Ophiopogon spp.
lily-turfs
Eastern, southern, and south-eastern Asia
Overview
Ophiopogon spp. is a genus of about 65 evergreen, grass-like perennials in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae), native to eastern, southern, and south-eastern Asia. Despite the common name lily-turf and a strong resemblance to grasses, the plants are lily relatives, not true grasses. They form tufts or spreading mats of narrow, arching, strap-shaped leaves 5-60 cm (2-24 in) long, dark green in most species and near-black in the selection O. planiscapus 'Nigrescens'. In summer short racemes of small, bell-shaped white to lilac flowers appear among or just below the foliage, followed by rounded blue to black berry-like fruits. Many species spread by underground stems to form dense, weed-suppressing groundcover, while clumping kinds stay as neat tufts. The dwarf mondo grass (O. japonicus) is widely planted as a lawn substitute and edging in warm climates. The genus grows in shade to part sun on moist, well-drained soil and tolerates root competition under trees, though it is slow to knit together and is damaged by hard frost in the more tender species.
Native Range
Ophiopogon spp. is native to Japan, China, Korea, the Himalaya, and South-East Asia, growing naturally in woodland and on shaded slopes. The genus is absent from the Americas in the wild.Suggested Uses
Ophiopogon spp. species are planted as evergreen groundcover and edging in shade, under trees and shrubs, along paths, and between stepping stones. The dark-leaved forms are planted next to pale gravel or light foliage, and dwarf kinds serve as a low-traffic lawn substitute in mild climates. They suit shaded containers and woodland borders.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 2'
Width/Spread6" - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Small bell-shaped flowers open in summer, mostly June to August, on short stalks tucked among the leaves. The bloom is quiet and partly hidden, and the main later feature is the blue-black fruit that follows. Berries can persist into winter.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to lilacFoliage Description
dark green to near-blackGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plants grow in part to full shade, or part sun in cooler areas, on moist but well-drained soil at a pH of 5.5-7.0. Once established they tolerate drought, root competition from trees, and a wide range of soils. Spreading species slowly fill in to make groundcover, while clumping species stay put. Hardiness varies, with mondo grass reliable to about USDA zone 7 and a few species hardier or more tender. Foliage looks tired by late winter and is freshened by shearing before new growth starts.Pruning
Plants are sheared or mown close to the ground in late winter to remove worn foliage before spring growth. No other routine pruning is needed. Clumps are lifted and divided in spring to increase stock or renew tired patches.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons