Also known as Mondo Grass · 662 saves
Ophiopogon
Ophiopogon, the genus most gardeners know as mondo grass. We track 24 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 20 most-saved Ophiopogon varieties
Browse all 24 Ophiopogon varieties →
2 species of Ophiopogon
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Ophiopogon in Sow
Save the Ophiopogon you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Ophiopogon
Whats common across all Ophiopogon varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 24 most-grown of them.
The Ophiopogon year
- DivideApril, May and October100% of varieties
Divide clumps every 5+ years to propagate or revitalize the patch.
- Spring CleanupMarch and April92% of varieties
Rake out dead foliage and debris trapped in the dense clumps.
- PlantApril, May, October and November58% of varieties
Plant in spring or early fall for best establishment
- FertilizeApril33% of varieties
Apply a light, balanced fertilizer only if growth is sluggish.
Do
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Divide every few years to prevent overcrowding
- Provide partial shade in hot climates
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
- Don’t expose to full sun in hot climates
- Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Ophiopogon
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing on the foliage and stippling or yellowing of the narrow leaves during hot, dry weather. | Increase humidity, hose down the foliage with a sharp spray of water, or apply insecticidal soap to control infestations. |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing foliage | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and stippling on leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Leaf spot | Brown or black spots on leaves | Remove affected foliage and ensure good air circulation |
| Root Rot | Yellowing foliage, wilting, and mushy, decayed roots caused by Pythium or Phytophthora species. | Improve soil drainage, avoid overwatering, and remove severely infected plants to prevent the spread. |
Making more Ophiopogon
Division
- Dig up mature clumps in early spring.
- Separate into smaller sections with roots intact.
- Replant immediately at same depth.
- Water thoroughly and mulch.
Seed
- Collect seeds after flowering in late spring.
- Sow seeds in moist soil in early fall.
- Keep soil consistently moist during germination.
- Seedlings appear in 6–8 weeks.
Ophiopogon questions
How many types of Ophiopogon are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 24 distinct Ophiopogon varieties. The most popular — ranked by 662 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Ophiopogon grow in?
Across its varieties, Ophiopogon covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Ophiopogon bloom?
Most Ophiopogon varieties bloom in late summer, early summer, summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Ophiopogon should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.