Ophiopogon japonicus

RHS Plant Profile
mondo grass
Grass Like Herbaceous Perennial

Evergreen, rhizomatous perennial about 30cm tall, producing slowly spreading clumps of tough, narrow, linear, dark green leaves, and bearing short racemes to 8cm tall of small, bell-shaped, white or lilac-tinged flowers, in summer, followed by spherical blue-black berries

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

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
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
E Asia, Philippines

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained soil, slightly acid, fertile, humus-rich soil in full sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring as growth resumes, or propagate by seed as soon as ripe

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging
  • Ground cover
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to damage from slugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free