Species
Ophiopogon japonicusMondo Grass9 other cultivars
‘Tuff Tuft Silver’Tuff Tuft Silver
‘Super Dwarf’Super Dwarf Mondo Grass
‘Tuff Tuft Lavender’Tuff Tuft Lavender Ophiopogon
‘Dwarf Mondo Grass’Dwarf Mondo Grass
‘Bluebird’Bluebird Mondo Grass
‘Comet’Comet Mondo Grass
‘Dwarf’Dwarf Mondo Grass
‘Aritaki’Japanese Mondo Grass
‘Tears of Gold’Tears of Gold Mondo Grass
The Story
Plant Bio
An evergreen, grass-like ground cover that spreads by rhizomes to form dense colonies. Valued for its fine-textured foliage.
A very dwarf, slow-spreading cultivar that forms a dense, dark green, moss-like mat of foliage. It is one of the smallest mondo grass varieties available.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Grass
Height
2 inches
Width
4 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate to high
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Japan, China
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
Bloom period
Late summer – Early fall
In flower about 2 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in early spring for best germination.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and encourage root growth.
- Plant in partial shade for optimal foliage color and health.
- Water consistently, keeping soil moist but not waterlogged during the first year.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to support growth.
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring to promote vigor.
Pro Tip
Use a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds around the plants.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist 🌱
- Provide filtered sunlight for vibrant foliage
- Apply organic fertilizer in spring
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t expose to full sun in hot climates
- Refrain from disturbing roots during dormancy
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Gyoku Ryu Mondo Grass questions
What zones can Gyoku Ryu Mondo Grass grow in?
Gyoku Ryu Mondo Grass is hardy in USDA Zones 6–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Gyoku Ryu Mondo Grass deer resistant?
Yes — Gyoku Ryu Mondo Grass is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Gyoku Ryu Mondo Grass bloom?
Gyoku Ryu Mondo Grass typically blooms in late summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Gyoku Ryu Mondo Grass need full sun?
Gyoku Ryu Mondo Grass does best in part shade.
Is Gyoku Ryu Mondo Grass drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Gyoku Ryu Mondo Grass handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Ophiopogon to compare
Black Mondo Grass
Ophiopogon nigrescens
Nigrescens Black Mondo Grass
Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'
Niger Black Mondo Grass
Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Niger'
Tuff Tuft Silver
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Tuff Tuft Silver'
Super Dwarf Mondo Grass
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Super Dwarf'
Mondo Grass
Ophiopogon japonicus
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Gyoku Ryu Mondo Grass with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.