info@bloomindesigns.com
Imagine More Perennials Than You Can Imagine, Delivered To You - Free
Shop by Category
Shop by Brand
Shop by Brand
Ophiopogon
Easy-Care Evergreen Groundcover
- Low-Maintenance Wonder: Requires minimal care once established – say goodbye to constant pruning and fussing!
- Evergreen Beauty: Provides year-round lush, dark green foliage, even in winter in many climates.
- Versatile Groundcover: Perfect for borders, edging pathways, between stepping stones, rock gardens, and even as a lawn alternative in small, shady areas.
- Shade Tolerant: Thrives in partial to full shade, making it ideal for those tricky spots where other plants struggle.
- Drought Tolerant (Once Established): Reduces your watering needs, saving you time and resources. (Important: Be clear that it needs regular water until established.)
- Slow Growing: This is a benefit for a groundcover! It will not quickly overgrow its boundaries, reducing the need for frequent trimming.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Helps protect your landscape from common garden pests. (Note: "Resistant" is better than "proof." No plant is 100% safe from starving animals.)
- Elegant Texture: The fine, grass-like foliage adds a sophisticated touch to any garden design.
- Non-Invasive: Spreads slowly by underground rhizomes, forming a dense mat without becoming aggressive.
- Tolerates Foot Traffic: Can handle light foot traffic, making it suitable for areas with occasional use.
Light:
- Partial shade to full shade. Avoid direct, hot afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves. Morning sun or dappled light is ideal.
Soil:
- Well-drained soil is essential. Ophiopogon japonicus does not tolerate soggy conditions.
- Amend heavy clay soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage.
- Prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (6.0-7.0).
Watering:
- Establishment Phase (First Year): Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Check the soil moisture frequently.
- After Establishment: Dwarf Mondo Grass becomes quite drought-tolerant. Water deeply but less frequently, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
- Water more frequently during periods of extreme heat or drought.
Planting:
- When to Plant: Spring or early fall is best, allowing the plant to establish roots before extreme temperatures.
- Spacing: Space plants 4-12 inches apart, depending on how quickly you want them to fill in. Closer spacing provides faster coverage. For a very dense, lawn-like effect, plant closer (4-6 inches). For borders or edging, wider spacing (8-12 inches) is acceptable.
- Depth: Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball. Plant at the same depth the plant was growing in its container. The crown of the plant (where the leaves meet the roots) should be level with the soil surface.
- Backfill: Gently fill the hole with soil, firming it around the roots.
- Water: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
Fertilizing:
- Generally, Dwarf Mondo Grass does not need much fertilizer.
- If desired, apply a light feeding of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive growth and weaker plants. A compost topdressing is also a good option.
Maintenance:
- Pruning: Minimal pruning is needed. Remove any dead or damaged leaves as they appear. You can trim the edges if desired to maintain a neat appearance.
- Division: If the plants become overcrowded, you can divide them in spring or early fall. Carefully dig up the clumps and separate them into smaller sections, ensuring each section has roots and foliage. Replant immediately.
- Mulching: Apply a thin layer of organic mulch (such as shredded bark or pine straw) to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Keep the mulch away from the crown of the plant.
Pests and Diseases:
- Dwarf Mondo Grass is generally pest and disease-resistant.
- Watch out for slugs and snails, especially in damp conditions.
- Root rot can occur in poorly drained soil. Ensure good drainage to prevent this.
Winter Care:
- In most climates, Dwarf Mondo Grass is evergreen.
- In very cold climates (zones colder than USDA Zone 6), some winter protection (e.g., a layer of mulch) may be beneficial, especially for newly planted specimens.
Important Considerations:
- Slow Growth: Be patient! Dwarf Mondo Grass is a slow grower, but its low-maintenance nature makes it worth the wait.
- Container Growing: Dwarf Mondo Grass can be grown in containers. Use a well-draining potting mix and ensure the container has drainage holes.
Ophiopogon (off-ee-oh-poh-gon), lily turf, mondo, grass; Ruscaceae Family. Narrow leaved, evergreen perennial from Asia. Ophiopogon forms sods or tufts, and are valuable as ground covers in sun or shade. The thick grass-like, basal leaves grow in dense masses. Small blue or white flowers bloom in drooping clusters that look like bunches of little grapes. Small blue berries follow the flowers. Ophiopogon grows best on moist shady banks but tolerate many situations in either sun or shade.
Ophiopogon japonicas (jap-pon-ik-us); a smaller species with many dark green, linear leaves 8 to 10 inches long and gracefully arching. Small pale lilac flowers. Dwarf mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus) can be used in beds and borders, an is excellant choice for areas where mowing can be difficult. The best species for ground holding purposes.