Ophiopogon jaburan

RHS Plant Profile
blue snake's beard

Other common names

golden snake's beard

Synonyms

Convallaria japonica

Grass Like Herbaceous Perennial

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

Position

Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full shade Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H3

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asparagaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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