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Buy Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nanus'

Also Known As

  • Ophiopogon japonica 'Nana'
  • Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana'
  • Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nanum'
  • Dwarf Mondo Grass
  • Dwarf Mondo Grass

Plant type

perennial, groundcover, grass / grass like

size

  • H: 2"-8"
  • W: 6"-20"

planting zones

  • 7a-10a

3 inch pot | $13

Ships USPS, based on weight/location

Fewer than 20 at Secret Garden Growers

1 gallon bagged root ball | $16

Ships UPS, flat charge based on order total

30 at Gossler Farms

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Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nanus' plant details

Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nanus' is an evergreen perennial groundcover grass (or grassy in appearance) with green foliage. In spring lavender and white flowers emerge followed by purple fruit. Features grassy texture. Grows well with sun - shade and even moisture - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in acidic, average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nanus'

Plant type: perennial groundcover grass (or grassy in appearance)
Plant family: asparagaceae, liliaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 6 IN - 20 IN - wide, 2 IN - 8 IN - tall
Flowers: lavender and white blooms in spring
Uses: container plant, easy-to-grow, edging plant, lawn alternative, miniature, pathway, rock garden, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nanus'

USDA Zones: 7a - 10a
Sun exposure: sun - shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat, humidity and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: acidic, average, rich and well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This tiny lily turf only gets 2”-3” tall and will slowly spread into cracks. In late summer brilliant blue pearls of fruit appear.
Only half the size of the species, this lovely mini forms 4-6" tall clumps of finely textured deep-green blades with (occasionally) purple summer flowers; lovely between rocks or as edger or groundcover. PSh/M
Tight buns of pretty, arching, deep green leaves create evergreen mounds eventually 6-8"h x 20"w – vibrant purple berries follow white or lavender flowers and are quite showy – Sun to part shade, most soils, maintenance free – long lived.
Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nana’ features dwarf tufts of dark green, strap-like leaves which spread to form a dense mat. A tough, durable plant. Prefers cool, moist soil, but allow the top couple of inches to dry between waterings. Dwarf Mondo Grass makes a good lawn substitute. It’s also great for borders or mass planted as a groundcover. Tolerates varying amounts of foot traffic.
Dwarf Mondo Grass resembles a tiny Liriope, forming 3-4" tall tufts of narrow green leaves. When used en masse the effect in the landscape can be charmingly geometric. This little Ophiopogon is a fun addition in troughs and miniature gardens. 4" pots
Clumps of dark grass-like green create a lush groundcover.
Perfect for the miniature garden. A favorite miniature grass that grows about 2" tall and slowly spreads on runners. If it's really happy, the tiniest, lavendar colored flowers in summer are followed by bright blue berries in the summer. Easy care, can be indoors or outdoors. Great color and texture. Small, lavendar colored blooms turn to blue berries. Cold hardy zones 7 - 10 to 0 °F. Heat hardy zones 12 - 1. Outdoor: part shade/full shade. Indoor: bright indirect light. Regular water let soil dry out to damp between watering.
Very narrow strap-like leaves in tufts arching outward to about 3 inches x 3 inches. Could be described as a green head of hair! Tiny lily-like flowers in summer followed by shiny berries in fall. Rock gardens, troughs, containers, between pavers or use as a ground cover. SKY uses as companion plant in Bonsai. Spreads slowly. Likes sun to partial shade and moist, well drained soil. In hottest summer areas protect from direct overhead sun.
This dwarf mondo is dark green with leaf blades that are 1/8 inch wide. It grows close to the ground in clumps and is ideal as a slow to moderately fast spreading ground cover. Short enough to use between pavers or along walkways, at the front of the border or in containers with miniature hostas.
Smaller than typical form- extremely low habit to about 4" tall. Only hardy in Zones 7-9.

By: Fantastic Plants

Short, very dark green, evergreen, grass-like foliage makes a dense clump or groundcover and needs almost no care. In hot areas it prefers some shade. It also works well as groundcover in containers beneath larger plants.
From the Greek Ophis (Snake) and Pogon (Beard). A close botanical relative to Liriope and very similar in most aspects and applications. Generally is more of a shade lover and less tolerant of full, hot sun (morning sun ok). Mondo and Dwarf Mondo are often used as far North as Zone 5 even though their cold hardiness rating is zone 6 or 7. These installations are successful when a microclimate is created in the landscape by planting in a protected area: a shady enclosed garden or courtyard surrounded by other plants and shrubs. Native to Southeast Asia.

Gardening facts about Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nanus' plant

How to Grow Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nanus'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • acidic
    • adaptable
    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
    • lavender
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Fruit

    • purple
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • grassy
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