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ophiopogon japonicus nz

Ophiopogon japonicus, widely known as Green Mondo Grass, is a reliable evergreen ground cover that’s gaining popularity in gardens across New Zealand. Appreciated for its lush, grass-like foliage and hardy nature, Ophiopogon japonicus NZ is the perfect solution for those looking to create low-maintenance borders, underplant trees, or cover tricky shaded areas. This versatile tufted perennial is ideal for both home gardeners and landscaping professionals thanks to its adaptability, resilience, and subtle, elegant beauty.

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.

Ophiopogon japonicus (Green Mondo Grass) growing as a groundcover in a woodland garden.
  • 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.
Most Popular 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
Ophiopogon planiscapus (Mondo Grass) with lush green foliage growing as a ground cover.
Most Popular 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 planiscapus nigrescens (Black Mondo) plants with lush, black foliage.
Most Popular 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...

From$9.95
Ophiopogon 'Kyoto' (Dwarf Mondo grass) growing between paving stones.
Most Popular 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...

Ophiopogon japonicus nana (dwarf Mondo grass) growing between paving stones.
Most Popular 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...

Lomandra Tankia with lush green foliage bordering a path.
Most Popular 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
Dactylis glomerata plant with a cat.
Most Popular 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
Acorus gramineus Ogon growing in water beside a rock.
Most Popular Acorus gramineus 'Ogon'

Acorus gramineus 'Ogon' also called Japanese Sweet Flag is a graceful evergreen with striking gold and green blades that brighten damp and shaded...

From$12.95
isolepsis-cernua-1
Most Popular 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$20.63
Sisyrinchium californicum plants with yellow flowers and fine, green foliage.
Most Popular 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
Ophiopogon japonicus

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Why Choose Ophiopogon japonicus in NZ Gardens

Ophiopogon japonicus NZ thrives in a variety of conditions, from shaded courtyards to sunny spots, and tolerates a wide array of soils. Its compact clumps of arching, emerald-green foliage make it a perfect backdrop for flowering perennials or striking foliage plants. With its tidy, tufted growth and slow-spreading habit, Green Mondo Grass forms a neat carpet that helps suppress weeds and stabilise soil, making it ideal for mass planting along pathways or as a lush lawn alternative.

Planting and Care Tips

One of the key reasons Ophiopogon japonicus is so popular in New Zealand is its easy-going nature. Plant in well-drained soil with added organic material for the best results, though it's forgiving of less-than-ideal conditions. Water regularly after planting to help establish roots, but once settled, Mondo Grass shows impressive drought tolerance. Simply trim back any tattered foliage in late winter. It’s also pet-friendly and non-invasive, making it safe for family gardens.

Landscape Uses with Ophiopogon japonicus NZ

Green Mondo Grass isn’t just for the shady corners of your garden. Its tidy mounds are perfect for edging along paths, outlining garden beds, or planting between paving stones, where it softens hard lines and creates a polished finish. For a modern look, combine with other foliage stars such as Ophiopogon Kyoto or dramatic varieties like Ophiopogon Black Dragon. If you’re planning a rockery or coastal planting, mix with Carex petriei or Aciphylla squarrosa (Kurikuri) for contrasting textures and year-round form.

Popular Mondo Grass Varieties

If you love the look of Green Mondo Grass, discover some stunning alternatives and companions:

Where to Buy Ophiopogon japonicus NZ

As dedicated NZ plant specialists, we offer carefully grown Ophiopogon japonicus NZ, perfect for any garden project. Order from our range and enjoy a resilient, lush ground cover that looks great year-round. Browse our website for other shade-loving ground covers like Scirpus ferrugineus and create a garden that’s as effortless as it is beautiful.


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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.

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