Ophiopogon planiscapus
mondo grass
Overview
Ophiopogon planiscapus is an evergreen, grass-like perennial in the asparagus family, forming low clumps 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) tall that spread slowly by underground stolons into a dense ground cover. The arching, strap-shaped leaves are 0.1–0.2 inch (3–5 mm) wide and 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) long, deep green and leathery, rising from tufted crowns. In summer short racemes of small bell-shaped flowers, pale lilac to white and about 0.3 inch (8 mm) across, appear among or just below the foliage. The flowers are followed by rounded blue-black berries roughly 0.3 inch (8 mm) wide that persist into autumn. The species grows in woodland in Japan and tolerates shade, a wide range of soils, and light foot traffic at the edges, though it spreads slowly and can take several seasons to knit together, and growth stalls in dry, hot, fully exposed sites. Hardiness covers USDA zones 6–9. The evergreen foliage holds colour through winter in mild areas. It is grown as edging and ground cover where a low, even texture is wanted, and it competes poorly with vigorous weeds while establishing.
Native Range
Ophiopogon planiscapus is native to Japan, where it grows in woodland and on shaded slopes across the main islands. It has long been cultivated in East Asian and Western gardens as a ground cover.Suggested Uses
Ophiopogon planiscapus is used as evergreen edging, ground cover under trees and shrubs, and infill between paving and stepping stones. It suits shaded borders and woodland gardens where a low, even carpet is wanted. The grassy texture contrasts with broad-leaved shade plants such as hostas and ferns.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 1'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in summer, usually July to August in the Northern Hemisphere, with small lilac to white bells on short racemes for about 3–4 weeks. The flowers are partly hidden by the foliage. Blue-black berries develop from late summer and persist into autumn. The flowering is modest compared with the year-round foliage.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Lilac to whiteFoliage Description
Deep greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Ophiopogon planiscapus in partial to full shade, tolerating some sun in cooler climates, in moist but well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Water during establishment and in dry spells, as growth slows in hot, dry, exposed sites. The clumps spread slowly by stolons and may take two to three seasons to form solid cover. Established plants need little care beyond removing worn leaves in late winter before new growth. Division in spring lifts and multiplies the clumps. The species is largely free of pests and disease, though slugs may graze new shoots.Pruning
Ophiopogon planiscapus needs no formal pruning. Worn or winter-damaged leaves are sheared or combed out in late winter to early spring before fresh growth begins. Clumps are lifted and divided every few years in spring to renew vigour and extend the planting.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winterearly spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons