FloridaLandscapeIQ
Giant Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon intermedius) growing in South Florida
Grade Florida #1

Giant Mondo Grass — South Florida Plant Guide

Ophiopogon intermedius

Family: Asparagaceae · Groundcover

Legal status pending editorial verification. Confirm with your county before installation.

Landscape Uses

shade garden accentbold border edgingmass shade groundcovertropical shade garden

Style Tags

japaneseshade gardenbold texturetropical

South Florida Growing Guide

Light Requirements

Full ShadePartial ShadePartial Sun

Water Requirements

Low3/10

Once established (12–18 months), Giant Mondo Grass is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.

Moderate water. 2x per week dry season. Consistent moisture for best appearance in shade gardens.

Soil and Fertilization

sandyloamlimestone

Fertilizer: Light balanced granular.

Schedule: February and May light balanced fertilizer.

Salt Tolerance

Low (3/10) — plant away from salt air exposure
Mature Height
0.751.5 ft
Mature Width
0.51 ft
Growth Rate
slow-moderate
Water Demand
3/10
Florida Grade
Florida #1
Installed Cost
$$
USDA Zones
7, 8, 9, 10a, 10b, 11
FLEPPC Status
None
Iguana Rating
4/10

Where to Buy in South Florida

Find Giant Mondo Grass at South Florida nurseries — check availability and pricing at nurseries near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does Giant Mondo Grass grow in South Florida?

Giant Mondo Grass has a slow-moderate growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.

Is Giant Mondo Grass safe for pets?

Giant Mondo Grass is not safe for pets. Berries potentially toxic to pets — same as O. japonicus. Disclose.

How much water does Giant Mondo Grass need in South Florida?

Low water needs (3/10). Once established (12–18 months), Giant Mondo Grass is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.

Can Giant Mondo Grass tolerate salt air in South Florida?

Giant Mondo Grass has low salt tolerance (3/10) and is not recommended near areas with significant salt air exposure.

Is Giant Mondo Grass available in Miami-Dade County?

In Miami-Dade County, Giant Mondo Grass is classified as: allowed. Allowed.

County Availability in South Florida

Miami-Dade County

Allowed

Allowed. Limited availability — specialty nurseries.

USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.

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Broward County

Allowed

Allowed. Limited availability.

USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.

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Palm Beach County

Allowed

Allowed. Better availability in Palm Beach specialty nurseries.

USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.

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Collier County

Allowed

Allowed. Limited availability.

USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.

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Monroe County

Allowed

Allowed. Very limited availability.

USDA Zone 11. Tropical maritime, highest salt exposure of all 5 counties.

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Full ordinance references and permit requirements available to Professional subscribers. Always verify current county requirements before installation.

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Ask about Giant Mondo Grass

Get answers grounded in UF/IFAS research and South Florida landscape data.