Dwarf Mondo Grass
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Dwarf Mondo Grass'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Groundcover
Height
3 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate, drought-tolerant once established
Humidity
Prefers moderate humidity
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Ophiopogon japonicus, commonly known as Dwarf Mondo Grass, is a low-growing, evergreen perennial with dense, grass-like foliage and small, inconspicuous white flowers that appear in summer. This cultivar is valued for its compact size, making it ideal for ground cover and border planting, with excellent shade tolerance and minimal maintenance requirements.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck dormant rhizomes into well-draining soil
- Water thoroughly after planting
- Keep soil moist until established, about 2 weeks
- Mulch lightly to retain moisture
- Place in partial shade for best growth
- Divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
Pro Tip
Ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering for best results
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
- Mulch annually to conserve moisture
- Divide every few years to prevent overcrowding
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don't expose to full sun in hot climates
- Refrain from using heavy, clay soil without amendment
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Dwarf Mondo Grass questions
What zones can Dwarf Mondo Grass grow in?
Dwarf Mondo Grass is hardy in USDA Zones 6–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Dwarf Mondo Grass deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Dwarf Mondo Grass, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Dwarf Mondo Grass bloom?
Dwarf Mondo Grass typically blooms in summer through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Dwarf Mondo Grass need full sun?
Dwarf Mondo Grass does best in part shade.
Is Dwarf Mondo Grass drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Dwarf Mondo Grass handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Ophiopogon to compare
Dwarf Mondo Grass
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Ophiopogon japonicus 'Tuff Tuft Silver'
Black Mondo Grass
Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Niger'
Black Mondo Grass
Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'
Black Mondo Grass
Ophiopogon nigrescens
Super Dwarf Mondo Grass
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Super Dwarf'
Keep exploring
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow Dwarf Mondo Grass with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
