Information on Mondo Grass

Etymology

• Deriving its scientific name from the Latin "ophis," meaning "snake" and "pogon," which stands for "beard," according to Clemson University Extension, mondo grass also goes by the name of monkey grass.

Plant Description

• Spreading out in clumps of grass-like foliage, Mondo grass grows from 8 to 16 inches in height. The fine blades arch over, smooth and narrow, with dark green sprays giving the impression of a soft bed of grass. Inconspicuous flower spikes shoot up from July through September, blossoming white to lilac and producing blue fruits.

Growth Habit

• As a spreading groundcover, mondo grass grows well as a border for flowerbeds and rock gardens or between stepping-stones, according to Clemson University Extension. A shade lover, it grows by way of subterranean runners and holds its own against the competition of other plant and tree roots.

Care

• Mondo grass thrives in a variety of garden soils, preferring well-drained areas. Once established, it grows hardily, requiring little care and attention. While it does keep its foliage all year round, cutting back raggedy leaves in late winter helps the appearance of this grass and makes room for new growth in the spring.

Invasive

• While mondo grass proves its worth as a reliable groundcover, it can get out of hand, invading parts of your garden and yard you do not wish it to grow in. Digging up and dividing old growth or even sinking containers into the ground helps control its vigorous spread.

Anthracnose Disease

• Clemson University Extension notes anthracnose commonly afflicts mondo grass. This disease, according to the University of California Integrated Pest Management Program, causes dark, sunken patches to appear on the graceful leaves of Mondo grass. Instigated by several types of fungi, including Apiognomonia errabunda and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, wet conditions encourage the development of anthracnose.

Anthracnose Control

• To control this unsightly and serious disease, dispose of any infected foliage during the fall. Fungicides often help lessen an outbreak, though they do not always prove dependable means of getting rid of the disease. The best way to offset an infection lies in spacing plants far enough apart to encourage airflow, as well as planting disease resistant species of mondo grass.