The Best Grass to Install Between Pavers

Characteristics

• Dwarf mondo grass grows to only 4 inches high. Its tiny white-to-light-lilac flowers grow on short spikes in the summer. Its dark-green, grasslike leaves spread slowly by underground runners. It is such a tough grass that leaves can be raked gently off or out of it without damage to the plant. Dwarf mondo grass withstands moderate foot traffic.

Culture

• Dwarf mondo grass is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 6 through 10 and thrives in almost any garden soil. Clay soil will need amendment with organic matter before planting. It grows well in full shade to filtered sun in moist soil, but can withstand some drought. The more sun it receives, the lighter the leaves are. Dwarf mondo grass is evergreen and requires only light feeding. Winter cold may make the leaves appear ragged, but early-spring shearing before it begins to grow will bring it back to its former glory.

Problems

• Anthracnose fungal disease is the only known problem and usually accompanies overwatering or watering at night. Treat the plant by removing infected leaves and spraying with a suitable fungicide at the recommended rate for grasses.

Other Species and Uses

• Regular mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus) is a taller-growing species that is used primarily in borders and as a ground cover under trees and in naturalized areas. Black mondo grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus) was introduced from England. It has dark purple, almost black, leaves and grows to 6 inches tall. Black mondo grass grows best in partial shade. The taller species (O. jaburan) grows to 15 inches and is usually used as a border grass, as it does not fill in as quickly as regular mondo grass.

Alternatives

• If dwarf mondo grass isn't what you are looking for, alternative plants, called "stepables," are available which withstand differing amounts of foot traffic. Plants such as ajuga, rockcress, armeria, artemesia, pratia, raoulia and various sedums also grow well between pavers. Choose a plant that fits your needs and your climate for best results.