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dwarf mondo grass border

A dwarf mondo grass border brings a smart, low-maintenance edge to any New Zealand garden. This compact, lush green groundcover thrives in both shade and sun, making it an excellent choice for defining garden beds, edging paths, or softening the lines of hard landscaping. Homeowners and landscapers alike value dwarf mondo grass for its dense, tufted foliage and neatly miniature size—it rarely exceeds 10 centimetres in height, forming a tidy border that needs almost no trimming. If you’re looking for a versatile solution that performs beautifully all year round, a dwarf mondo grass border could be your answer.

Ophiopogon 'Kyoto' (Dwarf Mondo grass) growing between paving stones.

Ophiopogon Kyoto

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Ophiopogon 'Kyoto' is a Dwarf Mondo Grass and grows as a small clump with fine, dark green foliage. Flower spikes appear in summer bearing tiny, white flowers as it grows to 10 cm tall and the same wide. Ophiopogon 'Kyoto' is best showcased with a mass planting and is commonly added to rock gardens, used in borders, grown as a groundcover, planted between pavers, planted around outdoor living areas, or simply maintained in a container.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 10 cm
Spread: 10 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, White
Ophiopogon japonicus Silver Mist grass in a garden.

Ophiopogon Silver Mist (Silver Mondo Grass)

Ophiopogon 'Silver Mist' is a dwarf silver Mondo Grass, and features fine, grass-like foliage that is variegated dark green and white. It typically grows to 15 cm tall and the same width. Ophiopogon 'Silver Mist' is best showcased with a mass planting and is commonly added to rock gardens, used in borders, grown as a groundcover, planted around outdoor living areas, or maintained in a container.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 15 cm
Spread: 15 cm
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Ophiopogon planiscapus (Mondo Grass) with lush green foliage growing as a ground cover.

Ophiopogon planiscapus

Ophiopogon planiscapus, commonly known as Dwarf Lilyturf, is a Mondo grass grown for its fine, dark green foliage and short stature. The foliage is...

From$6.08
Ophiopogon japonicus nana (dwarf Mondo grass) growing between paving stones.

Ophiopogon japonicus Nana

Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana' is a dwarf or mini Mondo Grass grown for its delicate, dark green foliage. Flower spikes are borne in summer and bear...

From$9.38
Ophiopogon japonicus (Green Mondo Grass) growing as a groundcover in a woodland garden.

Ophiopogon japonicus

Ophiopogon japonicus, commonly known as green Mondo Grass, is a striking ornamental grass. It grows as a clump and produces a dense tuft of...

From$9.38
Ophiopogon planiscapus nigrescens (Black Mondo) plants with lush, black foliage.

Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens

Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens, commonly known as Black Mondo Grass, is a clump-forming plant with fine, near black foliage. The foliage is...

From$8.78
Ophiopogon 'Black Dragon' (Black Mondo) grass plant.

Ophiopogon Black Dragon

Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Black Dragon' is a variety of black Mondo Grass that is grown for its fine, near black foliage. The foliage is complemented...

From$8.78
cyperus-papyrus-nana-3

Cyperus papyrus Nana (Dwarf Papyrus)

Cyperus papyrus Nana, the Dwarf Papyrus, is a perennial grass with bright green leaves and distinctive umbrella-like flower sprays in summer. Growing...

From$20.18
cymbopogon-citratus-4

Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass)

Cymbopogon citratus (aka Andropogon citratus), commonly known as Lemongrass Grass or Citronella Grass, grows as a clump and produces flavoursome and...

From$20.18
Poa cita grass plants on a plateau overlooing the sea.

Poa cita

Poa cita, commonly known as Silver Tussock, is a clump-forming NZ native grass with delicate, green foliage that wafts gracefully in the breeze. It...

From$14.51
Chionochloa flavicans (Miniature ToeToe) plants with cascading cream-coloured flowers.

Chionochloa flavicans (Miniature Toetoe)

Chionochloa flavicans, commonly known as Miniature ToeToe or Dwarf Toe Toe, is a highly popular NZ native grass. It has flowing, green foliage and...

