About
An evergreen perennial, producing slowly spreading clumps of tough, grass-like, grey-green leaves streaked with silvery white. Short stems bear clusters of small, bell-shaped, white or lilac-tinged flowers in summer, followed by round blue-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 shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
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
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