Mondo Grass (1 Gallon)

Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nana’

Create a neat, refined groundcover with Dwarf Mondo Grass, a tiny evergreen perennial known for its dense clumps of fine, dark green foliage and exceptionally low-growing habit.

Dwarf Mondo is perfect for edging walkways, filling between stepping stones, softening garden borders, planting beneath shrubs, and creating a manicured groundcover in shaded or partially shaded areas. Its small scale gives landscapes a polished, finished appearance without adding unwanted height.

Plant at a Glance

Botanical Name: Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nana’
Common Name: Dwarf Mondo Grass
Plant Type: Evergreen grass-like perennial / groundcover
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Evergreen or Deciduous: Evergreen in mild Southern climates
USDA Hardiness Zones: Approximately 6–10
Mature Height: Approximately 2–4 inches tall
Mature Width: Approximately 4–8 inches per clump, spreading slowly over time
Growth Habit: Very low, clumping, spreading groundcover
Growth Rate: Slow
Sunlight: Part shade to shade; tolerates some morning sun
Water Needs: Moderate while establishing; lower once established
Foliage: Fine, dark green, grass-like leaves
Flowers: Yes, but very small and inconspicuous
Bloom Season: Typically summer
Flower Color: Pale lavender to white
Fruit: Small blue to dark berries may follow flowering
Primary Feature: Extremely low evergreen groundcover

Why We Love Dwarf Mondo

Dwarf Mondo is one of the best plants for creating a clean, timeless garden edge.

Because it stays so low, it works beautifully in places where larger ornamental grasses or liriope would be too tall.

It is especially effective when repeated in masses or planted between pavers, where the fine foliage softens hard surfaces without becoming messy.

Sunlight Requirements

Dwarf Mondo performs best in:

Part shade
Bright shade
Filtered sunlight
Morning sun with afternoon shade

It can tolerate some direct sun, especially morning sun, but in hot Southern climates it usually looks best with protection from intense afternoon heat.

Wright’s Market Recommendation

In southeast Georgia, we recommend:

Morning sun + afternoon shade

or

Bright filtered light beneath trees or taller shrubs

This usually keeps the foliage rich green and reduces stress during summer heat.

Watering

Immediately After Planting

Water thoroughly after planting to moisten the root ball and surrounding soil.

First Growing Season

Water approximately 1–2 times per week, adjusting for rainfall, heat, and soil drainage.

Because Dwarf Mondo has a relatively small root system, newly planted clumps should not be allowed to dry out completely.

Once Established

Dwarf Mondo becomes fairly low maintenance.

Water during prolonged dry periods, especially when planted near trees where roots compete for moisture.

Avoid constantly saturated soil.

Fertilization

Fertilize lightly in early spring as new growth begins.

Use a balanced, slow-release landscape fertilizer according to package directions.

Dwarf Mondo is not a heavy feeder, so excessive fertilization is unnecessary.

A light application is generally enough to maintain healthy color and growth.

Planting Instructions

1. Water the plant thoroughly before planting.
2. Choose a location with part shade to shade.
3. Dig a hole slightly wider than the root ball.
4. Remove the plant carefully from its container.
5. Gently loosen tightly circling roots.
6. Set the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
7. Backfill with the existing soil.
8. Water deeply after planting.
9. Apply a light layer of mulch or pine straw around the area.
10. Keep mulch from covering the crown of the plant.

Soil

Dwarf Mondo performs best in:

Moist, well-drained soil
Rich garden soil
Soil with good organic matter

It is adaptable once established but prefers soil that stays moderately moist without remaining waterlogged.

Pruning & Maintenance

Dwarf Mondo requires very little maintenance.

Unlike taller liriope, it usually does not need to be cut back every year.

If foliage becomes damaged or tired-looking after winter, lightly trim or remove old leaves in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Because it spreads slowly, it is one of the easier groundcovers to keep controlled.

Does Dwarf Mondo Flower?

Yes, but the flowers are subtle.

Small pale lavender to white flowers may appear in summer, usually tucked close to the foliage.

They are not the main reason to grow the plant.

Its greatest ornamental value comes from its:

Tiny scale
Fine evergreen foliage
Neat clumping habit
Ability to soften hardscape

Evergreen or Deciduous?

Evergreen in mild Southern climates.

In southeast Georgia, Dwarf Mondo usually retains its foliage throughout the year.

During unusually cold winters, some foliage may bronze or look tired, but the plant remains perennial and fresh growth returns in spring.

Zone 9 / Coastal Georgia Performance

Dwarf Mondo performs very well in Zone 8b/9a.

It is especially useful in:

• Shaded foundation beds
• Areas beneath trees
• Walkway edges
• Courtyards
• Between stepping stones
• Garden borders
• Low-maintenance groundcover areas

It handles Southern heat well when protected from the harshest afternoon sun and provided adequate moisture.

Landscape Uses

Dwarf Mondo is ideal for:

• Walkway edging
• Between stepping stones
• Groundcover
• Under shrubs
• Around trees
• Courtyard gardens
• Japanese-inspired gardens
• Formal garden edges
• Shaded borders
• Small landscape beds
• Container accents

Spacing

For a faster continuous carpet, space plants approximately 4–6 inches apart.

For a slower fill, they can be spaced farther apart.

Wright’s Market Tip

Dwarf Mondo grows slowly, so closer spacing gives a more finished look sooner.

It is especially beautiful planted in repeating rows or a continuous mass rather than scattered randomly.

Beautiful Plant Pairings

Dwarf Mondo pairs beautifully with:

Evergreen Structure
Soft Touch® Holly
Babylon Beauty™ Boxwood
Vintage Jade® Distylium
Pringles Dwarf Podocarpus

Shade-Loving Plants
Farfugium
Ferns
Split Leaf Philodendron
Camellias
Gardenias

Flowering Shrubs
Hydrangeas
White Encore® Azaleas
Rose Creek Abelia

Wright’s Market Designer Combination

Try:

Dwarf Mondo Grass + Soft Touch Holly + white hydrangeas + camellias

The Mondo creates a low, dark-green carpet while the shrubs above provide structure and seasonal flowers.

The result feels clean, elegant, and timelessly Southern.

Why Wright’s Market Loves It

We love Dwarf Mondo Grass because it gives landscapes a finished, designer look without requiring much height or maintenance.

It is:

Perennial
Evergreen
Extremely low growing
Shade tolerant
Excellent for edging
Perfect between stepping stones
Low maintenance
Easy to incorporate into traditional Southern landscapes

Wright’s Market Plant Tip

Use Dwarf Mondo where you want a very low, refined evergreen carpet.

Its mature height is only about 2–4 inches, so it is ideal for spaces where even liriope would feel too tall.

Please note: Plant height, spread, flowering, and foliage appearance vary depending on season and growing conditions. Dwarf Mondo spreads slowly and becomes fuller over time after planting.