Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nana’
Overview
Uses: Groundcover between stepping stones, along walkways, in shaded borders, beneath shrubs, and in containers.
Benefits: Dense, tufted evergreen foliage forms a neat, low carpet. Tolerates shade, heat, and humidity while maintaining a refined, compact profile.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 6–10
Sun: Partial Sun to Full Shade
Life Cycle: Hardy Perennial
Growth Habit: Clumping, Groundcover — dense tufts that spread slowly by short rhizomes.
Bloom Color: Pale Lavender
Foliage Color: Dark Green
Mature Height: 4"–6"
Mature Width: 6"–8"
Bloom Season: Late Summer
Growth Rate: Slow
Summary
Dwarf Mondo Grass offers tidy, evergreen texture for shaded spaces where traditional turf struggles.
This compact selection forms small, dense clumps of deep green blades that gradually knit together into a low, uniform carpet. Its fine texture softens hard edges between stones and along pathways while maintaining a clean, structured appearance.
Adaptable and understated, it works equally well beneath shrubs, in courtyard gardens, or as a low-maintenance container accent.
Care
Dwarf Mondo Grass Care
Plant in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. It performs best in partial sun to full shade with evenly moist soil.
Water regularly during establishment. Once established, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings while avoiding prolonged drought.
Apply a slow release fertilizer in early spring if desired.
Shear lightly in late winter or early spring to refresh foliage if needed.
Container Growing: Dwarf Mondo Grass performs well in containers with good drainage. Container-grown plants require more frequent watering than in-ground plantings. Plants hardy in the ground may require winter protection when grown in containers in colder zones.
Size
What Size is Dwarf Mondo Grass for Sale Online?
Plants ship in greenhouse-grade grow pots and are well established prior to shipping. For current pot sizes and availability, please contact us.
How Large Does Dwarf Mondo Grass Grow?
Mature plants form compact mounds 4–6 inches tall and 6–8 inches wide, gradually spreading to create a dense groundcover.
Additional Information
What are some common names for this plant?
It is commonly known as Dwarf Mondo Grass.
Can Dwarf Mondo Grass grow between stepping stones?
Yes. Its low growth habit and tolerance of light foot traffic make it suitable for planting between stones and along pathways. It pairs well with other groundcovers in shaded designs.
Is Dwarf Mondo Grass evergreen?
In mild climates, foliage remains evergreen. In colder zones, it may experience minor winter dieback before returning in spring.
How does it spread?
It spreads gradually by short underground rhizomes, forming a dense, controlled mat over time.
Where does it work best in the landscape?
It performs well beneath shrubs and trees, along shaded borders, and in courtyard gardens. Explore additional shade-tolerant selections in our Perennials collection.