Mondo Grass (Nana-5cm Tray of 40)

Dwarf Mondo Grass

Ophiopogon japonicus Nana, commonly known as Dwarf Mondo Grass, is a compact, slow-growing perennial grass-like plant that is widely used in gardens for its low-maintenance nature and attractive appearance. It is a smaller cultivar of the more commonly known Ophiopogon japonicus (Mondo Grass), and is prized for its dense, fine-textured foliage and versatility in landscape design.

Key Features of Ophiopogon japonicus Nana (Dwarf Mondo Grass):

• Size: Ophiopogon japonicus Nana is a dwarf variety, typically growing to a height of only 4–6 inches (10–15 cm), with a spread of about 8–12 inches (20–30 cm). Its compact size makes it ideal for ground cover, as well as edging, borders, or in containers.
• Foliage: The plant forms dense clumps of narrow, dark green, strap-like leaves. The foliage has a grass-like appearance but is finer and more delicate than typical ornamental grasses. The evergreen leaves maintain their color throughout the year in mild climates, providing consistent texture in the landscape.
• Flowers: In summer, small, delicate, white to pale lavender flowers may appear on short spikes, though the flowers are typically not the main ornamental feature of Ophiopogon japonicus Nana. After flowering, small, dark purple berries may form, adding a subtle visual interest.
• Growth Habit: It grows in a dense, clumping form, gradually spreading over time by small offsets or runners. This makes it a great plant for filling in gaps or as a low-growing border plant.

Growing Conditions and Care:

• Sunlight: Ophiopogon japonicus Nana thrives in partial to full shade, making it a great choice for under trees, along shaded walkways, or in areas where other plants may struggle. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, especially in cooler climates, but prefers shaded conditions to prevent leaf scorch.
• Soil: It grows well in a variety of soil types, including loamy, sandy, or clay soils. It prefers well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soils and does not tolerate waterlogged conditions.
• Watering: While it is somewhat drought-tolerant once established, regular watering during dry periods will help keep it healthy. The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil, especially during the growing season. However, it should not be overwatered, as it is susceptible to root rot in soggy conditions.
• Climate: Ophiopogon japonicus Nana performs best in temperate to mild climates but can tolerate occasional light frost. In colder regions, it may die back during winter but generally reemerges in the spring.
• Growth Rate: This plant is slow-growing, forming dense mats over time. It’s well-suited to situations where a low-maintenance, compact ground cover is desired. Given its slow growth, it is also a great plant for filling in small areas without becoming invasive.

Benefits and Uses:

• Ground Cover: Ophiopogon japonicus Nana is a fantastic choice for ground cover in shady areas. Its dense growth habit helps suppress weeds and provides a neat, consistent look in the landscape.
• Edging Plant: Its compact size and tidy appearance make it perfect for use as an edging plant along paths, flower beds, or around trees. It adds a lush, green border without overwhelming the surrounding plants.
• Container Planting: Dwarf Mondo Grass is well-suited for containers, where it can be used to create a soft, grassy texture in hanging baskets, window boxes, or patio containers. It can also be combined with other plants for an attractive mix of textures.
• Low Maintenance: One of the main attractions of Ophiopogon japonicus Nana is its low-maintenance nature. It doesn’t require frequent pruning, and its evergreen foliage means that it offers year-round visual interest.
• Pollinator-Friendly: Although the flowers are not particularly showy, they attract small pollinators such as bees. The berries that follow the flowers may also attract birds to the garden.

Additional Tips:

• Pruning: While this plant generally requires minimal care, it can benefit from occasional trimming to remove any dead or damaged foliage. In the spring, you can prune back the old leaves to encourage fresh new growth.
• Dividing: If Ophiopogon japonicus Nana becomes too dense or overcrowded, it can be divided in the spring to maintain its health and vigor. Dividing will also help the plant spread more effectively and fill in areas where it may have thinned out.
• Winter Care: In colder climates, Ophiopogon japonicus Nana may experience some dieback in winter, but it will often rebound in the spring. Mulching around the base of the plant can help protect the roots during colder weather.

Summary:

Ophiopogon japonicus Nana (Dwarf Mondo Grass) is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance, compact, evergreen ground cover or edging plant. Its fine-textured, dark green foliage provides year-round interest, and its ability to thrive in shade makes it ideal for difficult garden areas like under trees or along shaded walkways. With its slow growth, Dwarf Mondo Grass works well as a filler or a border plant, offering a lush, grass-like texture in a variety of landscapes. Whether you’re looking for a ground cover, container plant, or low-maintenance accent, Ophiopogon japonicus Nana is a versatile and attractive addition to the garden.

5cm = Tray of 40 Plants

7cm = Individual 7cm Pots