About
A dwarf evergreen perennial, producing clumps to 15cm high of tough, grass-like leaves streaked with creamy white. Short stems bear clusters of small, bell-shaped, lilac-tinted white flowers in summer, followed by small black berries.
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 on leafless stems in summer, followed by glossy black berries
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade, Full shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeGrass Like, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming, Tufted
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Care notes
CultivationTolerates a range of soils and conditions, but thrives in rich, moist but well-drained, slightly acid soil in light shade. Ideal for container arrangements
PruningNo pruning required, dead leaves can be combed 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