Dwarf Mondo Grass

Description

Dwarf Mondo Grass
Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nanus’
Growing Conditions
SUNLIGHT
Part shade to full shade; tolerates morning sun but prefers protection from hot afternoon sun
WATERING
Water twice weekly in summer, once weekly in winter; prefers consistently moist but not waterlogged soil
SOIL TYPE
Rich, well-draining loam with high organic matter content; slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0)
TEMPERATURE
5–30°C; frost-hardy once established but protect young plants below 0°C
HUMIDITY
Moderate to high humidity preferred (50-70%); suits coastal and summer rainfall regions well
FERTILISING
Apply slow-release balanced fertiliser (3:1:5) twice yearly in spring and autumn, or liquid feed monthly during growing season
GROWTH RATE
Slow; takes 2-3 years to form a dense mat, spreading gradually via underground rhizomes
MATURE SIZE
0.08–0.10 m height x 0.15–0.20 m spread per clump
Indoor Suitability
Dwarf Mondo Grass can grow indoors in bright, indirect light near windows, though it thrives best outdoors. Indoor specimens require excellent drainage and may grow more slowly without natural rainfall and air circulation.
Did You Know?
Despite its common name, Dwarf Mondo Grass is not actually a true grass but a member of the lily family, and produces tiny pale purple flowers in summer followed by striking metallic blue berries that persist into winter.