Ophiopogon jaburan
blue snake's beard
An evergreen perennial, producing tufts of grass-like, sometimes variegated green leaves up to 60cm long. Upright stems to 60cm high bear clusters of small, bell-shaped, white or sometimes lilac-tinted flowers in summer, followed by bluish purple 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 Purple | ||
| 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
H3Botanical 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
- Japan
How to grow
Cultivation
Tolerates a range of soils and conditions, but thrives in rich, moist but well-drained, slightly acid soil in light shade. May need winter protection in colder regions
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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