The Grass Doctor

how do i take care of mondo grass?

Public Comments

1. do you mean take care as in grow it or take care as in get rid of it
2. don't let the others put you off. mondo grass can be fun to grow, cool to look at and your visitors will always ask what it is? it's part of the lily turf family of asian grasses. OPHIOPOGON japonicus (you can see why us normal folks short'n it to mondo grass) it's a clumping sort of grass, thick and dense. can clump up to 6 inches, but seldom does. it spreads by underground stems, sort of tuber like. it's a very slow spreader, so if you want lots of coverage plant many clumps close together. it will bloom from time to time, light lilac flowers on short spikes that are usually hidden by the leaves. frowers become small blue fruit. light filtered sun to full shade. well drained soil is a must and keep away snails and slugs. will look ragged if you neglect it. it uses a good bit of water to keep it nice. really looks cool planted along a stream or small pond. or as part of a shady rock garden or under some trees or bamboo. not a heavy feeder, mostly in spring when you see some new growth. look best during warmer weather, during cool winters they start looking a bit shabby. if it gets to shabby, mow or shear before spring growth begins. easy to divide, set divisions 6-8 inches apart. mixed in with some of it's family like L. spicata (creeping lilly turf) or silver dragonwith varsgated white stripes. for more detailed info on how it will do in your own neighborhood, contact a master gardener at your local univ. coop extension office.
3. Just take care, just like your own son or younger brother.