Ophiopogon Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners
Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 23rd Oct 2023
In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Ophiopogon plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
- Plant Characteristics: Ophiopogon is celebrated for its tufted evergreen clumps and delicate bell-shaped flowers. Its versatility, acting as a ground cover or border plant, makes it a valuable asset for diverse garden designs.
- Ideal Growing Conditions: Plants prefers a location in partial shade, but will tolerate full sun. It performs best in moist, well-draining soils.
- General Care: Water regularly, especially in dry spells, don't let it sit in overly wet soil. Divide clumps in the spring to maintain vigor.
- Tips for New Gardeners: Mondo Grass is beginner-friendly and adapts well to various conditions. It's perfect for filling gaps in gardens and will require minimal attention once established.
Mondo Grass, Fountain plant, Monkey Grass, & Jaburan: Cultivation & Garden Use
Ophiopogon are grassy hardy perennials that reach heights of between 15 and 30 cm (6 to 12 inches).
They have long narrow dark green or purple leaves, and bloom in the middle of summer.
When in bloom they carry small blue or white flowers.
Following flowering, they bear fruit with bluish black berries.
Some common names for Ophiopogon include Jaburan, Mondo grass, Snakesbeard and Lilyturf.
Ophiopogon planiscapus (nigrescens) by Drew Avery.
How to Grow Ophiopogon
Ophiopogon can be sowed outdoors in the autumn at a depth of 7 mm (1/3 inch).
They have a preference for slightly shaded conditions, but Ophiopogon species are able to grow in sunny and fully shaded locations too.
As they can grow on any type of soil, Jaburan are very versatile plants for use in the garden.
When growing Jaburan and related species indoors, the seeds should first be soaked for a day in warm water, then sowed in flats . Allow to germinate at between 18 and 21 degrees Centigrade (64 to 70°F).
Plants should be prepared about two months before they are due to be put out, after the last frost of spring.
It should take an Ophiopogon plant from 4 to 6 weeks to germinate.
Once ready transplant outside with a spacing of 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches; small species) to 30 cm (12 inches; large species).
Ophiopogon japonicus picture by wallygrom.
Caring for Ophiopogon, Jaburan
Once established, it is a good idea to tidy up Jaburan (and other Ophiopogon genus) plants in the spring by trimming them.
Every five years or so the Ophiopogon plants should be divided in the spring to maintain vigor. Also use this method to propagate more plants.
-
Seed Success: Start Strong with this Ultimate Seed Starter Kit
Elevate your gardening game today by securing your Reusable Seed Starter Tray Kit. Get this must-have for any gardening enthusiast on Amazon and give your seedlings the head start they deserve. Embark on your journey to a bountiful harvest with confidence.
-
Garden Mastery: Unleash Your Potential with the Essential Tool Set
Boost your gardening with the CHRYZTAL Gardening Tool Set. Get this essential kit on Amazon for effortless gardening. A good set of tools is key to a thriving garden; make every cut count. Cultivate with ease and watch your garden flourish.
Growing and Care Guide
- Common Names: Mondo grass, Fountain plant, Snake’s beard, Jaburan, Lilyturf.
- Life Cycle: Hardy perennial.
- Height: 6 to 12 inches (15—30 cm).
- Native: East, Southeast and South Asia.
- Growing Region: Zones 7 to 10.
- Flowers: Middle of summer.
- Flower Details: Racemes on short stems. White or blue. Tiny.
- Foliage: Grass-like. Narrow, flat, strapped. Green, purple or black (Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’).
- Sow Outside: 1/4 inch (6 mm). Autumn.
- Sow Inside: Germination time: 4 to 6 weeks. Temperature: 65 to 70°F (18—21°C). Seeds should be soaked for one day. Sow in flats. Maintain at the above temperature. Seven or eight weeks before expected last frost. Transplant outdoors following the last. Spacing: 4 to 12 inches (10—30 cm) dependent on species size.
- Requirements and care: Partial to full shade. Will also grow in full sunlight in cooler areas. Any soil type, drainage condition. Can survive in dry soils. Little care required. Tidy plant appearance by cutting back at the start of spring. Divide after four years to maintain vigor. Propagate: by dividing in the spring autumn.
- Family: Asparagaceae.
- Closely Related Species: Asparagus, Yucca, Agave, and Convallaria plants.
- Miscellaneous: Named from the Greek words for Snake (Όφις ophis) and beard (πόγὦν pogon) because of the appearance of its leaves and tufted growth. Ophiopogon japonicas is traditionally used to address deficiencies in Yin in Chinese medicine.
Common Questions
How many members does the Ophiopogon genus contain?
The Ophiopogon genus has about 65 species. Members of which are known as Mondo grass or Lilyturf.
Do Ophiopogon members make a good garden or landscaping plant?
Definitely! Ophiopogon is a popular choice in landscaping, serving as an excellent groundcover, border plant, or addition to rock gardens. Its adaptability and low maintenance requirements make it a favorite among gardeners.
Which Ophiopogon species are most frequently grown by gardeners?
The species Ophiopogon japonicus (Mondo Grass) and Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens' (Black Mondo Grass) are commonly grown for their aesthetic appeal and hardiness.
Are Ophiopogon plants fragrant?
While Ophiopogon plants aren't typically known for their fragrance, they do produce small, bell-shaped flowers that can sometimes have a mild scent.
What is the perfect location to grow Ophiopogon?
Ophiopogon is quite adaptable, but it typically prefers part shade to full shade and well-drained soil. It can tolerate a range of conditions, making it a flexible choice for many garden settings.
Is Ophiopogon invasive in the USA, if so in which states?
At present, Ophiopogon is not considered invasive in the USA. Its growth habits are usually contained and manageable.
How do I remove Ophiopogon plants from my garden?
When removing Ophiopogon, make sure to dig up the entire plant, including the roots, to prevent regrowth. Regular maintenance can help keep its spreading in check.
Summary
The Ophiopogon genus is a group of evergreen perennials from the Asparagaceae family. Often called Mondo grass or Lilyturf, these plants form dense, grass-like tufts with small, usually white or lilac flowers.
Ophiopogon plants prefer a location with full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. They can be planted in early spring or autumn. Ideal for borders, rock gardens, or as a ground cover, these hardy plants provide year-round interest and are particularly useful for under-planting taller species.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Ophiopogon plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Yucca elephantipes, Actinidia plant, and Convallaria plants.
Elevate Your Gardening Game
Weekly Growing & Care Guides for Your Inbox!
Find the insights on this site valuable? Then you're going to love my book: 'The Gardener's HQ Plant Growing Guide'.
Upon purchase, receive the eBook in PDF, MOBI (for Kindle), and ePub (most e-readers and iPad) formats. Also available from Amazon USA, Amazon UK, and iBooks.
Genus Index O
