Ophiopogon
Snake's beard, Mondo grass, Lilyturf, Dwarf lilyturf
- Height × spread
- 0.1m – 0.3m × 0.1m – 0.3m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
Generally known for the black foliaged form Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens' which has wiry, grass look alike arching leaves and white flowers with black fruits. There are a good range of other forms available. There are a number of variegated varieties and some very dwarf forms that stand as low as 10cm in height. Some of the varieties are used to line paths, cover banks and so forth, and have a strong Japanese appeal. Some forms are hardy and some are not.
- Flower colour
- Lilac, Purple, White
- Foliage colour
- Black, Green, Purple
- Fruit colour
- Black, Blue
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan, Round
- Height
- 0.1m – 0.3m
- Spread
- 0.1m – 0.3m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Winter garden, Small scale garden, Shady court, Seaside garden, Mediterranean garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous)
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Ground cover
- Hazards
- No
AutumnNow
Autumn · Outdoors
Apply mulch
Use bark chips or leaf mould to add an organic mulch around the crown of the plant.
A mulch is a covering that can: protect the soil surface from rain, heat and cold; deter weeds; provide nutrients. Organic indicates that material has vegetative origin e.g. manure, compost. Synthetics i.e. plastics, or stones are often called mulches.
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with sequestrol
If plants are acid loving and grown in soil with little acidity, or in a container, or are watered with limey tap water an annual feed with sequestrol (iron chelate) is highly beneficial. Follow guidelines on the packet. Will also 'blue-up' hydrangeas.
For hydrangeas that have good blue flowers in acid soil, this product can be used with alkaline soil to turn the flowers blue. This is most effective when the soil is neutral or just slightkly alkaline.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Spring - early-mid · Planting
Divide when too large
The plant can be divided if it becomes too large or another plant is required. This may involve physically dividing the clump in two, removing offsets or small bulbs or dividing rhizomes. The new plants can be grown in pots or planted in the ground.
Planting & general
Outdoors
Water some varieties differently
Some plants within this genus have additional requirements for water. It is best to look up your specific plant, or the species it belongs to for watering guidance.
Found in
More Ophiopogon
Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'
Japanese mondo grass
Ophiopogon japonicus
Dwarf Japanese mondo grass, Dwarf lily turf
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Minor'
Dwarf Japanese mondo grass, Dwarf lily turf
Ophiopogon planiscapus Nakai Black Beard = 'Yapard'
Japanese mondo grass