Overview
Ophiopogon is a grass in the genus Ophiopogon, part of the Asparagaceae family. Ophiopogon grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates well-drained and fertile soils and any pH. Suggested uses include groundcover, edging and underplanting. It is native to East Asia and Southeast Asia.
About the genus
Ophiopogon (lilyturf) is a genus of evergreen perennial plants native to warm temperate to tropical East, Southeast, and South Asia. Despite their grasslike appearance, they are not closely related to the true grasses, the Poaceae. The name of the genus is derived from Greek ὄφις ophis, 'snake' and πώγων pogon, 'beard', most probably referring to its leaves and tufted growth.
Wikipedia contributors, "Ophiopogon", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Ophiopogon
In the garden
Ophiopogon, known in cultivation as Mondo Grass, is a grass native to East Asia and Southeast Asia and valued for its ability to occupy shaded patches where many other groundcovers struggle. Plants are typically used at ground level to create a carpet or neat edge and are often planted beneath larger shrubs and trees as underplanting. Give Ophiopogon a sheltered, low-light position: partial shade to full shade suits it best. It performs on soils described as well-drained and fertile while preferring consistently moist conditions; it will tolerate acidic, neutral or alkaline pH, so soil reaction is rarely a constraint. Keep beds free-draining yet not bone dry, and choose a spot that avoids prolonged baking sun. In the UK garden it is most effective as a shade ground cover, a tidy edging along paths and beds, or as underplanting beneath larger perennials and shrubs where it suppresses weeds and defines planting outlines. Expect its seasonal interest from flowers in July to August, which provide a brief floral phase in otherwise leaf-focussed plantings.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ophiopogon
- Sunlight
- partial shade, shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, fertile
- Soil pH
- acidic, neutral, alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moist
Plant details
Ophiopogon size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass
- Suggested uses
- groundcover, edging, underplanting
- Native to
- East Asia, Southeast Asia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ophiopogon
- Pruning
- remove old foliage in early spring
- Propagation
- division
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Ophiopogon?
Ophiopogon prefers partial shade and shade.
What soil does Ophiopogon need?
Ophiopogon grows best in well-drained and fertile soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Ophiopogon?
Remove old foliage in early spring.
How do I propagate Ophiopogon?
Division.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.