Winter is a time when evergreens, especially evergreen groundcovers really shine. I don’t know about you, but I’ll take winter green over the winter brown of mulch or bare soil, any day. One of our favorite evergreen perennials is the dwarf mondo grass selections of Ophiopogon japonicus, of which there are several. While the typical species has its place, we find that it spreads to quickly for most home gardens, and lacks the elegance of the miniature selections. While the species typically tops out at 6-8″ tall, these dwarf forms rarely exceed 2″ in height, and their spread is far slower.
The patch below was planted by our home sidewalk almost seven years ago, on 6″ centers. The time needed for it to completely knit together is dependent on your gardening skills. For us, in well-prepared soils, it fills in completely in two years. If you have a larger area to cover than your budget will allow, plant a small section, and in 2-3 years, you can divide your own patch and plant the next section.
Below is the cultivar Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Gyoku Ryu’, whose name in the the trade was lost many years ago, so we’re pretty sure it is the same clone sold by the invalid name, Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nana’. There isn’t really any maintenance needed, unless you grow yours in full sun, and find it has some foliage burn at the end of winter. If so, it can be easily mowed with a lawn mower or hedge clippers, after which it will quickly reflush. You can also leave it alone, and allow it to regrow on its own. Mondo grass thrives in both clay and sandy soils, preferably amended with compost, and is very tolerant of an array of moisture regimens. Hardiness is Zone 6a-10b.
