As beautiful as Tree can be , their big exposed roots can often be an eyesore and a challenge to found around . Luckily , there are ground covers that are perfect for implant under trees to veil any roots you might find unsightly . One of the best options for this is mondo grass ( Ophiopogon japonicus ) .
Mondo grass ( which is actually in the lily family ) , is the ideal ground cover answer in many regions for camouflage tricky Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree root . This is thanks to both its preference for subtlety and its ability to vie with other plants ' roots . Mondo grass also remains green class round , providing you with wintertime interest and constant cover for your tree roots . During summer month it even boast minuscule delicate efflorescence and in declination you may notice its shiny berry - same blueish fruit . Even better , it ’s rarely inconvenience oneself by deer , insects , or other animals .
alas , mondo Gunter Wilhelm Grass grows so easily that it has actually become trespassing in some southerly parts of the United States . Avoid growing it if you live in the South , but it should be alright to constitute elsewhere . Take concern that the plant wo n’t become a trouble on your place before you purchase some , or you may find yourself searching for elbow room to remove orkill your mondo Mary Jane .
Caring for mondo grass in your landscape
Mondo grass is audacious in zones 6 through 10 , and while it prefers shadiness , it ’s able to grow in full sun as well . It is also large-minded of a orbit of soil types , though it grows best in a planting mass medium that is well draining and moist . With a height of only around 12 inches , mondo grass is the perfect elevation for a terra firma cover as well — it only needs to be mowed once a twelvemonth . Alternatively , you could justprune your mondo grassyearly . disregarding of which strategy you prefer for , it is a very grim - criminal maintenance flora . It ’s an excellent option for those living in coastal region , too , thanks to it being an impressivelysalt - tolerant ornamental grass .
Mondo grass has another close relative , black mondo forage ( Ophiopogon planiscapus ' Nigrescens ) , which has dark , almost dark , leaf . It can likewise be used as a ground top . Just be aware that it is less large-minded of sun than its cousin and requires full to part shade to thrive and keep its dark color . It also tend to be slower growing than its green - colored relation .
