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Mondo Grass
Mondo Grass
Mondo Grass
Mondo Grass
Mondo Grass
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Ground Cover

Mondo Grass

Will it grow where you live?

Zones 7-10

Size: 1 gallon
$10

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1-year guaranteeShips in 1–5 daysReal plant experts

From our farm to your front door

  • Shipped in its nursery pot, so the roots stay undisturbed
  • Soil secured so it stays put in transit
  • Packed so the plant stays steady on the way to you

At a glance

Leaves
Evergreen: keeps its leaves all year
Sunlight
Partial Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade
Water
When the top 1–2" of soil is dry
Growth & size
Slow growth rate; forms clumps about 8–12 inches tall that slowly spread by underground runners into a dense groundcover.
Botanical name
Ophiopogon japonicus
Hardiness
Zones 7-10
Tolerates
Heat tolerantHumidity tolerant
USDA zone map for Mondo Grass

Where it grows in the groundShaded areas are the zones where it can be planted outdoors.

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What customers are saying

Why customers love it

Healthy, well-rooted plants

Hand-selected and shipped in its nursery pot.

Delivered to your door

Skip the nursery trip. Very little car Tetris required.

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Ask us anything before or after planting.

1-year guarantee

If something goes wrong, we'll help make it right.

Care made simple

Plant it right once and it does the rest.

Sun
Partial Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade

Pick the spot before you dig.

Water
When the top 1–2" of soil is dry

Water slowly and deeply. Check more often in its first summer.

Grows in
Zones 7-10

Enter your ZIP above to check your zone.

Your first year together

  1. 1Day 1

    Plant it, then water slowly until the whole root ball is soaked.

  2. 2First few weeks

    Keep the soil evenly moist while new roots settle in.

  3. 3First summer

    Water deeply during hot, dry spells.

  4. 4Next spring

    New growth starts. Feed as it wakes up.

Planting instructions
Choose a location in partial to full shade with moist, well-draining soil. Dig a hole about twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth as the container. Set the plant at the same level it was growing, backfill, and water thoroughly. For groundcover, space plants about 6–12 inches apart; closer spacing fills in faster.
Watering & sunlight
Water newly planted Mondo Grass when the top 1–2 inches of soil begin to dry, typically once or twice per week during the first growing season and more often during hot, dry, or windy weather. Water deeply so moisture reaches the whole root ball, and keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy while it establishes. Once established, it tolerates short dry spells but looks best with regular moisture. There is no fixed watering schedule, so always check the soil first and adjust based on climate, rainfall, temperature, sunlight, soil type, and drainage.

Need help? Contact our plant experts for watering guidance tailored to your plant and growing conditions.

Mondo Grass grows best in partial to full shade. In cooler climates it can take more sun, but in hot regions afternoon sun can bleach or scorch the leaves.
Care guide

PRUNING:
Little care needed. If foliage looks tattered after winter, trim or mow it back in late winter before new growth begins. Clumps can be divided in spring to spread plantings.

FERTILIZING:
Usually unnecessary. If growth is weak, apply a light slow-release fertilizer in spring. Avoid fertilizing for the first 2–3 months after delivery to allow the plant to adjust and establish.

WINTER PROTECTION:
Within Zones 7–10, it typically needs no special winter protection. In Zone 7, a light layer of mulch helps protect roots during hard freezes.

Shipping & what's inside

Your plant ships in its nursery pot with the soil secured, packed so it stays steady on the way to you.

1-year guarantee

Every plant is covered by our 1-year guarantee. If something goes wrong, contact our team and we'll walk you through it.

Answered by Simply Trees plant experts
How big does Mondo Grass get?
Mondo Grass typically grows about 8–12 inches tall and slowly spreads into a dense, evergreen groundcover.
How fast does Mondo Grass grow?
Mondo Grass has a slow growth rate, gradually spreading by underground runners into a dense, tidy carpet. Plant it closer together if you want it to fill in faster.
Where is the best place to plant Mondo Grass?
Plant it in partial to full shade with moist, well-draining soil. It's a go-to for shady borders, edging paths, filling between stepping stones, and planting under trees.
How far apart should I plant Mondo Grass?
For groundcover, space plants about 6–12 inches apart. Because Mondo Grass spreads slowly, closer spacing fills in faster.
Does Mondo Grass grow in shade?
Yes. Mondo Grass grows best in partial to full shade, making it one of the most reliable groundcovers for shady spots where lawn grass struggles.
Can Mondo Grass replace my lawn?
Not in high-traffic areas. Despite its name, Mondo Grass isn't a true grass. It handles light foot traffic between pavers and stepping stones but not regular walking, so it's best used for borders, edging, and low-traffic areas.
Does Mondo Grass need to be mowed?
No. It stays low and never needs regular mowing. If the foliage looks tattered after winter, you can trim or mow it back in late winter before new growth begins.
Is Mondo Grass evergreen?
Yes. Mondo Grass stays evergreen through mild winters in USDA Zones 7–10. In Zone 7, a light layer of mulch helps protect the roots during hard freezes.
Does Mondo Grass flower?
Yes. Small lilac to white flowers appear in summer, sometimes followed by blue berries tucked into the foliage.
Can Mondo Grass grow in full sun?
In cooler climates it can take more sun, but in hot regions afternoon sun can bleach or scorch the leaves. For best results, give it shade during the hottest part of the day.
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