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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
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Ophiopogon planiscapus

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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.


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While Alchemilla mollis and Aesculus Briotii often steal the spotlight, charming plants like Leptinella pusilla (Purple Brass Buttons), Lonicera nitida, and Pseudopanax Sabre quietly shine in any garden.
–The Plant Company

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