Ophiopogon japonicus (Mondo Grass) Unity Grown

Ophiopogon japonica, also called mondo grass and Japanese lilyturf, is a grassy, mat-forming, evergreen perennial groundcover that produces dark green foliage with a graceful draping behavior. In the late summer, mondo grass produces spikes of pale purple flowers which turn to blue berry like fruits, much like the more common lilyturf, Liriope.

Utilized as a turf alternative in shady areas of landscaping, mondo grass requires little maintenance beyond yearly mowing. Although Ophiopogon japonicus is a type of dwarf mondo grass, and therefore slow growing to only about 6-12" tall, Ophiopogon japonicus will form dense mats, making for effective groundcover. A weed-choking behavior plus the added benefits of being salt-, drought-, and foot-traffic tolerant makes it a great choice as a lawn alternative or for underplanting near dense shrubs.

Note: Care should be taken when choosing a planting location for mondo grass as, once established, root fragments left in the dirt will cause new plants to pop up if old ones are removed. Mondo grass is classified as invasive in some parts of the southern United States, though cooler temperatures in the north and northeast keep it in check fairly well.