Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nana’, commonly known as Dwarf Mondo Grass, is an incredibly popular and versatile evergreen perennial, highly valued for its extremely compact growth habit and refined texture. Native to Japan, this miniature form of Mondo Grass creates a lush, dense carpet of very short, narrow, arching, dark green, grass-like leaves, typically growing only 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) tall. Its slow-spreading nature allows it to form tight, weed-suppressing mats over time. While it does produce tiny, inconspicuous lilac-white flowers followed by small, blue-black berries, its primary appeal lies in its persistent, vibrant foliage.

‘Nana’ thrives in partial to full shade and prefers consistently moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil, though it is remarkably adaptable to a range of soil types once established. It’s an excellent choice for planting between stepping stones, edging pathways, in rockeries, filling cracks in paving, or as a small-scale ground cover in shaded beds and Japanese gardens in New South Wales. This hardy plant is very low maintenance, generally pest and disease-free, and remarkably tolerant of light foot traffic. Its evergreen nature ensures year-round visual interest, making it a reliable and elegant addition to any garden seeking a delicate, verdant ground cover in shadier spots.