Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

Ophiopogon planiscapus Green

Ophiopogon planiscapus green, often known as Dwarf Lilyturf or Green Mondo Grass, is a versatile and resilient evergreen groundcover that's become a favourite among New Zealand gardeners. With its lush, arching foliage and tidy clumping habit, this plant brings year-round colour and structure to borders, pathways, and garden beds. Unlike its darker relatives, Ophiopogon planiscapus green offers a striking, fresh green hue that compliments a wide variety of garden designs, making it an excellent choice for covering soil, edging paths, or spilling over containers.

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 complemented with flower spikes in summer, which bear tiny, lilac flowers as it grows to 20 cm tall and 30 cm wide. Ophiopogon planiscapus is best showcased in mass plantings and is commonly added to rock gardens, used in borders, grown as a ground cover, planted around outdoor living areas, or simply maintained in a container.

Ophiopogon planiscapus (Mondo Grass) with lush green foliage growing as a ground cover.
  • Suited to regions:
    All regions
  • Plant type:
    Grasses
  • Height:
    20 cm
  • Spread:
    30 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 (Green Mondo Grass) growing as a groundcover in a woodland garden.
Most Popular

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...

From$9.38
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...

From$6.08
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...

From$9.38
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$6.08
Ophiopogon 'Black Dragon' (Black Mondo) grass plant.
Most Popular

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...

From$8.78
Chionochloa flavicans (Miniature ToeToe) plants with cascading cream-coloured flowers.
Most Popular

Chionochloa flavicans (Miniature Toetoe)

Chionochloa flavicans, commonly known as Miniature ToeToe or Dwarf Toe Toe, is a highly popular NZ native grass. It has flowing, green foliage and...

From$9.01
helicotrichon-sempervirens-3
Most Popular

Helictotrichon sempervirens (Blue Oatgrass)

Helictotrichon sempervirens, commonly known as Blue Oatgrass, is a lovely and popular ornamental grass featuring distinct, blue foliage. It grows as...

From$16.88
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$21.53
Hakonechloa albostriata plant with variegated foliage.
Most Popular

Hakonechloa macra 'Albostriata'

Hakonechloa macra 'Albostriata', commonly known as Japanese Forest Grass, is a stunning ornamental grass. It features variegated green foliage with...

From$22.88
Acorus gramineus variegata plants growing in pots with green and cream foliage.
Most Popular

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$20.18
Ophiopogon planiscapus

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring Ophiopogon or Mondo Grass.

Search Ophiopogon planiscapus

Why Choose Ophiopogon Planiscapus Green?

Whether you’re looking to add texture to shady areas, fill awkward gaps beneath trees, or create a serene, grassy carpet effect, Ophiopogon planiscapus green is a top pick. This dwarf mondo grass tolerates drought once established, handles a range of soil types, and thrives in both sun and part-shade. It's prized for being low maintenance: simply cut back any tired leaves at the end of winter to encourage lush new growth in spring.

Gardeners love Ophiopogon planiscapus green for its ability to suppress weeds and its resilience to most common pests and diseases. As an alternative to traditional lawns in tricky spots, or as a companion plant for larger grasses, its adaptability shines. If you’re wanting an evergreen grass with a tidy, understated look and easy-care nature, Ophiopogon planiscapus green ticks all the boxes.

Companion Planting Ideas

Ophiopogon planiscapus green works beautifully alongside other members of the Ophiopogon family. For example, mix it with the robust Ophiopogon japonicus for additional texture, or contrast its green foliage with the deep tones of Ophiopogon Black Dragon. Consider edging your path with Ophiopogon Kyoto or the compact Ophiopogon japonicus Nana for more interesting form. For a silver accent, combine with Ophiopogon Silver Mist (Silver Mondo Grass).

Don’t be afraid to partner Ophiopogon planiscapus green with other strappy or grassy perennials like Lomandra Titan, Baumea tenax, or the native Carex geminata (Rautahi). For softened, layered plantings, pair them with Calamagrostis foliosa (Leafy Reed Grass) or the unique Restio festuciformis.

Planting and Care Tips

To get the most from your Ophiopogon planiscapus green, plant in free-draining soil in a spot with morning sun or light shade. Water well during dry spells in the first year, then enjoy their drought resilience. Mondo grass spreads steadily, but isn’t invasive, forming dense green mats that look good all year. Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigour and expand your plantings for free.

Ophiopogon planiscapus green is an ideal, hardy groundcover for NZ gardens. Its year-round colour and easy care make it one of the best evergreen grasses to add lush texture and a polished look to your outdoor space.


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.

While Schefflera arboricola (Dwarf Umbrella Tree) and Sambucus nigra often steal the spotlight, charming plants like Echinocactus grusonii (Golden Barrel Cactus), Fagus 'Dawyck Gold', and Anigozanthos Royal Mist quietly shine in any garden.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.9

429 Google reviews