About

An evergreen perennial to 20cm, forming dense tufts of arching, narrowly strap-shaped, leathery black leaves 20-30cm in length. Racemes of small purplish flowers, followed by glossy 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
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Rock garden, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants

Care notes

CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained soil, slightly acid, fertile, humus-rich soil in full sun or partial shade
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division in spring as growth resumes
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free