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dwarf ornamental grasses

Dwarf ornamental grasses are the perfect way to bring year-round charm, texture, and movement to your garden without overwhelming smaller spaces. These compact beauties offer all the advantages of ornamental grasses—soft arching foliage, gentle sounds in the breeze, low maintenance needs—in a petite package ideal for garden beds, borders, containers, and even as attractive ground cover. Whether you're seeking ground-hugging tufts or finely textured mounds, there's a dwarf ornamental grass to suit every landscape style, from native-inspired designs to formal or contemporary settings.

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 complemented with flower spikes in summer, which bear tiny, lilac flowers as it grows to 20 cm tall and 30 cm wide. Ophiopogon planiscapus is best showcased in mass plantings and is commonly added to rock gardens, used in borders, grown as a ground cover, planted around outdoor living areas, or simply maintained in a container.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 20 cm
Spread: 30 cm
Flowering time: Summer
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 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$8.97
Lomandra Little Pal plants with lush green foliage.
Lomandra Little Pal

Lomandra Little Pal is a compact ornamental grass grown for its fine, green-yellow foliage and tidy, rounded form. Growing to approximately 60 cm in...

From$19.25
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$35.81
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$19.25
isolepsis-cernua-1
Isolepis cernua (Scirpus cernua)

Isolepis cernua (Fiber Optic Grass) is a distinctive ornamental grass prized for its fine green stems tipped with tiny white flowers that resemble...

From$16.49
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$13.73
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$22.01
Carex flagellifera Red plants.
Carex flagellifera Red

Carex flagellifera Red is a NZ native, ornamental grass grown for its colourful and attractive foliage. It produces slender and lush, copper-red...

From$13.73
Lomandra White Sands with elegant, variegated foliage in a courtyard garden.
Lomandra White Sands

Lomandra White Sands is a fabulous ornamental grass renowned for its variegated foliage. It features arching, cream, and green-striped leaves and...

From$26.15
Acorus gramineus variegata plants growing in pots with green and cream foliage.
Acorus gramineus variegatus

Acorus gramineus variegatus, commonly known as Variegated Sweet Flag, is an attractive ornamental grass-like plant prized for its elegant green and...

From$20.63
A large Calamagrostis 'Overdam' grass with elegant, variegated foliage.
Calamagrostis 'Overdam'

Calamagrostis ‘Overdam’ is a striking variegated ornamental grass that delivers elegant upright form and delicate texture to garden borders and...

From$23.39
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$22.01
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$16.22
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$22.01
Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster' grasses as a mass planting and featuring elegant, cream-coloured flower heads as plumes.
Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster'

Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster' is a popular ornamental grass known for its upright, clump-forming habit and tall, feathery flower plumes. It grows to...

From$23.39
Carex comans green plants with dense, green foliage in a garden.
Carex comans Green

Carex comans Green is a NZ native, ornamental grass featuring slender and arching, lime green foliage. It grows as a tidy clump to about 40 cm tall...

From$13.73
Carex 'Frosted Curls' plants with elegant green foliage growing in a pot with other plants.
Carex Frosted Curls

Carex Frosted Curls is an ornamental grass with slender, hair-like, iridescent foliage that shimmers in light breezes. It typically grows to 30 cm...

From$13.73
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$8.97
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$22.01
Anemanthele lessoniana grass with colourful, orange and green foliage growing in a pot.
Anemanthele lessoniana (Pheasant's Tail Grass)

Anemanthele lessoniana, also known as Pheasant's Tail Grass or New Zealand Wind Grass, is a graceful, clump-forming ornamental grass native to New...

From$30.29
Orange foliage on Carex testacea.
Carex testacea

Carex testacea, commonly known as Orange Sedge, is a striking New Zealand native grass admired for its fine, arching foliage that turns a brilliant...

From$13.73
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$17.87
Imperata 'Red Baron' with colourful, red foliage
Imperata Red Baron

Imperata 'Red Baron', commonly known as Japanese Blood Grass, features leaves that are green at the base and become red further up the blade. Through...

From$20.63
Sisyrinchium californicum plants with yellow flowers and fine, green foliage.
Sisyrinchium californicum

Sisyrinchium californicum, commonly known as the Golden Eyed Grass, is an herbaceous perennial grown for both its foliage and flowers. It bears...

From$17.25
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$17.87
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$14.49
Apodasmia similis growing in a rock garden.
Apodasmia similis (Oi Oi)

Apodasmia similis, commonly known as Oioi or Jointed Wire Rush, is a hardy native grass-like plant found throughout New Zealand. It is ideal for...

From$7.50
Lomandra Green Allure plant with lush, green foliage.
Lomandra Green Allure

Lomandra Green Allure is widely used in landscaping projects across NZ. It is commonly mass planted as a ground cover or on a bank, included in...

From$19.25
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$20.63
Carex 'Everlime' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Carex 'Everlime' (Lime Grass Plant)

Carex ‘Everlime’ (Japanese Sedge) is a popular evergreen sedge valued for its graceful arching green foliage edged with bright lime cream margins...

From$26.91
Ophiopogon Silver Mist (Silver Mondo Grass)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acorus, Anemanthele, Apodasmia, Calamagrostis, Carex, Cymbopogon, Dactylis, Imperata, Isolepis, Libertia, Lomandra, Miscanthus, Ophiopogon, Pittosporum Poa and Sisyrinchium, or related Categories - Grasses, Mondo Grass Perennials and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search dwarf ornamental grasses

Why Choose Dwarf Ornamental Grasses for Your NZ Garden?

Gardeners across New Zealand love dwarf ornamental grasses for their adaptability and variety. These grasses are particularly useful in urban gardens, small courtyards, rockeries, or anywhere a big impact is needed in a tight space. Resistant to drought, tolerant of most soil types, and largely pest-free, dwarf ornamental grasses thrive in our diverse climate zones. Many are evergreen, ensuring interest even in the cooler months.

Top Choices for Dwarf Ornamental Grasses

If you're searching for beautiful, low-growing options, here are a few standout varieties you can add to your garden:

Planting and Care Tips

Dwarf ornamental grasses are impressively undemanding. Most prefer well-drained soil and can tolerate both sunny and partly shaded spots, though some, like mondo grass, perform best in lower light. A light mulch in the summer will help retain soil moisture. In autumn or early spring, simply tidy up by removing old foliage—these grasses will bounce back beautifully for another year of interest.

Creative Ways to Use Dwarf Ornamental Grasses

Because they stay small, dwarf ornamental grasses are perfect for softening hardscapes, edging pathways, filling in under trees, or adding texture to container gardens. Their subtle movement and changing hues create an inviting, calming atmosphere in both urban and rural landscapes.

Incorporating a selection such as Acorus Mini Green (Sweet Flag) or Ophiopogon Silver Mist (Silver Mondo Grass) can instantly refresh tired spaces and provide the perfect finishing touch to your garden design.

Ready to introduce the natural elegance and resilience of dwarf ornamental grasses to your NZ garden? Explore our premium range and enjoy a lifetime of low-maintenance beauty.


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–The Plant Company

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