From$9.01
Acorus albo variegata foliage variegated green and yellow.

Acorus Albo Variegata (Variegated Sweet Flag)

Acorus Albo Variegata is grown for its attractive, variegated foliage. It features narrow and slender leaves that are cream with a dark green edge...

From$16.13
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Isolepis cernua (Fiber-Optic Grass)

Isolepsis cernua (aka Scirpus cernua), commonly known as Fiber Optic Grass, grows as a tidy clump to about 25 cm tall and the same wide with green...

From$16.13
Lomandra Tankia with lush green foliage bordering a path.

Lomandra 'Tanika'

Lomandra Tanika is a hardy, Australian Native grass that is commonly known as Mat Rush. This grass features fine, deep-green foliage and a graceful...

From$20.18
Hakonechloa albostriata plant with variegated foliage.

Hakonechloa macra 'Albostriata'

Hakonechloa macra 'Albostriata', commonly known as Japanese Forest Grass, is a stunning ornamental grass. It features variegated green foliage with...

From$22.88
A Pittosporum 'Midget' plant in a garden.

Pittosporum 'Midget' (Dwarf Pittosporum)

Pittosporum 'Midget' is a dwarf variety that features foliage made up of small, fresh green leaves. The foliage is complemented with small, purple...

From$40.43
Libertia paniculata plant with white flowers.

Libertia paniculata (Grass Flag)

Libertia paniculata is an elegant evergreen perennial admired for its fine, upright foliage and delicate white flowers that appear in airy clusters...

From$15.86
Kniphofia Dwarf Scarlet plant with red flowers.

Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' (Hot Poker Plant)

Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' is a compact perennial known for its vibrant red flower spikes that rise above neat grassy foliage. This eye catching plant...

From$20.18
phormium-pepe-

Phormium 'Pepe' (Dwarf Flax)

Phormium Pepe is a smaller variety of Flax that produces narrow and sword-like, bright green leaves. It typically grows to just 45 cm tall and the...

From$20.93
pittosporum-small-ball-

Pittosporum Small Ball (Dwarf Pittosporum)

Pittosporum Small Ball is a dwarf variety grown for its glossy, olive-green leaves which are held densely. This evergreen grows with a ball shape to...

From$107.05
Lomandra longifolia plant beside a path with lush, green foliage.

Lomandra longifolia (Basket Grass)

Lomandra longifolia (Basket Grass) is a resilient, evergreen ornamental grass native to Australia. Growing to approximately 60 cm in height and 65 cm...

From$16.13
Lomandra 'Misty Green' plants with cascading green foliage growing a bank.

Lomandra Misty Green

Lomandra Misty Green is an ornamental grass with delicate, dark green foliage and a tidy, rounded form. Growing to about 40 cm in height and width...

From$20.93
Zebra grass (Miscanthus 'Zebrinus') leaves with cream and green stripes.

Miscanthus 'Zebrinus'

Miscanthus 'Zebrinus' (Zebra Grass) is a striking ornamental grass recognised for its bold horizontal yellow banding across arching green leaves...

From$21.53
Lomandra 'Arctic Frost' plant in a pot with variegated foliage.

Lomandra Arctic Frost

Lomandra Arctic Frost is a hardy ornamental grass featuring variegated blue and cream foliage held upright with a gentle arch. Growing to...

From$17.48
Miscanthus Morning Light growing as a clump with variegated leaves.

Miscanthus 'Morning Light'

Miscanthus 'Morning Light' (Maiden Grass) is a refined ornamental grass valued for its fine narrow foliage edged with silvery white. This elegant...

From$18.83
An elegant Miscanthus sinensis grass with cream-coloured flower plumes and lush green foliage.

Miscanthus sinensis

Miscanthus sinensis is an ornamental grass that grows as a clump of narrow, arching, green leaves. The colouring gives a light silver-green effect to...

From$21.53
Carex flagellifera Green plant with lush and colourful foliage.

