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ophiopogon japonicus variegata

Ophiopogon japonicus variegata is a striking, easy-care groundcover that brings a graceful touch to New Zealand gardens. Known for its slender, arching leaves banded with creamy white and bright green stripes, this hardy plant is as reliable as it is attractive. Perfect for adding year-round interest to borders, underplanting shady trees, or creating a lush, textural carpet, Ophiopogon japonicus variegata thrives in a range of conditions and needs little maintenance once established. Whether you’re looking to brighten a shaded corner or create contrast alongside darker foliage plants, this versatile variety is a must-have for gardeners seeking beauty and resilience.

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.

From $9.95

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.

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

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
schefflera-variegata-
Schefflera arboricola variegated

The variegated Schefflera (Schefflera arboricola Variegated) is an evergreen shrub commonly grown as a houseplant due to its attractive and...

From$19.95
Ficus benjamina 'variegata' foliage.
Ficus benjamina variegata

Ficus benjamina 'Variegata' is a popular indoor plant owing to its colourful foliage. It has a short trunk that supports a dense canopy of dark green...

From$30.29
Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' plants in pots.
Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' is a hardy NZ native groundcover shrub admired for its trailing habit and attractive variegated foliage of green edged...

From$16.95
Buxus sempervirens variegata (Variegated Box) shrub with lush and colourful foliage.
Buxus sempervirens 'variegata'

Buxus sempervirens 'variegata' features small, mid-green leaves with cream-white edges on new growth, which age to become a darker green. It grows to...

From$16.95
Metrosideros kermadecensis 'variegata' red flowers and variegated foliage.
Metrosideros kermadecensis variegata (Variegated Pohutukawa)

Metrosideros kermadecensis 'Variegata' is a striking NZ native shrub or small tree admired for its glossy green leaves edged with creamy variegation...

From$30.29
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
Cornus controversa variegata (Wedding Cake Tree) specimen in a large garden.
Cornus controversa variegata

Cornus controversa variegata, commonly referred to as the Wedding Cake Tree, features tiered branches that bear leaves that are variegated cream and...

From$340.69
pittosporum-tenuifolium-variegata-4
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Variegata'

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Variegata' is an attractive evergreen shrub renowned for its beautifully variegated foliage and elegant growth habit. The...

From$22.01
portulacaria-afra-variegata--8
Portulacaria afra 'Variegata'

Portulacaria afra 'Variegata' is an attractive evergreen succulent shrub prized for its creamy white and green variegated foliage carried on...

From$19.50
Pandorea jasminoides variegata pink flower and variegated foliage.
Pandorea jasminoides variegata

Pandorea jasminoides 'Variegata' is a climber that features light pink, trumpet-shaped flowers with a dark pink throat from spring through autumn...

From$24.95
Hoheria 'Alba Variegata' variegated foliage with white flowers.
Hoheria populnea 'Alba Variegata'

Hoheria populnea 'Alba Variegata' is a striking NZ native tree prized for its distinctive foliage and seasonal displays. This evergreen variety...

From$494.05
Variegated Monstera plant in a pot with cream and green foliage.
Monstera albo 'variegata'

The Albo Variegata Monstera, also known as the Variegated Monstera, is a striking indoor plant prized for its large, split leaves splashed with...

From$149.95
Tulbaghia variegata 'Tricolor 'plant with elegant pink flowers.
Tulbaghia variegata 'Tricolor' (Society Garlic)

Tulbaghia variegata 'Tricolor' is a striking evergreen perennial valued for its narrow green leaves edged with cream and flushed pink. This...

From$11.50
Hedera canariensis variegata green and cream foliage.
Hedera canariensis Variegata

Hedera canariensis ‘Variegata’ is a striking evergreen climber known for its large, glossy green leaves edged with creamy-white variegation. This...

From$14.95
Senecio rowleyanus variegata (Variegated String of Pearls) with trailing foliage growing in a pot.
Senecio rowleyanus variegata

Senecio rowleyanus variegata, commonly known as the Variegated String of Pearls, is a succulent grown for its interesting, bead-like foliage. It...

From$26.15
agave-americana-variegata--1
Agave americana 'Variegata' (Variegated Century Plant)

Agave americana 'Variegata' is a striking evergreen succulent valued for its bold architectural form and strongly variegated foliage. It forms a...

From$15.95
Ophiopogon japonicus (Green Mondo Grass) growing as a groundcover in a woodland garden.
Ophiopogon japonicus

Ophiopogon japonicus, commonly known as green Mondo Grass, is a striking ornamental grass. It grows as a clump and produces a dense tuft of...

OUT OF STOCK
Ophiopogon 'Stripey White' plant.
Ophiopogon 'Stripey White'

Ophiopogon 'Stripey White', commonly known as variegated Mondo Grass, is a clump forming plant with fine, grass like, that is variegated mid-green...

