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mondo grass varieties

Explore the world of mondo grass varieties and discover why these versatile, low-maintenance plants have become a staple in New Zealand gardens. Whether you’re creating lush ground covers, elegant borders, or distinctive contrast plantings, different types of mondo grass provide texture, colour, and year-round visual interest. With a range of shades from deep black-green to striking silver, there’s a mondo grass variety to suit every garden style.

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

Ophiopogon 'Kyoto'

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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, white flowers as it grows to 10 cm tall and the same wide.

From $6.95

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 10 cm
Spread: 10 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, White
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 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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
15-litre-plant-pots-
1.5 Litre Plant Pots

1.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing young shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide useful...

From$27.36
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
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 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
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 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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 'Kyoto'

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

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What Makes Mondo Grass Special?

Mondo grass (Ophiopogon spp.) is loved for its rich evergreen foliage, ability to thrive in shade or partial sun, and remarkable drought tolerance once established. These clumping grasses grow well in New Zealand conditions—from coastal gardens to urban courtyards—making them a popular choice for both new and experienced gardeners. The unique appeal of different mondo grass varieties lies in their diverse leaf shapes, sizes, and colours.

Popular Mondo Grass Varieties for New Zealand Gardens

Choosing the right mondo grass for your space depends on your aesthetic goals and landscape needs. Here are some of the most sought-after mondo grass varieties:

Ophiopogon Silver Mist (Silver Mondo Grass)

For a striking silver accent, Ophiopogon Silver Mist (Silver Mondo Grass) boasts elegant, fine leaves with a beautiful silvery sheen. Its subtle shimmer creates a soft, modern edge along paths or underplanting shrubs. Silver Mondo Grass is ideal for brightening shady corners or adding gentle contrast in mixed plantings.

Ophiopogon Black Dragon

If you’re looking for drama and contrast, Ophiopogon Black Dragon stands out with deep, nearly black foliage. This variety works especially well for defining garden lines, highlighting lighter-flowered perennials, or creating a bold monochrome theme.

Ophiopogon Kyoto

Compact and refined, Ophiopogon Kyoto is prized for its tidy growth habit and lush green strappy leaves. It’s perfect for mass planting, lining narrow borders, or filling containers for a contemporary look. Kyoto is favoured for small gardens and as a low-maintenance turf alternative.

Ophiopogon japonicus

The classic choice among mondo grass varieties, Ophiopogon japonicus offers dense tufts of dark green foliage and small lavender flowers in summer. It’s an excellent evergreen ground cover that suppresses weeds, handles light foot traffic, and thrives even in tricky shaded spots.

Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens

Known for its nearly black, slender leaves, Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens provides striking contrast in modern landscapes and pairs beautifully with silver or chartreuse foliage. Use it to accentuate ornamental plantings or bring bold definition to garden beds and pathways.

How to Use Mondo Grass Varieties in Your Garden

Mondo grass varieties are ideal as ground covers, border edges, or accent plants. Their adaptable nature means you can plant them under trees, between pavers, or in containers on patios. With their resistance to pests and diseases, these grasses offer beauty without the fuss.

Ready to transform your garden with unique foliage and year-round structure? Explore the full selection of mondo grass varieties to find the perfect match for your landscape, and enjoy a lush, low-maintenance garden for years to come.

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
From trusted favourites like Photinia 'Red Robin' and Ficus benjamina 'Starlight' to fresh faces like Apricot 'Clutha Gold', Fraxinus 'Green Glow', and Camellia 'Black Tie' — we’ve got you covered.
–The Plant Company

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