I am considering planting dwarf mondo grass on a hill side near the house with only 6 hrs. of sunlight. I presently have periwinkle in the area but have problems with root and stem rot. Is mondo grass tolerant of root and stem rot, and when is the best time to transplant it?
Nothing is fully tolerant of root rot. This has more to do with the soil drainage and how much water the plant receives, as too much moisture normally leads to issues with root rot. Mondo grass can be planted in spring or fall and needs well-draining soil. If the area had issues with rotting previously, you may want to check its drainage prior to replanting anything else. Amenidng the soil with organic matter, like compost, can oftentimes help with drainage issues. Also, take note of drainage patterns and if there is significant pooling of water during rain or watering. If so, this needs to be addressed.
When is the best time to divide my Dwarf Mondo grass?
The best time is in early spring or late fall. Right now as temps come down, but we still have a few weeks before the cold sets in, is a perfect time.
I have Dwarf Mondo Grass in between pavers in my backyard by the pool. It gets plenty of sun in the morning and afternoon until about 4:00pm. I live in Dallas, Texas. We have been averaging 95-100 degree days. Some of it appears to be dying out even though my sprinklers come on 3 days a week for 20 minutes. It gets plenty of water or maybe too much? We moved in to the house last September. It was already there but the previous owner had turned off utilities so it got no water during the hottest days of summer and most of it died. I replanted and it appeared to be doing fine but now it looks to be dying. Any suggestions? I don't want to lose it.
Mondo grass actually prefers more shade than sun, so this may be causing some of the problem. Overwatering can also cause the grass to die out, as established plantings require little watering.
Am transplanting dwarf mondo grasses and noticed some of the newer, smaller tufts nearby are still attached to the main plant's rootball by a "runner" root underground. Obviously, I am concerned if I cut runner root (stem?) from main plant, new growth will die. Thanks so much!
As long as the new plants have some root growth, they can be separated from the mother plant without any harm to either one.
My dark green dwarf mondo has light green sprouts with balls on them. Are these new ones coming in? They are not small like the others. I have cut back and do not like the heavier light green with my deep low green ones. Are the balls the seeds? Will they come back as low dark green mondos?
Yes, the balls that you describe are the seeds. You can harvest them to propagate for new plants.
You can soak the seeds for 24 hours and remove the pulp.
The seed can be planted in a nursery tray and kept moist and warm for 6 weeks.
After the sprout you can move to a bright location.
The light color on the plant is likely the effect of the energy going to producing the seeds.
If the seeds are removed the plant should return to it's darker color.
Here is a link with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/mondo-grass/dwarf-mondo-grass-propagation.htm
My dwarf mondo seems to be converting to regular mondo.
Standard mondo grass reaches a mature spread up to 1 foot wide within a year or two, but dwarf mondo grass needs two to three years under ideal conditions to reach its spread of 3 to 4 inches.
It is possible for plants to be miss labeled in garden centers.
I have a massive area of mini mondo that is turning yellow rapidly. It have been beautiful, lush and thick for 10 years. Would it be Pythium Root Rot? If so, is this treatable or should I remove and start again?
Unfortunately, your photo did not come through. Depending on how the damage looks, it could be quite a few different things.
If the plant has never been divided, then this is likely the cause of the plant's degrading health.
Over, or underwatering can cause similar symptoms.
If this is planted near sewage, or a septic line, then the system may have failed. Raw sewage is deadly to plants.
Nutrient deficiencies of many sorts can be to blame, if this area does not get fed at least once per year.
Dog or other animal urine can cause dead spots, as well.
Here is an article that will help you to care for the grass: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/mondo-grass/mondo-grass-care.htm