Species

Ophiopogon japonicusMondo Grass

9 other cultivars

groundcover

Tuff Tuft Silver

Ophiopogon japonicus 'Tuff Tuft Silver'

The Story

Plant Bio

Ophiopogon japonicus 'Tuff Tuft Silver' is a low-growing, evergreen perennial with dense, grass-like foliage that displays striking silvery-white variegation, producing small, star-shaped white flowers in summer.

This cultivar is notable for its vigorous, tufted growth habit and its resistance to drought and pests, making it an excellent choice for ground cover and shaded garden areas.

Uses & Benefits:

Adds visual interest with silver foliage, evergreen structure year-round.

Groundcover suppresses weeds and reduces soil erosion.

Provides habitat for beneficial insects and small wildlife.

SpeciesOphiopogon japonicusMondo Grass

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

6 inches

Width

12 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Japan

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Bloom period

Early summer – Mid-summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds or division into prepared soil in early spring
Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil
Maintain evenly moist soil during growing season
Apply a light mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
Divide every 2-3 years to maintain vigor
Prune back dead foliage in late winter for tidy appearance

Pro Tip

Prefers well-drained soil with partial shade for best variegation

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
Mulch to retain moisture
Divide in early spring to promote growth

Don't

Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
Don’t expose to full, hot sun which can scorch leaves
Refrain from heavy fertilization to prevent legginess

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Fertilize
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Silver-foliaged borderGroundcover under treesShade garden accent

Companion Plants

HostaFerns Japanese painted fern Coral bells Astilbe

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Tuff Tuft Silver questions

What zones can Tuff Tuft Silver grow in?

Tuff Tuft Silver is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Tuff Tuft Silver deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Tuff Tuft Silver, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Tuff Tuft Silver bloom?

Tuff Tuft Silver typically blooms in early summer through mid-summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Tuff Tuft Silver need full sun?

Tuff Tuft Silver does best in part shade.