Carex flagellifera Green

Carex flagellifera Green is a NZ native, ornamental grass grown for its attractive foliage. It produces slender and lush, green leaves as it grows to...

From$15.53
Lomandra Shara displaying fabulous blue-green foliage and growing beside a gravel path.

Lomandra Shara

Lomandra Shara is an ornamental grass renowned for its delicate, dark green foliage and graceful arching form. Reaching approximately 60 cm in height...

From$20.18
Lomandra 'Echidna' grass growing as a mass planting beside a path.

Lomandra Echidna

The Lomandra Echidna grass is a tough and reliable plant with outstanding aesthetics. It features lush, mid-green foliage held upright with a gentle...

From$16.13
Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' green foliage.

Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' (Dwarf Karo)

Pittosporum ‘Stephens Island’ is a compact, evergreen shrub known for its dense, upright growth and attractive grey-green foliage. A hardy New...

From$21.53
Dactylis glomerata plant with a cat.

Dactylis glomerata (Cat Grass)

Dactylis glomerata, commonly known as Cat Grass or Catnip Grass, is a popular grass that is loved by cats. It features flowing, green foliage held as...

From$21.53
Carex solandri grass in a NZ native planting.

Carex solandri

Carex solandri is a NZ native, ornamental grass that features attractive, dark green foliage. The foliage emerges upright and develops a gentle and...

From$13.43
Ophiopogon Kyoto

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acorus, Carex, Chionochloa, Cymbopogon, Cyperus, Dactylis, Hakonechloa, Isolepis, Kniphofia, Libertia, Lomandra, Miscanthus, Ophiopogon, Phormium Pittosporum and Poa, or related Categories - Flaxes, Grasses, Mondo Grass Perennials and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search dwarf mondo grass border

Why Choose a Dwarf Mondo Grass Border?

Dwarf mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana') creates structured borders that stay green and lush, even through winter. Unlike many groundcovers, it tolerates a range of light conditions and copes well with dry shade, making it especially valuable under trees or in tricky shady corners. Its fine, slender leaves provide texture contrast beside paving stones, topping retaining walls, or framing perennial beds. Whether you’re designing a formal border or edging winding garden paths, a dwarf mondo grass border delivers reliable, evergreen charm.

For particularly striking garden effects, consider combining your border with other Ophiopogon varieties. If you love silver highlights, try Ophiopogon Silver Mist (Silver Mondo Grass), or add depth with the deeper green of Ophiopogon Kyoto.

Planting and Growing Tips

Establishing a dwarf mondo grass border is straightforward, even for novice gardeners. Choose a location with well-drained soil and space plants about 10 to 15 centimetres apart for a dense edge. Water well while plants get established, then reduce as they settle in—once mature, your border will tolerate dry periods with ease. Feeding is rarely necessary, and this fibre-tough grass isn’t bothered by most garden pests or diseases.

Mulch new plantings to keep roots cool and supress weeds in the first season. Over time, your mondo grass border may naturally thicken, creating a seamless line of green along your garden edge. For the best result, occasionally tidy by gently removing fallen leaves or debris.

Creative Uses for Mondo Grass Borders

Beyond classic garden edging, a dwarf mondo grass border can be used to:

Mix and match varieties for added interest. Pair Ophiopogon planiscapus for dramatic, dark foliage, or fill larger areas with the standard cultivar Ophiopogon japonicus.

Find the Perfect Mondo Grass for Your Border

Whether you prefer the subtle refinement of Ophiopogon japonicus Nana, the striking silver accents of Ophiopogon Silver Mist (Silver Mondo Grass), or the classic deep greens of Ophiopogon japonicus, you can create a dwarf mondo grass border that elevates your outdoor space. Explore our full range of Ophiopogon varieties to design a long-lasting, beautiful border that’s uniquely yours.


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Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Start your garden with Magnolia stellata Waterlily and Lomandra Lime Tuff, and add depth with lesser-known gems like Corylus maxima Purpurea, Myrsine australis, and Liriope 'Franklin Mint'.
–The Plant Company

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