How to Successfully Grow Dwarf Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon Japonicus 'Nanus')

If you're looking for a low-maintenance ground cover plant that can add a touch of elegance to your Atlanta area landscape, consider growing Monrovia’s Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nanus,' also known as Dwarf Mondo Grass.

Despite its delicate appearance, this evergreen perennial is hardy and easy to grow once you understand its requirements. 

Understanding Ophiopogon Japonicus 'Nanus' Dwarf Mondo Grass

IMAGE:  Forest & Kim Starr, Starr-080103-1335-Ophiopogon japonicus-dwarf habit-Lowes Garden Center Kahului-Maui (24899557655), CC BY 3.0 US

Before you start growing Dwarf Mondo Grass, it's helpful to understand its characteristics. This grass is native to Japan and grows to a height up to six inches with a spread of up to 12 inches, making it an excellent choice for ground cover.

The foliage is narrow and linear, with a deep green color and a slightly glossy appearance. Dwarf Mondo Grass produces small, white flowers in summer, but these are generally insignificant compared to its ornamental value as a ground cover.

Characteristics of Dwarf Mondo Grass

The foliage of Dwarf Mondo Grass is narrow and linear, with a deep green color and a slightly glossy appearance. 

The leaves of this plant are evergreen, meaning that they will stay green all year round, providing a beautiful contrast to other plants in your garden that may lose their leaves in the fall.

In addition to its evergreen foliage, Dwarf Mondo Grass is also a slow-growing plant, which means that it requires very little maintenance once established. This makes it an excellent choice for busy gardeners who want a beautiful garden without having to spend a lot of time maintaining it. 

Ideal Growing Conditions

Dwarf Mondo Grass thrives in partial shade to full shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. However, it can also tolerate some dryness once established. It's important to note that while this plant is drought-tolerant, it will require regular watering during periods of drought. 

In addition to its preference for shade and moist soil, Dwarf Mondo Grass is also a great choice for areas with poor soil quality. It's a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions.

Benefits of Growing Dwarf Mondo Grass

Dwarf Mondo Grass is an excellent choice for ground cover in areas where other plants struggle to grow. It forms a dense mat that helps suppress weeds and erosion, making it an environmentally-friendly option. Its ability to grow in a wide range of soil conditions also makes it ideal for areas that may be difficult to plant in.

In addition to its practical benefits, Dwarf Mondo Grass is a beautiful addition to any garden. Its deep green foliage provides a beautiful contrast to other plants, and its slow-growing nature means that it will require very little maintenance once established. It's a popular choice for rock gardens and Japanese-style gardens, where its ornamental value as a ground cover is highly valued.

Overall, Dwarf Mondo Grass is perfect for Atlanta area gardeners who want a beautiful, low-maintenance ground cover that can thrive in a wide range of conditions. 

Preparing the Soil for Planting

Planting Dwarf Mondo Grass is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. However, to ensure your Dwarf Mondo Grass thrives and grows healthy, it is essential to prepare the soil properly before planting.

Soil Type and pH Requirements

Dwarf Mondo Grass prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH level between 5.5 and 6.5. It is important to test your soil before planting to determine its pH level. You can purchase a soil testing kit from your local garden center or nursery.

If your soil is too alkaline, you can add organic matter such as peat moss or compost to lower the pH level. On the other hand, if your soil is too acidic, you can add lime to raise the pH level.

Amending the Soil

To prepare the soil for planting, remove any existing weeds or debris from the area. This will help prevent competition for nutrients and water. If your soil is heavy and poorly-draining, you can amend it with sand or perlite to improve drainage and aeration. Be sure to mix the soil amendments thoroughly with the existing soil to create a uniform mixture.

Another option for soil amendment is to add organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. This will not only improve soil drainage and aeration but also add nutrients to the soil, promoting healthy growth for your Dwarf Mondo Grass.

Proper Drainage

Good soil drainage is essential for the health of your Dwarf Mondo Grass. Make sure the planting area is well-draining and sloped to prevent water from pooling around the roots. If you're planting on a slope, create a retaining wall or berm to keep the soil in place.

Additionally, you can create a drainage system by digging a trench around the planting area and filling it with gravel or small rocks. This will help excess water drain away from the roots, preventing water logging and root rot.

By taking the time to properly prepare the soil for planting, you can ensure your Dwarf Mondo Grass grows healthy and lush.

Planting Dwarf Mondo Grass

Dwarf Mondo Grass is a great ground cover option for those looking for a low-maintenance and visually appealing option. Here are some additional tips to help you successfully plant and care for your Dwarf Mondo Grass.

When to Plant

The best time to plant Dwarf Mondo Grass is in early spring or early fall when the soil is still warm. This is when the plant is actively growing and can establish itself more quickly. If you choose to plant in the summer, make sure to keep the soil consistently moist to help the plant survive the heat.

Choosing the Right Location

When choosing a location for your Dwarf Mondo Grass, keep in mind that it prefers partial to full shade. It can tolerate some sun, but too much can cause the leaves to burn and turn yellow. It's also important to choose a location with well-draining soil, as Dwarf Mondo Grass doesn't like to sit in water.

Another thing to consider is the environment in which you live. Dwarf Mondo Grass is a great option for those living in areas with high humidity as it thrives in moist environments—perfect for the north-central Georgia region. However, if you live in an area with low humidity, you may need to water your plants more frequently to keep them healthy.

Planting Techniques and Spacing

To plant Dwarf Mondo Grass, dig a hole that's slightly larger than the size of the root ball. Gently remove the plant from the container and loosen the roots. If the roots are tightly bound, use a knife to make a few shallow cuts in the root ball to encourage new growth.

Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, making sure to tamp it down firmly. Water the plant thoroughly to help it settle into its new home. Space the plants about 6 inches apart to allow for adequate spreading. If you're planting a large area, consider using a grid system to help keep the spacing consistent.

Caring for Your Dwarf Mondo Grass

Once your Dwarf Mondo Grass is planted, it's important to care for it properly to ensure it stays healthy and vibrant.

Watering Requirements

Once established, Dwarf Mondo Grass is drought tolerant and can survive short periods of dry weather. However, it still requires regular watering to thrive. Water the plants deeply once a week, or more often during hot, dry weather. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other issues.

Fertilizing Your Plants

Dwarf Mondo Grass doesn't require a lot of fertilizer, but a light application of balanced fertilizer in the spring can help promote healthy growth. Avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall, as this can stimulate new growth that may not have time to harden off before winter.

Use a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. If you notice any yellowing or browning of the leaves, it may be a sign of nutrient deficiency.

Pruning and Maintenance

Monrovia’s Dwarf Mondo Grass is a low-maintenance plant that requires little pruning. However, you can trim back any brown or yellowing leaves as needed to maintain a neat appearance.

Trim it back once a year in the spring. You can also divide the plants every few years to keep them from becoming too crowded and to promote new growth.

With proper care, Ophiopogon Japonicus 'Nanus' Dwarf Mondo Grass can provide years of beautiful groundcover in your Atlanta area landscape. Consider adding this hardy, low-maintenance plant to your garden today.

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