Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana' (Dwarf Mondo Grass) Unity Grown

Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana' is a cultivar of dwarf mondo grass, a grassy, evergreen perennial groundcover that produces dark green foliage and pale purple flowers in the summer. The 'Nana' cultivar, noted for its slightly wider blades, less upright structure, and shorter height than its parent species. Also known as Japanese lilyturf, Ophiopogon japonicus bears some resemblance to Liriope, true lilyturf, but produces small, showy blue fruits in the late summer.

Utilized as a turf alternative in shady areas of landscaping, mondo grass requires little maintenance beyond yearly mowing. Although its parent species is already relatively short and slow growing, 'Nana' only grows to about 6" tall, and has the tendency to flop a bit more, providing a denser appearance to the mats of greenery it forms. Weed-choking behavior plus the added benefits of being salt-, drought-, and foot-traffic tolerant makes it a great choice as a lawn alternative or for underplanting near dense shrubs or rosebushes. 

Note: Care should be taken when choosing a planting location for mondo grass as, once established, root fragments left in the dirt will cause new plants to pop up if old ones are removed. Mondo grass is classified as invasive in some parts of the southern United States, though cooler temperatures in the north and northeast keep it in check fairly well.