Mondo Grass Care
Ophiopogon japonicus
An evergreen ground cover that is excellent for shady areas where traditional lawn will not grow. It spreads slowly, needs no mowing and requires very little care. It likes partial or full shade and moist, humus-rich soils; direct sun can scorch its leaves.
Monthly care calendar
Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.
- Watering: Not required; winter precipitation is sufficient.
- General care: Dormancy period. Surface leaf litter can be cleaned up.
- Pests & diseases: To prevent root rot, make sure water does not pool on the soil.
- Pruning: If there are worn or browned leaf tips after winter, it can be mown at the highest setting with a lawn mower or a scythe before spring growth begins (optional).
- General care: Soil preparation can begin to establish new areas.
- Pests & diseases: Check for snails and slugs (Gastropoda).
- Watering: If necessary (if there is no rain), 10-15 L/m².
- Fertilizing: Slow-release fertilizer with balanced NPK or compost, to the soil, 20-30 g/m², do not overdo it.
- General care: The best time for planting new plants or for propagation by dividing existing clumps.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days.
- General care: As the roots develop, they prevent weeds from emerging.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
- General care: Spread a 5-7 cm layer of mulch over the root zone; it retains soil moisture and suppresses weeds. Do not pile mulch against the trunk.
- Pests & diseases: Root rot (Pythium) can be a problem in overwatered, heavy soils.
- Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface.
- General care: Make sure the soil stays moist in the summer heat.
- Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface.
- General care: Keep it in a position sheltered from midday sun; scorching at the leaf edges is a sign of burn.
- Pests & diseases: Dry leaf tips can be a sign of severe water stress.
- Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface.
- General care: In hot and dry weather, regular watering is important.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
- General care: The ideal time for division and planting to create new areas or fill gaps.
- Pests & diseases: Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days.
- General care: Clear tree leaves that fall on it so the plant gets air.
- General care: Enters dormancy.
- General care: Full dormancy period.
The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.
Want reminders for every plant in your garden? Our garden-care app with monthly task lists and frost alerts is currently available in Turkish; the English version is on the way.
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