Product Description
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana' bare root plant
Dwarf Mondo Grass, baby mondo grass, monkey grass
- Height: 2-3 Inches
- Hardiness Zone: 6-10
- Full Sun to Shade (Part Shade to Shade - Zones 7-10)
- Evergreen
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana' is a dwarf variety of mondo grass that is even more compact and easier to care for than the species plant.
Dwarf Mondo grass has narrow, grass-like 1/8" wide leaf blades that are dark green in color. The leaves are arranged in a fan-like pattern and can grow up to 3-6 inches long. The flowers are small and white or lilac-colored and appear in summer.
Dwarf Mondo grass prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It is hardy in USDA zones 5-9. The plant is not particularly drought-tolerant, so it is important to water it regularly during the summer months.
Dwarf Mondo grass is a popular choice for groundcover, as it can tolerate foot traffic and is relatively easy to care for. The slow spread and short nature of Dwarf Mondo make it a good choice for planting between stepping stones and in smaller areas around patios and courtyards. Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana' spreads slowly by underground stolons.
The name "mondo grass" is derived from the Japanese word "mondo," which means "dragon's beard."
The plant is sometimes called "monkey grass" because the leaves resemble the tail of a monkey.
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana', also known as Dwarf Mondo Grass, is a fantastic low-growing, grass-like groundcover that adds texture and interest to shady areas. Here is a breakdown of its features and why it is a popular choice for gardens:
Appearance and Characteristics:
- Dwarf size: 'Nana' is a compact variety of Mondo Grass, typically growing only 3-6 inches tall, making it perfect for tight spaces and borders.
- Grass-like foliage: It forms dense tufts of dark green, slender, grass-like leaves that create a lush, textured groundcover. The foliage remains evergreen in warmer climates, providing year-round interest.
- Tiny flowers and berries: In summer, it produces small, pale lavender or white flowers hidden amongst the foliage. These are followed by small, blue-black berries in the fall.
Growing Conditions and Care:
- Shade tolerant: Thrives in partial to full shade. It is an excellent choice for areas that receive less than 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Adaptable to various soils: Prefers well-drained soil, but it can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay and sandy soils.
- Drought tolerant: Once established, it is quite drought tolerant, making it a low-maintenance choice for waterwise gardens.
- Low maintenance: Requires minimal care. You can trim back any dead or brown foliage in late winter or early spring to tidy it up.
- Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 6-11, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.
Benefits:
- Versatile: Can be used as a groundcover, border plant, edging, or even a low-maintenance lawn alternative in shady areas.
- Weed suppression: The dense growth habit helps to choke out weeds.
- Erosion control: Can be used on slopes to help prevent erosion.
- Deer and rabbit resistant: Unpalatable to most browsing animals.
- Low maintenance: Requires minimal care once established.
Uses:
- Groundcover: Ideal for creating a low-maintenance, textured groundcover in shady areas.
- Borders and edging: Adds a neat, defined edge to pathways, flower beds, or other landscape features.
- Between stepping stones: Softens the look of hardscaping and tolerates light foot traffic.
- Rock gardens: Adds a lush, green element to rock gardens.
- Containers: Can be grown in containers, adding texture and contrast to other plants.
- Asian-inspired gardens: Its fine texture complements the aesthetic of Japanese-style gardens.
Overall, Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana' is a fantastic choice for gardeners seeking a versatile, low-maintenance, and attractive groundcover for shady areas. Its fine texture, dark green foliage, and adaptability make it a popular choice for a variety of landscape applications.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
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perfect
These bare root plants arrived on time and in perfect condition. Planted them immediately and are currently doing very well. After one week, are already spreading.
