Dwarf Mondo Grass

Name: Dwarf Mondo Grass
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
SKU: 00172
Price: 26.33 USD
Availability: InStock

Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana'

Nature Hills Nursery

$26³³

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In Stock

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Plant Size

Quart Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Dwarf Mondo Grass is incredibly versatile, thriving in anything from filtered sunlight to full shade. While it can handle some morning sun in cooler climates, deep shade is where it truly excels and maintains its rich, dark emerald color without scorching.
Soil: Aim for moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. If you are dealing with heavy clay, mix in some compost or fine wood chips to improve drainage so the roots do not sit in stagnant water and rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water twice a week to help the roots knit into your soil. Once established, this plant is quite drought tolerant, but inconsistent moisture during extreme heat can cause the leaf tips to turn brown and crispy. Think of it as a slow-drinking plant; it prefers steady, moderate moisture rather than being flooded and then left to bone dry.

Pruning Tips

Because this is an evergreen groundcover that grows very slowly, it does not require regular mowing or heavy pruning. If the foliage looks tattered after a rough winter, you can tidy it up in early spring by "combing" through the clumps with your fingers to remove dead blades or using sharp shears to snip off discolored tips. Avoid cutting it back to the ground like a typical ornamental grass because it takes a long time to regrow its lush carpet appearance.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once in early spring to fuel the season's growth. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or fall, as this encourages tender new growth that can be easily damaged by the first frost. A light touch is best here since over-fertilizing can lead to salt buildup in the soil, which stunts the plant's spread.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Ornamental Border & Groundcover Dwarf Mondo Grass!

Gorgeous Dark-Green Leaves
Small Evergreen Perennial
Arching Mounding Clumps
Tiny White Flowers
Berries in Fall
Highly Ornamental
Tough & Durable
Deer & Pest Resistant
Handles Light Foot Traffic
Modern Dramatic Look!
Easy Care
Great Edging & Ground Cover

Dwarf Mondo Grass is an awesome ornamental grass with a summer bloom! It would make a wonderful groundcover or a border in your perennial bed. As it grows it abandons its erect stance and adopts a rather elegant manner, slightly bowing for a gentle, soft appearance.

Your Dwarf Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana') is a grass similar to lawn grass, with a dark green color. Half the size as other Mondo Grass, this dwarf is an excellent evergreen for mass plantings, edging and containers! Just 4-6 inches tall and wide, these create little pompoms of green all growing season long.

In the summer tiny blue flowers form, resembling little balls, adding a bit of additional decorative appeal. In fall, small berries arrive and adorn the plant with more interest!

How to Use Dwarf Mondo Grass In The Landscape

Dwarf Mondo Grass is a low-growing grass, so if you use it as a lawn substitute keeping it short won't be a problem, and you won't spend all your weekends mowing it. Plant en masse on hills and slopes where you may have some trouble mowing!

Developing a thick mat of roots that spread by short, underground stolons, it slowly spreads to form dense colonies. Plant it along gutter runoff where can aid in dealing with water run-off. Two of the enemies of grasses, deer and bunnies, tend to leave it alone!

It can even handle heavy foot traffic so using it around paving stones and stepping stones, and dot throughout your Rock gardens would be no problem at all. Fantastic as edging and at creating a neat row for a finishing touch along your garden beds!

The size is perfect for containers and planters, so you can easily use this high-style perennial on porches, patios and balconies! Acting as both a lovely filler and spiller, the fantastic foliage sets off your other plants beautifully!

#ProPlantTips For Care

Plant in full sun in the cooler USDA growing zones of 6 through 11. Tolerating partial shade as well, you’ll get the best coloration when in full sun, however, those in the warmer climates will find their grass appreciates part sun or afternoon shade.

Mondo Grass is drought-tolerant, but to protect your investment provide water in times of severe drought. Preferring evenly moist soils in average fertility, be sure to plant in well-drained soil for best results.

Low maintenance, this slow and steady grower doesn’t require much upkeep! Even pests seem to avoid it, eliminating the need for costly pesticides. Deer and rabbits avoid eating it, so there’s no need to worry about planting this in out-of-the-way spots!

Dwarf Mondo Grass is durable, hardy grass with an ornamental appeal. Try some today to begin enjoying its stellar qualities. Order enough for your next project at NatureHills.com!

Botanical Name

Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana'
Class
- Asparagales
Species

japonicus
Cultivar

Nana
Growing Zones

6-11
Height

1 ft
Width

1 ft
Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Shade
Growth Rate

Fast
Flower Color
- White
Leaf Color
- Green
Fall Color

Evergreen
Bloom Period

Early Summer, Late Summer
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Growing Zones 6-11

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mature size and height of Dwarf Mondo Grass?

Dwarf Mondo Grass reaches a compact mature size of just 4-6 inches tall and 4-6 inches wide. This evergreen perennial forms dense, mounding clumps that create neat little pompoms of dark green foliage. Perfect for tight spaces, edging, and containers where you need controlled growth.

Does Dwarf Mondo Grass tolerate full sun or only shade?

Dwarf Mondo Grass thrives in partial shade to full shade conditions and can struggle in intense full sun. While it tolerates some morning sun, it performs best with afternoon shade protection. Plant in shadier spots for optimal growth, available at naturehills.com.

What type of soil does Dwarf Mondo Grass need, and what is the ideal pH?

Dwarf Mondo Grass thrives in well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5-7.0. It adapts to various soil types from sandy to clay, though it prefers consistently moist conditions. Plant in areas with good drainage to prevent root rot and establish dense colonies.

How far apart should I plant Dwarf Mondo Grass plugs or clumps?

Plant Dwarf Mondo Grass plugs 4-6 inches apart for quick coverage, or space them 8-12 inches apart if you're patient. Since each clump grows 4-6 inches wide and spreads slowly by underground stolons, closer spacing fills in faster while wider spacing is more economical.

Is Dwarf Mondo Grass drought-tolerant once established?

Dwarf Mondo Grass becomes quite drought-tolerant once its root system establishes after the first growing season. Its dense mat of spreading roots helps it access moisture efficiently. Water regularly the first year, then it will thrive with minimal irrigation, available at naturehills.com.

Can I use mulch or landscape fabric with Dwarf Mondo Grass?

Mulch works well with Dwarf Mondo Grass, but avoid landscape fabric since this perennial spreads by underground stolons to form dense colonies. The fabric would block its natural spreading pattern. Use organic mulch around plantings to retain moisture and suppress weeds while allowing the grass to establish its root system.

Is Dwarf Mondo Grass deer-resistant and tolerant of foot traffic?

Yes, Dwarf Mondo Grass is both deer-resistant and handles heavy foot traffic well. Deer and rabbits typically avoid this tough perennial, making it ideal for problem areas. Plant it around stepping stones, pavers, or as a low-maintenance lawn substitute in high-traffic zones.

When and how is Dwarf Mondo Grass shipped, especially for pre-orders?

Dwarf Mondo Grass ships as bare root or potted plants depending on the season and availability. Pre-orders typically ship in spring when plants are actively growing and weather conditions are optimal for establishment. Check your specific delivery window at checkout, as timing varies by growing zone and local frost dates.

Will regular Mondo Grass work instead of Dwarf Mondo Grass in my area?

Regular Mondo Grass grows 8-12 inches tall compared to Dwarf's compact 4-6 inches. Both have similar cold hardiness and care requirements, but regular Mondo may overwhelm small spaces or detailed edging work. Choose Dwarf for containers, tight borders, and areas where precise scale matters.