Overview
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nippon' is a clump forming grass like in the genus Ophiopogon, part of the Asparagaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nippon' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, patio and container plants, rock garden, low maintenance, flower borders and beds, garden edging, ground cover and underplanting of roses and shrubs.
About
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nippon' (mondo grass 'Nippon') is an evergreen, clump-forming herbaceous perennial belonging to the Asparagaceae family. It features narrow, strap-like leaves typical of the Ophiopogon genus and thrives in full sun or partial shade with moist but well-drained soil. This cultivar is hardy to UK zone H5 and is suitable for a variety of garden settings including city gardens, patios, and rock gardens. It flowers in summer, producing small bell-shaped flowers followed by glossy black berries on leafless stems.
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ophiopogon
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nippon' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass Like, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds, Garden edging, Ground cover, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nippon'
- Propagation
- Division in spring, Seed sown as soon as ripe
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to slugs
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nippon'?
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nippon' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nippon' need?
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nippon' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nippon' hardy in the UK?
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nippon' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nippon'?
Division in spring, Seed sown as soon as ripe.
