Dwarf Mondo grass, scientifically known as Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nana’, is a slow-spreading perennial grass that is commonly used as a ground cover in gardens and landscapes. When considering how far apart to plant Dwarf Mondo, it’s important to keep in mind its spreading habits and growth rate.
As a slow spreader, Dwarf Mondo takes some time to establish and fill in an area completely. If you want to achieve full coverage in your planting area, spacing the plants 6 inches apart is a good starting point. This spacing allows the plants to have enough room to grow and spread without overcrowding each other.
It’s worth noting that Dwarf Mondo grass can take 2-3 growing seasons to achieve full coverage at this spacing. This means that you may need to be patient and allow the grass to gradually fill in the gaps between the plants over time. However, once it establishes and starts spreading, it can form a dense mat of foliage that effectively covers the ground.
In my personal experience, I have found that spacing Dwarf Mondo too closely can result in overcrowding and slower growth. On the other hand, spacing them too far apart can leave gaps between the plants for longer periods before full coverage is achieved. Therefore, a spacing of 6 inches seems to strike a good balance between allowing for proper growth and ensuring relatively quick coverage.
If you have a larger area to cover, you can also consider using Dwarf Mondo grass as a border or edging plant. Planting them closer together, around 4 inches apart, can help create a denser border more quickly. However, keep in mind that this may require more initial planting material and potentially more maintenance to keep the edges neat and well-defined.
Dwarf Mondo grass is a slow spreader that requires some time to fill in an area completely. Planting them 6 inches apart should allow for full coverage in 2-3 growing seasons. It’s important to be patient and give the grass time to establish and spread, while also considering the specific needs of your planting area and desired aesthetic.
