Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Super Dwarf’
Overview
Uses: Ultra-low groundcover between stepping stones, along walkways, in rock gardens, courtyard plantings, bonsai accents, and small shaded containers. Ideal for tight spaces and detailed garden designs.
Benefits: Extremely compact, tufted evergreen foliage forms a dense, refined carpet that stays exceptionally low without mowing. Offers excellent shade tolerance and humidity resistance while maintaining a crisp, polished appearance.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 6 – 10
Life Cycle: Evergreen perennial
Sun: Partial Sun/Shade to Heavy Shade
Mature Height: 1.5" – 2"
Mature Width: 3" – 5"
Bloom Season: Late summer (rare, insignificant)
Growth Rate: Slow
Summary
Super Dwarf Mondo Grass, often referred to as Midget Mondo, is prized for its exceptionally compact size and fine texture, creating a clean, almost sculpted look in the landscape. Its deep green, grass-like foliage forms tight clumps that remain very low and uniform, making it ideal for precision plantings.
This miniature form of Ophiopogon japonicus thrives in partial to full shade, offering a refined alternative to larger groundcovers where scale and proportion matter. It’s especially well suited for Japanese-inspired gardens, stone pathways, and modern courtyard spaces.
Once established, Super Dwarf Mondo Grass is low maintenance and drought tolerant, providing long-lasting structure and texture with minimal upkeep.
Care
Super Dwarf Mondo Grass Care
Plant in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Super Dwarf Mondo Grass performs best in partial to full shade, particularly in warmer climates, where consistent moisture supports its compact growth habit. Avoid poorly drained or compacted soils.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots, then allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Once established, plants tolerate short dry periods but look best with occasional moisture.
Feed lightly in early spring with a slow release fertilizer to encourage steady, even growth. Little maintenance is required beyond removing debris or lightly trimming in late winter if needed.
Size
What Size is Super Dwarf Mondo Grass for Sale Online?
Our plants ship in greenhouse-grade grow pots and are appropriately sized for their containers. For current pot sizes and availability, contact us.
How Large Does Super Dwarf Mondo Grass Grow?
At maturity, expect an extremely low, compact mound approximately 1.5" – 2" tall and 3" – 5" wide, spreading slowly by short underground rhizomes to form a tight, uniform groundcover.
Additional Information
What makes Super Dwarf Mondo Grass different from Dwarf Mondo Grass?
Super Dwarf Mondo Grass stays significantly shorter and more compact than standard dwarf forms such as ‘Nana’, making it ideal for detailed plantings where even a few inches of height matter.
Is Super Dwarf Mondo Grass evergreen?
Yes — it retains its rich green foliage year-round in most regions, providing consistent structure and color throughout the seasons.
Can Super Dwarf Mondo Grass be planted between stepping stones?
Yes. Its extremely low growth habit makes it especially well suited for planting between stepping stones and pavers, where it tolerates light foot traffic once established.
Does Super Dwarf Mondo Grass go by any other common names?
It is sometimes called Midget Mondo Grass. Like other mondo grasses, it is not a true grass and should not be confused with liriope or ornamental turf grasses.
