Dwarf Mondo Grass

Ophiopogon Japonicus ‘Nanus’

Characteristics

Culture

Dwarf Mondo Grass is perfect for use as a groundcover or edging.  Striking in mass plantings or in rock gardens. Excellent substitute for grass where grass doesn’t grow well or in hard to mow areas, such as slopes.   Plant in well-drained soil and water regularly to establish. Once established, Mondo Grass is drought tolerant. Mulch new plantings, after applying a pre-emergent herbicide to control weeds. Does not tolerate a great deal of foot traffic. Mow in late fall or early spring.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Ophiopogon Japonicus ‘Nanus’, commonly called dwarf mondo grass, is a tuberous-rooted, often stoloniferous, grass-like perennial of the lily family. It typically grows in slowly spreading clumps to 6-8” tall. It is native to Japan. This is a stemless plant that features narrow, linear, deep green, basal leaves which appear in arching, slowly-spreading clumps rising to 6-8” tall. White, 6-tepaled, bell-shaped flowers often tinted with lilac, bloom in summer in racemes located atop leafless stems which rise above the foliage clump. Flowers are followed by globular, pea-sized, glossy dark purple berries. Beyond its size and flower color, it’s otherwise similar to standard mondo grass.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. 

Garden Uses

Low-maintenance, ornamental, grass-like ground cover for shady areas. Primarily grown for its tufts of grass-like leaves. Beds, border fronts, edgings and rock gardens. Streams and pond margins.