Lawn Guardian

Mondo Grass Care Guide

Ophiopogon japonicus

ground_coverZones 6–10deer resistant

Fine-textured, dark green grass-like ground cover forming dense, low tufts. Black mondo grass (O. planiscapus) offers striking near-black foliage.

At a glance

Season-by-season care

Spring

Clean up winter damage Early spring

Remove any brown or damaged foliage. Do not mow mondo grass -- use hand trimming only.

Summer

Water during drought During dry spells

Mondo grass browning at the tips indicates insufficient moisture. Water deeply.

Fall

Divide to fill gaps Early fall

Dig and divide clumps to expand coverage or fill bare areas.

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Related plants

Sources: Purdue University Turfgrass Science: Use Growing Degree Days to Better Time Your Applications · University of Missouri Extension: Cool-Season Grasses: Lawn Maintenance Calendar · University of Minnesota Extension: Pre-emergent Herbicides for Crabgrass Control in Lawns