Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana' is a compact slow growing dwarf variety of mondo grass ideal for edging shady borders or creating neat low maintenance groundcover. Its fine arching evergreen foliage remains rich green year round and provides a clean tufted appearance that adapts well to formal garden designs, containers, or between stepping stones.
Height & Spread: 2 - 4 in x 6 - 12 in
Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
Light Requirements: Part shade to full shade
Soil Preference: Moist, well drained soil
Watering Needs: Moderate; keep evenly moist for best appearance
Deer Resistance: Rarely browsed by deer due to tough, grass like foliage
Native Status
Native to East Asia including Japan and China. Although not native to North America, it is widely used in ornamental gardens for its texture and evergreen habit.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Beneficial Insects
- Dense tufts offer cover for ground beetles, spiders, and other predatory insects that help manage pest populations.
Birds
- Low mounds provide shelter for small birds such as wrens and sparrows especially in winter months.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 6 - 12 in apart to allow for slow spreading and tight mat formation.
Landscape Placement:
- Use along paths, in rock gardens, container edges, or as a neat border for shaded beds where a subtle evergreen groundcover is desired.
Companion Plants
- Polygonatum humile (Dwarf Solomons Seal) - Elegant arching stems with white bell flowers contrast beautifully with the dense tufts of mondo grass.
- Asarum europaeum (European Wild Ginger) - Glossy heart shaped leaves create a rich green tapestry beneath shrubs or trees.
- Epimedium x versicolor 'Sulphureum' - Delicate yellow flowers and wiry stems play off the compact form of 'Nana'.
- Carex oshimensis 'Everillo' - Chartreuse blades brighten shaded areas and complement the dark green foliage of mondo grass.
- Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears' - Dwarf hosta with blue toned rounded leaves mirrors the low form and scale of Ophiopogon 'Nana'.