Ophiopgon japonica Minor

Description

Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Minor’ – dwarf mondo grass

Botanical name: Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Minor’
Common names: Dwarf mondo grass
Family: Asparagaceae
Plant type: Evergreen grass-like perennial
Habit: Low, clump-forming, spreading by runners
Pot size: 2–3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 8–12cm tall × spreading
Foliage: Very short, fine, arching dark green grassy leaves forming a dense low turf; evergreen
Flowers: Small bell-shaped flowers in summer, followed by berries
Scent: Not scented
Aspect / light: Partial to full shade
Soil: Moist but well-drained, humus-rich; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H5 (hardy, to about −15°C); USDA zones 6–9
Exposure: Sheltered
Native range: Species native to eastern Asia
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Minor’ is a dwarf mondo grass forming a dense, low turf of fine dark green grassy leaves. Evergreen and neat, it is superb between paving, as a lawn substitute and for edging in shade.

GardenAdvice notes

A very low, spreading evergreen perennial that looks like a miniature grass, dwarf mondo grass forms a dense, fine-textured dark green turf just a few centimetres high. Spreading slowly by runners, it is superb for planting between stepping stones and paving, as a no-mow lawn substitute in small areas, and for neat evergreen edging and groundcover in shade.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring or autumn in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in partial to full shade. It spreads slowly by underground runners to form a mat, so allow room, or use it as groundcover. Work in compost or leaf mould, and space about 20–25cm apart.

Care & maintenance

Low-maintenance and evergreen. Simply remove any tatty or damaged foliage in spring to freshen it up — it does not need cutting back. Water while establishing and in dry spells. Lift and divide the spreading clumps in spring to increase it or keep it in bounds.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide the spreading clumps or detach rooted runners in spring.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free. Slugs and snails may occasionally graze new growth, and it can look tired in a hard winter but recovers. Otherwise robust and reliable.

Uses in the garden

Superb between stepping stones and paving, as a small-scale lawn substitute or no-mow groundcover, for neat edging, and in shady borders and containers, where its fine evergreen turf gives a tidy, Japanese-garden feel.

Wildlife value

The small flowers offer minor value to pollinators, and the low evergreen mat provides ground-level cover for insects and small creatures.

Toxicity & safety

Mondo grass is generally regarded as non-toxic to people and pets.

GardenAdvice tip

Dwarf mondo grass is a wonderful, low-effort alternative to grass for planting between paving or as a tiny no-mow lawn in a shady spot — it forms a dense green mat that never needs cutting. It’s slow to spread, so plant it fairly closely for quicker cover, and simply tidy any tatty leaves in spring.

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