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miniature mondo grass

Miniature mondo grass is a must-have for gardeners seeking an attractive, low-maintenance ground cover with distinctive texture and deep green colour. Known for its tidy, tufted foliage and ability to thrive in difficult spots, this compact variety brings year-round appeal to borders, gaps between pavers, and shady corners. If you’re in New Zealand and searching for a versatile little plant to complete your landscaping or home garden, miniature mondo grass has you covered with resilience and effortless charm.

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

Ophiopogon japonicus

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Ophiopogon japonicus, commonly known as green Mondo Grass, is a striking ornamental grass. It grows as a clump and produces a dense tuft of grass-like, dark green leaves to about 25 cm tall and the same width. Ophiopogon japonicus performs best when mass planted and is commonly used in rock gardens, included in borders, planted as a ground cover, or maintained in a container.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 25 cm
Spread: 25 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 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 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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Cymbopogon citratus (aka Andropogon citratus), commonly known as Lemongrass Grass or Citronella Grass, grows as a clump and produces flavoursome and...

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Lomandra Little Pal plants with lush green foliage.
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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...

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

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Apodasmia similis growing in a rock garden.
Apodasmia similis (Oi Oi)

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Poa cita grass plants on a plateau overlooing the sea.
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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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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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An elegant Miscanthus sinensis grass with cream-coloured flower plumes and lush green foliage.
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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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Lomandra confertifolia 'Seascape' is a hardy, evergreen ornamental grass featuring slender, blue-grey foliage with a graceful, weeping habit. Forming...

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Carex buchananii with lush brown foliage growing as a specimen plant in a rock garden.
Carex buchananii (Buchanans Sedge)

Carex buchananii, commonly known as Leatherleaf Sedge, is a striking New Zealand native grass-like plant with delicate, upright, copper-bronze...

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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...

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

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Lomandra 'Echidna' grass growing as a mass planting beside a path.
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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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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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Libertia paniculata plant with white flowers.
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Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster' grasses as a mass planting and featuring elegant, cream-coloured flower heads as plumes.
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Lomandra Frosty Tops with lush blue foliage in a garden.
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Orange foliage on Carex testacea.
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Lomandra Green Allure plant with lush, green foliage.
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Rhodohypoxis 'Milloides Claret' hot pink flowers with fine green foliage.
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Carex 'Everlime' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
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Lomandra Lime Tuff in a garden showing elegant foliage.
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Dactylis glomerata plant with a cat.
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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...

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Ophiopogon japonicus

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Apodasmia, Chionochloa, and Cymbopogon, or related Categories - Grasses, and Mondo Grass.

Search miniature mondo grass

What is Miniature Mondo Grass?

Miniature mondo grass belongs to the Ophiopogon genus, with Ophiopogon japonicus Nana being the most popular compact form. Often referred to as dwarf mondo grass, this petite plant only grows to about 5–7 cm in height, creating a lush, dense carpet effect. Miniature mondo grass features slender, glossy green leaves and spreads slowly by underground stolons, forming neat clumps that soften pathways or fill tricky spaces beneath trees and shrubs. It is well-suited to both formal designs and naturalistic plantings.

Best Uses for Miniature Mondo Grass in the Garden

Gardeners love miniature mondo grass for its versatility and durability. Here are some top ways to use it:

If you’re interested in exploring similar varieties, Ophiopogon Kyoto offers a slightly different look for low-growing ground cover, while Ophiopogon Silver Mist (Silver Mondo Grass) provides silvery foliage for a striking contrast.

Miniature Mondo Grass Care and Growing Tips

One of the best aspects of miniature mondo grass is its easy-care nature. It thrives in partial to full shade but will also adapt to areas with filtered sunlight. Well-drained soil is ideal, but it’s tolerant of a range of soil types once established. Occasional watering during extended dry periods helps to keep plants looking their best, particularly during the height of summer.

Pruning is rarely needed—just tidy up old foliage in late winter if desired. Feeding with a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring will encourage lush new growth.

Pairing with Other Ophiopogon Varieties

Miniature mondo grass pairs beautifully with other Ophiopogon varieties for textural interest and contrasting colour. Consider planting Ophiopogon planiscapus for dramatic black foliage accents or mass planting with the classic Ophiopogon japonicus for larger spaces. Each has unique qualities to enhance your garden design.

Why Choose Miniature Mondo Grass?

With its neat, compact form and reliable nature, miniature mondo grass is perfect for New Zealand gardens seeking a fuss-free yet striking ground cover. Whether you want to fill gaps, soften hard landscaping, or create a refined border, this plant is a top pick for both new and experienced gardeners. Explore our full range, including Ophiopogon japonicus Nana, to bring lush texture to your outdoor spaces all year round.


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–The Plant Company

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