Ophiopogon intermedius
intermediate mondo grass
A variable species of evergreen perennial, producing tufts of grass-like, sometimes variegated green leaves up to 55cm long. Upright stems bear clusters of small, bell-shaped, white or pale purple flowers in summer, followed by blue or black berries
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Variegated | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White Purple | Green Variegated | ||
| Autumn | Green Variegated | Blue Black | ||
| Winter | Green Variegated |
Position
- Full shade
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming, Tufted
- 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
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- India to China, SE Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Tolerates a range of soils and conditions, but thrives in rich, moist but well-drained, slightly acid soil in partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring as growth resumes, or by seed sown as soon as ripe
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
- Garden edging
- Ground cover
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
No pruning required, dead leaves can be combed or raked out in spring
Pests
May be susceptible to damage from slugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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