Mondo grass Ophiopogon japonicus
Mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus) is an evergreen perennial groundcover in the Asparagaceae family, native to Japan, Korea and China. It grows 15–30 cm (6–12 in) tall and 20–40 cm (8–16 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -23 °C (-9 °F). Space plants about 20 cm (8 in) apart.
Plan Mondo grass in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Mondo grass at a glance
| Type | Perennial groundcover, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Mature height | 15–30 cm (6–12 in) |
| Mature spread | 20–40 cm (8–16 in) |
| Spacing | 20 cm (8 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -23 °C (-9 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | from about July for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Japan, Korea and China |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇨🇳 China, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Mondo grass toxic?
- People: not well documented
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
No toxicity clearly documented in ASPCA or standard poison references; treat as untested.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Mondo grass
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
See Mondo grass in a botanical garden
It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:
- The Huntington (14 plants)
Questions about Mondo grass
- How far apart should I plant Mondo grass?
- About 20 cm (8 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 20–40 cm (8–16 in).
- Does Mondo grass need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Mondo grass need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Mondo grass?
- It tolerates about -23 °C (-9 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Mondo grass flower?
- From about July for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Mondo grass poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not well documented. No toxicity clearly documented in ASPCA or standard poison references; treat as untested.
- What grows well with Mondo grass?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Mondo grass. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, NC State Extension
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Pale lilac flowers are hidden under the foliage; blue seeds appear in autumn. The tuberous roots are used in Chinese medicine (Ophiopogon root).
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Asparagus Asparagus officinalis
- Lily of the valley Convallaria majalis
- Hosta Hosta spp.
- Hyacinth Hyacinthus orientalis
- Grape hyacinth Muscari armeniacum
- Common bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta
- Tuberose Agave amica (Polianthes tuberosa)
- Century plant (agave) Agave americana