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mondo grass height

If you’re planning a low-maintenance border or seeking a lush ground cover for your garden, understanding mondo grass height is essential for achieving the look you envision. Mondo grass (Ophiopogon) is a much-loved ornamental plant in New Zealand, prized for its tidy habit, evergreen foliage, and versatility in design. Whether you choose the classic green or explore striking varieties like [Ophiopogon Black Dragon](/shop/product/grasses/ophiopogon-black-dragon), knowing how tall your mondo grass will grow helps you make informed choices about placement and spacing in beds, borders, or containers.

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.

From $6.95

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

5 from 2 customers

Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens, commonly known as Black Mondo Grass, is a clump-forming plant with fine, near black foliage. The foliage is complemented with flower spikes in summer, which bear tiny, pale pink flowers as it grows to 20 cm tall and the same width.

From $9.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 20 cm
Spread: 20 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Banks, Borders, Containers, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Cottage, 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$6.95
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$9.95
Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani plants growing in water.
Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani (Soft-Stem Bullrush)

Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani, commonly known as Softstem Bulrush, is a tall, upright aquatic plant valued for its slender blue-green stems and...

From$15.87
Lomandra 'Katrinus Deluxe' plant with lush, dark green foliage.
Lomandra Katrinus Deluxe

Lomandra Katrinus Deluxe is an evergreen, ornamental grass known for its mid-green, arching foliage and tidy clumping habit. Growing to approximately...

From$17.87
Lomandra 'Seascape' grass with elegant, blue-green foliage growing beside a pond.
Lomandra confertifolia Seascape

Lomandra confertifolia 'Seascape' is a hardy, evergreen ornamental grass featuring slender, blue-grey foliage with a graceful, weeping habit. Forming...

From$19.25
Ficinia nodosa (Knobby Club Rush) plants growing in sand and displaying lush, green foliage.
Ficinia nodosa (Knobby Club Rush)

Ficinia nodosa, commonly known as Knobby Club Rush, is a NZ native grass that features stout, mid-green foliage. In cold or exposed climates, the...

From$14.84
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$9.95
Lomandra Little Con plants with fine, green foliage.
Lomandra Little Con

Lomandra Little Con is a compact, evergreen ornamental grass known for its delicate, lush green foliage and tidy, rounded form. Growing to...

From$17.87
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$19.25
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
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
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
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
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$10.97
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$19.95
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$16.95
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 Frosty Tops with lush blue foliage in a garden.
Lomandra Frosty Tops

Lomandra Frosty Tops is a hardy, evergreen grass featuring elegant, blue-grey foliage and a soft, weeping form. Growing to around 50 cm tall and...

From$19.25
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...

From$17.25
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...

From$11.50
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$16.50
Lomandra Little Lime in a garden with lush, green foliage.
Lomandra Little Lime

Lomandra Little Lime is a compact ornamental grass known for its vibrant lime-green foliage and tidy, rounded form. Growing to about 50 cm in height...

From$21.39
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$19.95
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
Carex 'Feather Falls' plants with variegated foliage in a garden.
Carex 'Feather Falls'

Carex 'Feather Falls' is a popular ornamental grass characterised by its cream and green variegated leaves. It typically grows to 30 cm tall and the...

From$19.95
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$12.95
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$19.95
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...

From$17.87
Carex comans Bronze plant in a garden with dense bronze foliage.
Carex comans Bronze

Carex comans Bronze features slender, hair-like, bronze-brown foliage. It typically grows to 40 cm tall and the same width. Carex comans Bronze is...

From$9.95
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$11.50
Ophiopogon 'Silver Mist' (Silver Mondo Grass)

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Ficinia, Lomandra, and Ophiopogon, or related Categories - Grasses, and Mondo Grass.

Search mondo grass height

How tall does mondo grass grow?

The term "mondo grass height" usually refers to the average mature height of Ophiopogon species, which typically ranges from 10 to 30 centimetres. The most common variety, Ophiopogon japonicus, generally peaks at around 15 to 25 centimetres, forming gentle tufts that keep their shape year-round. This compact stature makes mondo grass ideal for edging paths, filling gaps between paving stones, or carpeting shady areas under shrubs and trees.

Some types, such as Ophiopogon Silver Mist (Silver Mondo Grass), may remain slightly shorter, often staying under 20 centimetres. Meanwhile, Ophiopogon planiscapus and its popular cultivar Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens—known for dramatic black foliage—generally reach 20 to 25 centimetres, creating a bolder visual presence.

Factors influencing mondo grass height

Mondo grass height isn’t set in stone. Environmental factors play a role: plants grown in optimal conditions (loose, well-draining soil, with regular watering and partial shade) are usually more vigorous, reaching their full mature height. In sunnier or drier situations, mondo grass may stay a bit shorter but still provide dense, attractive foliage. Heavy frost, poor soil, or neglect can limit growth and reduce height. For those seeking maximum coverage, consider spacing these plants fairly close—10 to 20 centimetres apart—so they quickly form a seamless carpet.

Mondo grass in New Zealand gardens

For local gardeners, mondo grass is particularly valuable due to its reliability in a range of climates and situations across New Zealand. Its restrained height means it won’t overshadow other plantings but adds texture and greenery all year. Use mondo grass as an edging for garden beds, a filler around trees, or a stunning contrast with taller perennials and flowering plants. Combine classic green Ophiopogon with varieties like Ophiopogon Silver Mist (Silver Mondo Grass) for a subtle colour blend, or mix in Ophiopogon Black Dragon for bold, modern garden designs.

Choosing the right mondo grass height for your project

When selecting your Ophiopogon species or cultivar, consider both the visual effect and practical requirements. If you need a neat low border, the shorter forms like Ophiopogon japonicus or Ophiopogon Silver Mist (Silver Mondo Grass) are perfect. For ground cover with more visual impact, look to Ophiopogon planiscapus or Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens.

Conclusion

Mondo grass height is a key consideration for garden design, helping you create well-structured, eye-catching landscapes with minimal fuss. With reliable varieties readily available in New Zealand, you can enhance your garden borders, paths, or shaded areas with ease. Browse the options like Ophiopogon Silver Mist (Silver Mondo Grass), Ophiopogon japonicus, or Ophiopogon Black Dragon to find the perfect fit for your project.

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.

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