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mondo grass size

If you’re searching for information about mondo grass size, you’re in the right place! Mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus) is a favourite groundcover choice for New Zealand gardeners due to its lush appearance and versatility. Knowing the mature size of mondo grass is essential whether you're planning borders, pathways, or minimalist gardens. On this page, we’ll delve into the different varieties of mondo grass, how their size varies, and tips for choosing the right type for your landscape. We’ll also provide links to popular selections such as [Ophiopogon Silver Mist (Silver Mondo Grass)](/shop/product/grasses/ophiopogon-silver-mist), [Ophiopogon japonicus](/shop/product/grasses/ophiopogon-japonicus), and more.

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 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.

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

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...

From$6.95
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
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$19.95
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'...

From$9.95
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 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$15.95
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$14.95
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...

From$22.95
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
festuca-banks-peninsula-blue-1
Festuca 'Banks Peninsula Blue' (Blue Fescue Grass)

Festuca 'Banks Peninsula Blue' is a striking ornamental grass valued for its fine, steel blue foliage that forms neat, compact clumps. This hardy...

From$14.49
Lomandra Green Allure plant with lush, green foliage.
Lomandra 'Green Allure'

Lomandra 'Green Allure' is a hardy evergreen ornamental grass with fine fresh green foliage and a neat clumping habit. It is an excellent choice for...

From$16.95
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 '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...

From$14.95
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$12.95
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
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
Lomandra 'Echidna' grass growing as a mass planting beside a path.
Lomandra 'Echidna'

Lomandra 'Echidna' is a hardy evergreen ornamental grass with a dense compact habit and fine textured foliage. It is an excellent choice for NZ...

From$14.95
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
Austroderia fulvida (Toetoe) plants in a garden with cascading green foliage and white flower plumes.
Austroderia fulvida (Toetoe)

Austroderia fulvida, commonly known as Toetoe or Toi Toi, is a large and vigorous NZ native grass. It bears long, narrow, mid-green leaves that are...

From$13.73
Festuca coxii (Blue Fescue) grass growing in a garden.
Festuca coxii (Blue Fescue)

Festuca coxii, commonly known as Blue Fescue, is a hardy NZ native, ornamental grass that features fine, blue foliage. Straw-coloured seed heads...

From$14.49
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$14.95
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
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...

From$12.95
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...

From$17.25
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$11.50
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...

From$14.95
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$11.50
Typha orientalis (Raupo) plants with brown seed heads.
Typha orientalis (Raupō)

Typha orientalis, commonly known as Raupo, is a vigorous and erect, NZ native grass. It is found throughout New Zealand in shallow, fertile waters...

From$14.84
Lomandra Nyalla grass with blue-green foliage in a border planting.
Lomandra 'Nyalla'

Lomandra 'Nyalla' is a hardy ornamental grass featuring delicate, lush green foliage and a graceful, arching form. Reaching approximately 80 cm in...

From$16.95
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
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana'

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search mondo grass size

Mondo Grass Size: Height and Spread

The "mondo grass size" typically depends on the specific variety you choose. Standard Ophiopogon japonicus, often simply referred to as mondo grass, reaches a mature height of around 20-25cm and spreads about 30-40cm per plant. This size makes it ideal for edging garden beds, softening hard landscaping, or filling in shaded patches beneath trees.

For gardeners seeking a more compact option, dwarf mondo grass varieties are a standout choice. Ophiopogon japonicus Nana, known as Dwarf Mondo Grass, only grows 7-10cm tall and forms tight, low mats, perfect for between stepping stones or even as a living groundcover in containers.

Variety Differences: Selecting the Right Size

Not all mondo grass is created equal. Some varieties can be taller or offer unique foliage colours, which affect both visual impact and spacing in your garden. For example, Ophiopogon Black Dragon features striking dark leaves and can reach approximately 20cm in height, adding contrast and drama to garden borders. Ophiopogon Silver Mist (Silver Mondo Grass) is prized for its silvery streaked foliage, and its growth habit usually stays close to standard mondo grass size—making it useful in mixed plantings or as a showy feature.

If you’re interested in unusual colour but still want a manageable plant size, Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens is another excellent option, reaching similar heights as standard varieties but offering unique black foliage.

Using Mondo Grass Based on Size

Understanding mondo grass size is a practical step toward successful garden design. Standard varieties are best for large mass plantings, while dwarf types like Ophiopogon japonicus Nana suit intricate spaces or small lawns. Taller or coloured types such as Ophiopogon Black Dragon and Ophiopogon Silver Mist (Silver Mondo Grass) excel as eye-catching border plants.

Spacing is also influenced by mondo grass size. For robust coverage, plant standard Ophiopogon japonicus 15-20cm apart, and dwarf varieties closer—about 10cm apart for quick fill-in. This ensures healthy growth and prevents gaps.

Find Your Ideal Mondo Grass

Choosing the right mondo grass size is key to creating the look you want. Explore our range including Ophiopogon japonicus, Ophiopogon Black Dragon, Ophiopogon Silver Mist (Silver Mondo Grass), and Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens to find the perfect fit for your garden.

Whether you need low-maintenance groundcover or striking accents, mondo grass offers a variety of sizes and styles to suit every landscape. If you’re curious about the best choice for your site, browse our selection and transform your garden with reliable, easy-care beauty.


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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.

–The Plant Company

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