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green mondo grass nz

Green mondo grass is a top-choice ground cover for New Zealand gardeners seeking a hardy, low-maintenance solution with year-round appeal. Known for its lush, deep green foliage and tidy growth habit, green mondo grass nz thrives in a range of landscapes across the country. Its versatility makes it ideal for pathways, edging garden beds, mass plantings, and even filling gaps between pavers. If you’re searching for a reliable, eye-catching plant that requires minimal care, green mondo grass nz is a wonderful addition to your outdoor space.

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 tiny, lilac flowers, which are followed by blue-black berries as it grows to 15 cm tall and 20 cm wide.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 15 cm
Spread: 20 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 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.

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
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...

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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...

From$6.95
Cyperus ustulatus growing in water.
Cyperus ustulatus (Giant Umbrella Sedge)

Cyperus ustulatus, commonly known as the Giant Umbrella Sedge, is a large and robust NZ native grass. It grows as a clump and produces dark green...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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Lomandra Lime Tuff in a garden showing elegant foliage.
Lomandra Lime Tuff

Lomandra 'Lime Tuff' is a hardy evergreen ornamental grass valued for its vibrant lime green foliage and compact tidy growth habit. This versatile...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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Pittosporum 'Mountain Green' lush, green foliage.
Pittosporum 'Mountain Green'

Pittosporum 'Mountain Green' is a robust New Zealand native shrub prized for its vibrant green foliage and dense growth. Perfect for creating privacy...

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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...

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Phormium 'Emerald Green' plants in a mixed planting.
Phormium 'Emerald Green'

Phormium 'Emerald Green' is a compact New Zealand flax valued for its rich emerald green foliage and tidy growth habit. This hardy evergreen provides...

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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...

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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...

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A stunning Amenity Ryegrass lawn.
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Rye Grass Seed lawns are quick to establish and features dark green leaves year-round. Our Amenity Rye Grass is a popular turf variety that is...

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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...

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Callistemon 'Green John' (Dwarf Bottlebrush)

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A large planting of Stipa gigantea (Golden Oat Grass) as a feature garden.
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Coprosma 'Green Rocks'

Coprosma 'Green Rocks' is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its dense compact growth habit and fresh green glossy foliage. This attractive New...

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Corokia 'Geenty's Green' hedge.
Corokia 'Geenty's Green'

Corokia 'Geenty's Green' is a hardy, NZ native shrub that bears narrow, olive-green leaves that have a silver underside. Masses of small, star-like...

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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...

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Fraxinus 'Green Glow'

Fraxinus 'Green Glow' is an attractive deciduous tree valued for its fresh green foliage, upright form, and dependable seasonal structure. The leafy...

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Cupressus Green Spire

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Dodonaea viscosa small tree with green foliage.
Dodonaea viscosa (Green Ake Ake)

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Ophiopogon japonicus Nana

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acorus, Carex, and Cyperus, or related Categories - Grasses, and Mondo Grass.

Search green mondo grass nz

What is Green Mondo Grass?

Green mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus) features slender, strappy leaves that create a dense, grassy mat. This evergreen perennial is not actually a true grass but belongs to the lily family. Its compact growth and tolerance of a range of conditions have made it a favourite among New Zealand landscapers and home gardeners. Green mondo grass is especially valued for maintaining its vibrant colour throughout all seasons, ensuring your garden stays fresh and lively all year.

For a classic variety, explore Ophiopogon japonicus, which provides that iconic deep green hue and resilient growth New Zealand gardeners love.

Ideal Uses for Green Mondo Grass in NZ Gardens

One of the best things about green mondo grass nz is its adaptability across different garden styles and climates. Plant it as an edging along paths or borders for a refined, manicured look. Mass plantings of green mondo grass create lush, carpet-like groundcover that suppresses weeds and reduces maintenance. This plant also excels in tricky shaded spots where lawn struggles to grow, such as beneath trees or along the south side of your home.

Looking for a dwarf option? Ophiopogon japonicus Nana is a compact alternative perfect for tight spaces or between paving stones.

Planting and Care Tips

Green mondo grass nz performs well in both full sun and part shade, making it incredibly versatile for most New Zealand gardens. It prefers well-drained soil and benefits from mulching to retain moisture. While drought-tolerant once established, regular watering encourages lush, healthy growth, especially over hot summer periods. Mondo grass rarely requires mowing or trimming, but you can tidy it up in late winter if desired.

For contrasting colours or unique textures, you might also enjoy Ophiopogon Kyoto or Ophiopogon planiscapus, both excellent companions to green mondo grass nz in mixed plantings.

Alternative Grasses for Lush Ground Cover

If you’re seeking more options for evergreen ground covers, consider Lomandra Misty Green. Its fine, soft foliage provides a fresh look while offering similar hardiness and minimal care requirements.

Whether you’re enhancing a contemporary urban garden, a sprawling landscape, or a shady courtyard, green mondo grass nz is a proven performer. Explore our range of exceptional mondo grass and ornamental grass varieties to find the perfect match for your next planting project. Enjoy a beautiful, low-maintenance garden all year round with green mondo grass nz.


Contact us

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.

Our most famous blooms include Ficus benjamina and Corokia 'Geenty's Green', but some of our best-kept secrets are Boysenberry 'Mapua', Callistemon 'Green John' (Dwarf Bottlebrush), and Acorus gramineus 'Ogon' — underrated beauties ready to shine.
–The Plant Company

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