{"id":173,"date":"2025-10-03T20:17:33","date_gmt":"2025-10-03T17:17:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.tadoley.com\/?p=173"},"modified":"2025-10-03T20:17:33","modified_gmt":"2025-10-03T17:17:33","slug":"how-to-grow-ophiopogon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tadoley.com\/?p=173","title":{"rendered":"How to grow ophiopogon"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ophiopogon is also known as lilyturf and mondo grass. It’s a grass-like perennial that spreads by rhizomes into a carpet of tufted, narrow, evergreen leaves. Small, white flowers appear in summer, followed by black berries in autumn, but the foliage is the main feature.<\/p>\n

The most popular varieties of ophiopogon are the dramatic-looking black cultivars. They’re a good option for ground cover in a partially shady spot, and are also useful in container displays and the underplanting of trees and shrubs. The foliage contrasts well with other low-growing perennials or bulbs like cyclamen<\/a> and snowdrops<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Where to grow ophiopogon<\/h3>\n

Grow ophiopogon in moist, but well-drained soil. It does best in slightly acidic, fertile, humus-rich soil typical of semi-shady woodland areas. Choose a spot in full sun or partial shade. The black foliage varieties will darken more in a sunny location.<\/p>\n

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When to plant ophiopogon<\/h3>\n

\"Ophiopogon<\/p>\n

Ophiopogon is best planted in spring so plants need less watering and are well established before winter.<\/p>\n

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How to plant ophiopogon<\/h3>\n

Although ophiopogon will spread, if you’re planting up an area under a tree or in a container, use several plants to get an immediate effect. Add a little leaf mould or a handful of ericaceous compost and mix well before planting, firming in and watering.<\/p>\n

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How to care for ophiopogon<\/h3>\n

\"Ophiopogon<\/p>\n

Ophiopogon is easy to care for in the UK, with no need to cut plants back. In spring, simply remove dead and damaged foliage. Once established, mondo grass is generally fairly drought-resistant and should only need watering in dry periods in the first year.<\/p>\n

Ophiopogon is hardy in most parts of the UK, but it will benefit from a mulch in winter, particularly in cold areas. Plants are slow-growing and will spread over a long period of time.<\/p>\n

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How to propagate ophiopogon<\/h3>\n

\"Dividing<\/p>\n

Propagate ophiopogon by dividing in spring as the plant comes into growth. Simply dig up and pull apart the plant to create new ones.<\/p>\n

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Pests and diseases<\/h3>\n

Ophiopogon does not suffer from diseases, but slugs<\/a> may be attracted to new spring growth.<\/p>\n

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Advice on buying ophiopogon<\/h2>\n