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Genus Ophiopogon (Lilyturf)

Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais

oh-fee-oh-POE-gon Common Name: Lilyturf

Fifty or so species of perennials in the lily family make up this genus. They are grown for their evergreen, grassy, dense foliage. Spikes of small pink, white, or purple flowers bloom in summer. The berries that follow are glossy and blue or black. Use Ophiopogon as edging or groundcover, or in a rock garden.
Noteworthy characteristics: Tufts of grassy foliage; glossy fruit. Makes a good groundcover.
Care: Provide full sun or part shade and moist, well-drained, humusy, slightly acidic soil.
Propagation: Divide in spring or start fresh seed in containers in a cold frame.
Problems: Generally trouble-free, but watch for root rot, leaf spot, slugs, and snails.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Ophiopogon

Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'
(Black mondo grass)

(1 user review)

Hardiness Zones:

Black mondo grass has straplike, shiny black foliage and grows in little tufts. The grasslike foliage looks good with chartreuse foliage, variegated woodland plants, and with its own flowers, which bloom in midsummer. Young leaves start out with a greenish hue that soon turns to black. The flowers are bell shaped and can be pink, pale violet, or white, and are followed by fleshy black seeds that may remain on the plant all winter. This perennial is evergreen in mild winters or in the warmer portions of its range. It looks stunning in a shady container planting.