Plant: Mondo - Dwarf
Euonymus · Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana'
Size: Tray
Light
Bloom
Mature size
More about this plant
Dwarf mondo grass is a low evergreen ground cover that slowly forms thick tufts of arching, dark green grass-like leaves about 6 inches tall, spreading in clumps 8 to 12 inches wide by short underground runners. Small white summer flowers and pearl-sized blue to black berries are mostly hidden in the leaves. It prefers moist, well-drained soil with an acidic to neutral pH, grows well in shade, needs extra water in full sun, and tolerates drought, salt, deer and rabbits. Use it between stepping stones, around patios, as edging, or as a no-mow lawn in shade.
- Full Sun
- Grows to 8 ft tall and 6 ft wide
- Blooms in summer
- Hardy in USDA zones 6-9
- Evergreen foliage
Plant description
Dwarf mondo grass is a low evergreen ground cover that slowly forms thick tufts of arching, dark green grass-like leaves about 6 inches tall, spreading in clumps 8 to 12 inches wide by short underground runners. Small white summer flowers and pearl-sized blue to black berries are mostly hidden in the leaves. It prefers moist, well-drained soil with an acidic to neutral pH, grows well in shade, needs extra water in full sun, and tolerates drought, salt, deer and rabbits. Use it between stepping stones, around patios, as edging, or as a no-mow lawn in shade.
- Flowers
- Small nodding star-shaped flowers, white to pale lilac, in summer and mostly hidden in the leaves.
- Foliage
- Very short, dark green, blade-like leaves that arch at the tips (species leaves reach 16 inches; this dwarf form is about 6 inches).
- Fruit
- Globose blue berries under 1 inch across, hidden among the foliage.
- Light
- Dappled/Filtered Light
- Pruning
- When used as a turf alternative, mow once a year.
- Native range
- Japan, Korea and China
