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

mondo grass plant

The mondo grass plant is a versatile, low-maintenance ground cover beloved by New Zealand gardeners seeking dense greenery and striking contrast in their landscape designs. Known for its fine, grass-like foliage and adaptability, the mondo grass plant is ideal for borders, edging, and mass planting under trees or in shaded areas. Its tidy mounds of foliage remain evergreen throughout the year, offering reliable texture and interest in your garden with virtually no fuss.

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. 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.

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
cymbopogon-citratus-4

Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass)

Cymbopogon citratus (aka Andropogon citratus), commonly known as Lemongrass Grass or Citronella Grass, grows as a clump and produces flavoursome and aromatic, green-blue leaves that are held with a graceful arch. Lemongrass typically grows to 70 cm tall and 60 cm wide, performing best when planted in full sun on a well-drained site. It is tolerant of short periods of dry and light frost only. Cymbopogon citratus is commonly included in herb and cottage gardens, maintained in a container, planted as a border, or included in a mixed planting. The shoots have insect repellent properties and health benefits.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 70 cm
Spread: 60 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Culinary, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Cottage, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Stromanthe triostar plant.
Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)

Stromanthe Triostar is a popular indoor plant owing to its lush and colourful foliage. It features elegant, dark green, pink, and cream-coloured...

From$33.05
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
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
Carex 'Everlime' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Carex 'Everlime' (Lime Grass Plant)

Carex ‘Everlime’ (Japanese Sedge) is a popular evergreen sedge valued for its graceful arching green foliage edged with bright lime cream margins...

From$19.95
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
Lomandra Green Allure plant with lush, green foliage.
Lomandra Green Allure

Lomandra Green Allure is widely used in landscaping projects across NZ. It is commonly mass planted as a ground cover or on a bank, included in...

From$19.25
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum plants growing in pots on a shelf.
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum comosum Variegatum, commonly known as the Spider Plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush and variegated foliage. It...

From$20.01
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
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$20.63
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
70-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 70% Shade (Shade Cloth For Plants)

This shade cloth for plants, which is also used as plant windbreaks, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 70%. Therefore, 30% of the wind or light...

From$499.80
chlorophytum-curly--2
Chlorophytum Curly (Curly Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum Curly, commonly known as the Curly Spider Plant or Airplane plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush, variegated, and...

From$22.01
A strong and studry planting spade.
Ace1 Planting Spade

The Ace 1 planting spade is a must for any gardener. This spade is designed so it can penetrate the ground easily without jarring the wrists in the...

From$225.86
fertiliser-for-acid-loving-plants-
Fertiliser for acid loving plants (Acid Fertiliser)

Using fertiliser for acid loving plants is important for plants such as Camellias, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Daphne’s, Gardenia’s, and Hydrangea’s who...

From$8.64
plant-pots-
2.5 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$37.44
pb-8-planter-bags-1
PB8 Planter Bags (Potting Bags For Plants)

These PB8 planter bags are 125 microns thick and hold 4.5 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for handling...

From$51.69
Moss pole for plants.
Moss Pole For Plants (Moss Pole For Plants)

These moss poles for plants are made from Coir Fibre (i.e., the husks of coconuts). They are an eco-friendly option to help plants grow healthier and...

From$6.90
half-litre-plant-pots-
0.51 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$23.04
3-litre-plant-pots-
3.5 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$48.96
15-litre-plant-pots-
1.5 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$27.36
pb-three-quarter-planter-bags-
PB¾ Planter Bags (Planting Bags)

The PB ¾ Planter Bags are 80 microns thick and ags hold 0.5 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$15.47
pb-18-planter-bags-
PB18 Planter Bags (Grow Plant Bags)

These PB18 planter bags are 125 microns thick and each bag holds 10 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$77.47
10-litre-plant-pots-
10 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$5.76
native-plant-fertiliser-
Native Plant Fertiliser (Native Fertiliser)

Selecting the correct native plant fertiliser is essential as they often tend to be slow growing and so require a tailored nutrient plan to meet...

From$13.40
A large Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) in a garden with lush, green leaves.
Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)

Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese or Fruit Salad Plant, is a popular indoor tropical plant loved for its striking, holey leaves and...

From$44.09
White flowers on a Cistus 'Snowmound' plant with green foliage.
Cistus 'Snowmound' (White Rock Rose Plant)

Cistus ‘Snowmound’ is a compact evergreen shrub that produces a breathtaking display of pure white flowers with golden-yellow centres from late...

From$24.77
pb-12-planter-bags-
PB12 Planter Bags (Grow Bags For Plants)

These PB12 planter bags are 125 microns thick and hold 6.75 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$57.76
indoor-plant-fertiliser-tablets-1
Indoor Plant Fertiliser Tablets

Indoor plants require feeding from the time you get them home as nurseries typically only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last 4-8 weeks after...

From$36.00
portulaca-pizzaz-sunset-
Portulaca Pazzaz Sunset (Moss Rose Plant)

Portulaca Pazazz Sunset, commonly known as the Moss Rose plant, is a low-growing perennial with fabulous flowers. Bright orange and yellow flowers...

From$26.15
5-litre-plant-pots-
5 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$79.20
Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Carex, Chlorophytum, and Cymbopogon, or related Categories - Grasses, Mondo Grass, and Indoor Plants.

Search mondo grass plant

Why Choose Mondo Grass Plant for Your Garden

The mondo grass plant (Ophiopogon) is highly valued for its hardy nature and attractive, lush leaves. Whether you need to fill gaps between stepping stones, control erosion on shady slopes, or create a defining border along garden paths, the mondo grass plant delivers exceptional results. It tolerates a wide range of soils, thrives in both full shade and partial sun, and needs minimal watering once established—making it a robust choice for low-maintenance and sustainable gardens across New Zealand.

Versatile Uses for the Mondo Grass Plant

One of the prime attractions of the mondo grass plant is its multitude of garden uses. Its clumping habit and evergreen foliage make it an excellent substitute for traditional lawn areas in shaded spots where regular turf struggles to grow. It serves as a striking contrast against lighter paving stones or as a beautiful underplanting for taller perennials and shrubs. Gardeners often use the mondo grass plant for creating formal lines next to walkways, accentuating rock gardens, and adding year-round greenery to containers or raised beds.

Popular Mondo Grass Varieties

When it comes to choosing the right mondo grass plant for your space, you have several appealing options:

Planting and Caring for Mondo Grass Plant

The mondo grass plant is straightforward to establish and care for. Choose a spot with well-draining soil—while tolerant of different conditions, they thrive best when not waterlogged. Plant your mondo grass in early spring or autumn, spacing them about 10 to 15 centimetres apart for quick, full coverage. Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds, while a light feed with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser every spring keeps the foliage healthy and lush. Regular division every few years rejuvenates clumps and encourages fresh growth.

Discover the perfect mondo grass plant for your garden and enjoy an evergreen, easy-care solution that brings structure and beauty to any outdoor space year-round. Explore our full range of Ophiopogon varieties to find the perfect match for your landscape vision.


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.

–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