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Ophiopogon alba variegata plants in a garden.
Ophiopogon 'Alba Variegata'

Ophiopogon intermedians 'Alba Variegata', commonly known as Mondo Grass, is a clump forming plant with fine, grass like leaves that are variegated...

OUT OF STOCK
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...

OUT OF STOCK
Ophiopogon umbraticola plant with green foliage and white flowers.
Ophiopogon umbraticola

Ophiopogon umbraticola, commonly known as Mondo Grass, is a clump-forming plant with delicate, grass-like, dark green foliage. Flower spikes appear...

OUT OF STOCK
aucuba-variegata-1
Aucuba japonica Variegata

Aucuba japonica variegata is a striking evergreen shrub renowned for its glossy green foliage generously speckled with bright yellow markings. The...

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Ophiopogon 'Black Dragon' (Black Mondo) grass plant.
Ophiopogon 'Black Dragon'

Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Black Dragon' is a variety of black Mondo Grass that is grown for its fine, near black foliage. The foliage is complemented...

OUT OF STOCK
Dietes grandiflora variegata plant in a garden with green and cream-coloured leaves.
Dietes grandiflora variegata (Variegated Dietes)

Dietes grandiflora variegata is a popular variety of Fairy Iris because of its eye-catching flowers. The showy flowers are white, marked with yellow...

OUT OF STOCK
peperomia-magnoliifolia-variegata-
Peperomia magnoliifolia variegata

Peperomia magnoliifolia variegata is a compact and attractive indoor plant valued for its thick, glossy leaves patterned with green and creamy white...

OUT OF STOCK
Pieris japonica variegata plant with white flowers.
Pieris japonica 'Variegata'

Pieris japonica 'Variegata' is an elegant evergreen shrub valued for its attractive cream and green variegated foliage, graceful growth habit, and...

OUT OF STOCK
Daphne cneorum variegata plant with pink flowers.
Daphne cneorum Variegata

Daphne cneorum variegata is a small, spreading shrub grown for its fragrant, rose-pink flowers in spring. They are held above the small leaves that...

OUT OF STOCK
alpinia-zerumbet-variegata-
Alpinia zerumbet variegata

Alpinia zerumbet variegata is a stunning tropical plant admired for its lush green leaves striped with creamy yellow variegation. The colourful...

OUT OF STOCK
peperomia-scandens-variegata-
Peperomia scandens 'Variegata'

Peperomia scandens 'Variegata' is an attractive trailing houseplant valued for its heart shaped green leaves edged with creamy white variegation. Its...

OUT OF STOCK
Ophiopogon japonicus Nana

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Buxus, Coprosma, and Cornus, or related Categories - Mondo Grass, Groundcover Plants, and Indoor Plants.

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Features and Benefits

Ophiopogon japonicus variegata stands out for its elegant, ribbon-like foliage that forms dense, fountain-shaped clumps. It typically grows to about 20 to 30 centimeters high and slowly spreads outward, making it ideal for edging pathways, mass planting, or filling gaps between pavers. In summer, delicate lilac flowers appear nestled among the leaves, followed by attractive blue berries. The striking variegation ensures it catches the eye, whether planted solo or combined with complementary plants.

Growing Ophiopogon japonicus variegata in New Zealand

One of the key strengths of Ophiopogon japonicus variegata is its adaptability. It tolerates a range of soils, from clay to loam, and once established, it is fairly drought-tolerant. Plant in full to part shade for best colour saturation, though it will also handle filtered sun. Regular watering encourages lush growth, but it generally requires minimal care beyond an occasional tidy-up. Ophiopogon japonicus variegata is an excellent choice for low-maintenance landscapes, coastal gardens, and even urban settings where space is at a premium.

Landscape Uses and Companion Plants

This variegated mondo grass is incredibly versatile in the garden. Use Ophiopogon japonicus variegata as a living mulch beneath trees or roses, in Japanese-inspired planting schemes, or in modern mass plantings for a soft, flowing effect. For complementary contrasts in texture or colour, consider pairing it with related varieties such as Ophiopogon Stripey White, Ophiopogon Alba Variegata, or the deep tones of Ophiopogon Short Black. Its compact size also makes it suitable for containers or shady patio spots where a pop of brightness is needed.

Explore More Ophiopogon Varieties

If you love the elegant look of Ophiopogon japonicus variegata, you might also enjoy the lush green form of Ophiopogon japonicus or the fine-leaved, architectural style of Ophiopogon Kyoto. Each variety has unique qualities that work beautifully alone or as part of a mixed planting design.

Ophiopogon japonicus variegata is a timeless choice for gardeners who appreciate subtle beauty and fuss-free performance. Explore our wide selection and discover how these elegant grasses can bring your garden to life.

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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Our garden favourites Zephyranthes candida and Griselinia 'Ardmore Emerald' get lots of love, but don’t miss out on a few lesser-known delights: Azalea 'Happy Days', Rose 'Golden Celebration', and Acer platanoides.
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