About
Ophiopogon jaburan, blue snake's beard, is an evergreen perennial producing tufts of grass-like, sometimes variegated, green leaves up to 60 cm long. Upright stems to 60 cm bear clusters of small, bell-shaped, white or lilac-tinted flowers in summer, followed by bluish-purple berries. A rewarding and ornamental ground-cover plant for a shaded or partly shaded, moist border.
About the genus
Ophiopogon are rhizomatous or tufted evergreen perennials forming clumps of leathery, narrowly strap-shaped leaves with racemes of small, bell-shaped, white or mauve flowers in summer, followed by glossy, blue-black berries. Excellent ground-cover plants for shaded or partly shaded positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeGrass Like, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming, Tufted
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Native toJapan
Care notes
CultivationTolerates a range of soils and conditions, but thrives in rich, moist but well-drained, slightly acid soil in light shade. May need winter protection in colder regions
PruningNo pruning required, dead leaves can be combed or raked out in spring
PropagationPropagate by division in spring as growth resumes, or by seed sown as soon as ripe
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to damage from slugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free