is perfect for mass plantings, lush borders, shady gardens, and as a refined groundcover. Its low-maintenance temperament and year-round rich green colouring make it a stellar choice for both experienced gardeners and beginners looking to refresh their outdoor spaces. Whether you're working with a contemporary courtyard or a traditional garden, japonicus mondo grass brings reliable structure and texture to your planting palette.

Ophiopogon japonicus

Ophiopogon japonicus, commonly known as green 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 width. 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.

Buy Ophiopogon japonicus

From $9.38

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: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern

Ophiopogon planiscapus nigrescens (Black Mondo) plants with lush, black foliage.

Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens

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. Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens nigrescens looks best when mass planted and is commonly used in rock gardens, included in borders, planted as a ground cover, or maintained in a container.

Buy Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens

From $8.78

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

What is Japonicus Mondo Grass?

Japonicus mondo grass, botanically known as Ophiopogon japonicus, is native to East Asia and appreciated for its fine, strappy leaves that form tidy, evergreen tufts. Typically growing to about 20-30cm tall, its lush, dark green foliage stays vibrant even during cooler months. In summer, small, pale lavender to white flowers emerge, followed by attractive blue berries that add a subtle sparkle to the garden floor.

Ideal Uses for Japonicus Mondo Grass

One of the defining qualities of japonicus mondo grass is its versatility. It thrives in a variety of settings:

Ground Cover: Use it as a dense, weed-suppressing carpet beneath trees or along paths.
Border Planting: Its tidy clumps line garden beds beautifully, defining edges with neatness and grace.
Container Gardening: Add texture and year-round interest to pots and planters with this compact, evergreen plant.
Between Pavers: Plant japonicus mondo grass between stepping stones for a classic, soft look that tolerates some foot traffic.

Growing Tips for Japonicus Mondo Grass in New Zealand

Japonicus mondo grass is incredibly easy to establish and maintain. It tolerates a wide range of soils, though it prefers well-drained sites enriched with organic matter. For best results:

Plant in partial to full shade, though it can handle some morning sun.
Water regularly during dry spells until established.
Feed with a slow-release, balanced fertiliser in spring for lush growth.
Tidy up clumps by removing old leaves in late winter.

Popular Varieties Related to Japonicus Mondo Grass

While japonicus mondo grass is much loved, there are several other noteworthy relatives in the Ophiopogon family, each bringing a unique flair to New Zealand gardens. Explore these options to diversify your planting scheme:

Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens: Known as black mondo grass, this cultivar offers striking, jet-black foliage for dramatic contrast.
Ophiopogon japonicus Nana: A dwarf version that's ideal for small spaces or edging.
Ophiopogon Silver Mist (Silver Mondo Grass): Features slender, silver-streaked leaves for a soft, shimmering effect.
Ophiopogon Kyoto: Selected for its refined form and lush growth.

Get Started with Japonicus Mondo Grass

Whether you're envisioning a resilient groundcover or an enduring feature in your shade garden, japonicus mondo grass is a steadfast performer in New Zealand landscapes. For those keen to explore more, visit our collection of mondo grass and Ophiopogon varieties to find the perfect fit for your garden design.

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.