Plant library
Ground cover
Mondo Grass
Ophiopogon japonicus
Zones 6–10
A tidy, grass-like evergreen that knits into a sleek green carpet — a low-care alternative to lawn in mild-climate shade.
Sun
Part shade to full shade
Water
moderate
Spacing
8-12 in apart; clumps reach 12-15 in wide
Soil
Humus-rich, moist, well-drained, acidic soil (pH 5.5-6.5)
Difficulty
easy
Zones
6–10
When to plant
See care notes for timing in your zone.
Timing shifts with your zone — the Genie can pin down exact dates for you.
How to care for it
Plant in spring or fall, 8-12 in apart, and mulch. Keep evenly moist until established. Divide clumps every 3-4 years to refresh the carpet and control spread.
Good companions
Ferns, hostas, azaleas, camellias, Japanese maples
Harvest
Not edible; grown for its neat, lawn-like year-round texture.
Want a plan for growing Mondo Grass?
Your Genie can give exact timing and care for your zone.
