Dwarf lilyturf (Ophiopogon japonicus)
Dwarf lilyturf (Ophiopogon japonicus) is an evergreen perennial forming dense, grassy clumps perfect for shady ground cover.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Dwarf lilyturf, scientifically known as Ophiopogon japonicus, stands out as a highly valued plant for filling challenging, shady corners of the landscape. This evergreen, tuberous-rooted perennial forms neat, arching clumps of narrow, dark green, grass-like foliage, providing year-round texture where many other plants fail. It is highly prized for its refined appearance, offering a superior alternative to traditional turfgrass in shaded environments.
The plant is native to woodland areas of Japan and China, thriving particularly well in rich, humusy soils that retain consistent moisture. While it spreads via slow-moving rhizomes, mature clumps of Ophiopogon japonicus create a dense, low mat well-suited for ground cover applications. Gardeners rely on Dwarf lilyturf for structure, border definition, and as an attractive, low-growing element under mature trees.
Although it does produce small, usually hidden white to lilac flowers in early summer, followed by blue-black berries, the primary ornamental contribution of Dwarf lilyturf is its texture and color constancy. Proper placement in part shade to full shade conditions ensures the foliage remains lush and dark green throughout the growing season.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Asparagaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Native Range: Japan, China
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 7-10
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.75-1 ft
- Spread: 0.75-1 ft
- Bloom Time: June to July
- Bloom Description: White to lilac
- Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Ophiopogon japonicus performs best when planted in spring or early fall, establishing root systems before facing extreme temperatures. Locate these plants in areas receiving part shade to full shade, replicating their woodland origins. The ideal medium is rich, fertile, humusy, slightly acidic, and crucially, moist but well-drained. Avoid soils that completely dry out between watering sessions, as consistent moisture is key to maintaining lush foliage.
Watering requirements are medium; while Ophiopogon japonicus tolerates some drought once established—a key feature inherited from its tough nature—it looks its best with regular irrigation, especially during hot summers or dry spells. Fertilizing is generally unnecessary if the soil is adequately rich and amended with organic matter during planting. In colder northern reaches of its hardiness range (near Zone 6), ensure planting in a protected spot to enhance winter survival.
Dwarf lilyturf spreads slowly via rhizomes, forming a defined, turf-like clump around 12 inches wide over time. Propagation is easily achieved by digging and dividing these mature clumps in spring or early fall. Foliage remains evergreen in milder winter climates but may suffer significant dieback in harsher winters, necessitating a light spring cleanup of any dead material as new growth appears.
Landscape Uses
The fine texture and shade tolerance make Dwarf lilyturf an excellent low-maintenance ground cover for shady areas of the landscape where maintaining a traditional lawn is impractical. Its slow, deliberate spread ensures it stays where placed, creating neat borders or filling irregular spaces beneath large canopy trees. Use clumps of Ophiopogon japonicus to edge pathways or frame larger hostas and ferns, providing a contrasting, fine-textured foreground.
In rock gardens or along the damp edges of ponds or streams, Ophiopogon japonicus excels, lending a tropical yet hardy aesthetic. Consider utilizing it where a neat, mowing-free turf substitute is desired, perhaps in tight areas or along steps where typical grass struggles. Because it establishes slowly, use divisions planted closely together (about 9-12 inches apart) to achieve faster coverage as a dense, ornamental ground cover.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Insignificant
Noteworthy Characteristics
Ophiopogon japonicus, commonly called mondo grass, is an evergreen, tuberous-rooted, rhizomatous, perennial of the lily family. It typically forms an arching clump to 8-12” tall and as wide of narrow, linear, grass-like, dark green leaves (each leaf to 8-15” long and 3/16” wide). Small, bell-shaped flowers bloom in summer, often hidden by the foliage, followed by spherical, blue-black berries. This plant is ornamentally grown for its tufts of grass-like leaves that offer excellent textural contrast.
Tolerances
- Drought
- Heavy Shade
- Black Walnut
Potential Problems
Ophiopogon japonicus is generally robust and exhibits no serious insect or persistent disease problems under ideal conditions. The primary concern for gardeners lies in winter hardiness, particularly in regions bordering the lower Zone 7 range or colder areas, where significant foliage loss or plant death can occur during harsh winters. To mitigate this, plant in sheltered microclimates. In consistently wet, heavy soils, root rot can become an issue, underscoring the importance of excellent drainage, even though the plant prefers consistent moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Dwarf lilyturf suitable for?
Dwarf lilyturf (Ophiopogon japonicus) is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 7 through 10.
How large does Dwarf lilyturf grow?
This perennial typically reaches a height between 0.75 to 1 foot tall and spreads to a similar width of 0.75 to 1 foot wide.
What sun exposure does Dwarf lilyturf need?
Ophiopogon japonicus requires part shade to full shade conditions to thrive and maintain its deep green coloration.
When does Dwarf lilyturf bloom?
Bloom time for Dwarf lilyturf is typically from June to July, producing small white to lilac flowers.
Conclusion
The enduring, fine texture of Dwarf lilyturf makes it an indispensable choice for adding structure beneath taller plantings or covering deeply shaded ground areas. As a reliable, low-growing perennial, Ophiopogon japonicus offers dependable evergreen appeal in suitable zones. Before planting, confirm your location falls within USDA Zones 7-10 and ensure you can provide the medium water needs and rich, well-drained soil it requires.
Companion Planting
When integrating Ophiopogon japonicus into your landscape design, selecting companions that share its affinity for shade and moderate moisture will lead to a harmonious display. Consider pairing it with broad-leaved shade lovers such as Hostas or Heuchera (Coral Bells) to maximize the textural contrast between the fine, grassy leaves of the mondo grass and the bold foliage of the companions. Epimediums (Barrenwort) also make excellent partners, as they share similar soil preferences and benefit from the evergreen cover provided by Dwarf lilyturf during early spring.
Propagation Tips
As Ophiopogon japonicus spreads slowly—unlike some aggressive ground covers—gardeners seeking to propagate for mass planting rely exclusively on division. This process is best executed in the spring just as new growing points begin to emerge, or alternatively, in early fall after summer heat breaks. Dig up the established clumps of Dwarf lilyturf and carefully separate the rhizomatous root sections, ensuring each new division has several healthy crowns attached. Replant the divisions immediately into prepared, moist soil at the same depth they were previously growing.
