FloridaLandscapeIQ
Dwarf Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus) growing in South Florida
Grade Florida #1

Dwarf Mondo Grass — South Florida Plant Guide

Ophiopogon japonicus

Family: Asparagaceae · Groundcover

Legal status pending editorial verification. Confirm with your county before installation.

Landscape Uses

shaded groundcover under treeslawn substitute shadeborder edgingcontainer accentstepping stone fill

Style Tags

formaltraditionalshaded gardenjapanesezen

South Florida Growing Guide

Light Requirements

Full ShadePartial ShadePartial Sun

Water Requirements

Low3/10

Once established (12–18 months), Dwarf Mondo Grass is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.

Moderate water once established. 2x per week dry season. Good shade-compatible moisture retention. Do not allow to dry out severely — stressed plants thin out.

Soil and Fertilization

sandyloamclaylimestone

Fertilizer: Light balanced granular. Very low requirements.

Schedule: Optional light balanced fertilizer February and May. Low maintenance.

Salt Tolerance

Low (3/10) — plant away from salt air exposure
Mature Height
0.20.7 ft
Mature Width
0.30.5 ft
Growth Rate
slow
Water Demand
3/10
Florida Grade
Florida #1
Installed Cost
$$
USDA Zones
7, 8, 9, 10a, 10b, 11
FLEPPC Status
None
Iguana Rating
4/10

Where to Buy in South Florida

Find Dwarf Mondo Grass at South Florida nurseries — check availability and pricing at nurseries near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does Dwarf Mondo Grass grow in South Florida?

Dwarf Mondo Grass has a slow growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.

Is Dwarf Mondo Grass safe for pets?

Dwarf Mondo Grass is not safe for pets. Berries are toxic to dogs and cats. Disclose to pet owners.

How much water does Dwarf Mondo Grass need in South Florida?

Low water needs (3/10). Once established (12–18 months), Dwarf Mondo Grass is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.

Can Dwarf Mondo Grass tolerate salt air in South Florida?

Dwarf Mondo Grass has low salt tolerance (3/10) and is not recommended near areas with significant salt air exposure.

Is Dwarf Mondo Grass available in Miami-Dade County?

In Miami-Dade County, Dwarf Mondo Grass is classified as: allowed. Allowed.

County Availability in South Florida

Miami-Dade County

Allowed

Allowed. Standard shade groundcover specification throughout Miami-Dade HOA communities.

USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.

View County Guide →

Broward County

Allowed

Allowed. Extremely common throughout Broward landscaping.

USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.

View County Guide →

Palm Beach County

Allowed

Allowed. Outstanding cold hardiness.

USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.

View County Guide →

Collier County

Allowed

Allowed. Common in Collier shaded applications.

USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.

View County Guide →

Monroe County

Allowed

Allowed. Common in shaded Keys landscape areas.

USDA Zone 11. Tropical maritime, highest salt exposure of all 5 counties.

View County Guide →

Full ordinance references and permit requirements available to Professional subscribers. Always verify current county requirements before installation.

Need a Spec Sheet?

Export a client-ready PDF with Florida Grade specs, county legal status, maintenance schedule, and failure risks. Available to Professional subscribers.

Generate Spec Sheet →

Ask about Dwarf Mondo Grass

Get answers grounded in UF/IFAS research and South Florida landscape data.