Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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ophiopogon variegated

Looking to bring eye-catching texture and subtle elegance to your garden? Ophiopogon variegated varieties are outstanding evergreen groundcovers prized for their low-maintenance nature and striking foliage. With their vibrant stripes and lush tufts, ophiopogon variegated plants are a favourite among New Zealand gardeners for both modern and traditional landscapes. Whether you're looking to blanket shady borders, edge paths, or fill pots for patio interest, there's an ophiopogon variegated style to suit every outdoor space.

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. Ophiopogon 'Silver Mist' is best showcased with a mass planting and is commonly added to rock gardens, used in borders, grown as a groundcover, planted around outdoor living areas, or maintained in a container.

Buy Ophiopogon Silver Mist (Silver Mondo Grass)

From $6.08

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 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 with flower spikes in summer, which bear tiny, lilac flowers as it grows to 15 cm tall and the same width. Ophiopogon 'Black Dragon' looks best when mass-planted and is commonly used in rock gardens, included in borders, grown as a ground cover, planted around outdoor living areas, or grown in containers.

Buy Ophiopogon Black Dragon

From $8.78

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Grasses

Height: 15 cm

Spread: 15 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

What is Ophiopogon Variegated?

Ophiopogon variegated refers to selections of the Ophiopogon genus—frequently called mondo grass or lilyturf—that display beautiful variegation in their blade-like leaves. These decorative grasses offer a mix of green, cream, and sometimes silver stripes, creating a unique visual appeal. Unlike ordinary grass, they are incredibly tough and tolerate a range of conditions from deep shade to dappled sunlight, making them a superb choice for New Zealand's varied garden climates.

Top Ophiopogon Variegated Varieties

Gardeners are spoiled for choice with ophiopogon variegated cultivars, each with its own distinctive striping. For a classic look, consider Ophiopogon Stripey White, which features crisp white stripes set against glossy green leaves, perfect for illuminating darker corners of your garden. Another elegant option is Ophiopogon Alba Variegata, renowned for its creamy white variegation and compact habit.

If you prefer a softer silver hue, Ophiopogon Silver Mist (Silver Mondo Grass) offers delicate silvery streaks, ideal for Asian-inspired gardens or ultra-modern outdoor spaces. For contrast, pair your variegated choices with deep-toned selections like Ophiopogon Black Dragon. Adding varieties such as Ophiopogon umbraticola can enhance texture and form in borders, providing year-round structure and foliage interest.

Where to Plant Ophiopogon Variegated

Planting ophiopogon variegated cultivars is a smart way to solve tough landscaping challenges. These hardy perennials thrive beneath trees and shrubs, covering bare soil with attractive foliage. They're ideal for edging walkways, circling ponds, or softening stonework. With their tidy growth, ophiopogon variegated plants also make excellent additions to container gardens, where they provide decorative flair on patios and balconies.

Care Tips for Ophiopogon Variegated

Ophiopogon variegated is easy to grow and requires minimal attention. Plant in moist, well-drained soil and water regularly until established. Once settled, these grasses are drought-tolerant and mostly pest-free. Trim back old leaves in late winter to refresh the plant and encourage new growth. If you're mixing variegated and non-variegated forms, group similar sizes together for a harmonious display.

Enhance Your Garden with Ophiopogon Variegated

From creating striking garden edges to introducing subtle colour into shade gardens, ophiopogon variegated delivers versatility and visual appeal. Explore top choices like Ophiopogon Stripey White, Ophiopogon Alba Variegata, and Ophiopogon Silver Mist (Silver Mondo Grass) for a stunning landscape transformation. Discover the enduring beauty and easy care of ophiopogon variegated for your New Zealand garden this season.

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.