Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nanus’

Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nanus’ detail (18/02/2012, Kew, London)

Position: Full sun to partial shade

Flowering period: Summer

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 10 cm

Eventual Spread: 10 cm

Hardiness: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11

Family: Asparagaceae

Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nanus’ is an evergreen clump forming, dwarf like perennial plant. Its dark green grass like, finely textured leaves are linear, up to 10cm long. The white/ pale lilac flowers are hidden and insignificant, but when in flower they appear on short spikes, often tubular and lilac tinged amid the leaves. The fruit is a blue berry. The roots are large stolons with tuberous roots, these enable this plant to spread.

The Species Ophiopogon japonicus, commonly known as Fountain Plant, Lilly Turf, Mondo Grass and Monkey grass, is native to Japan and Korea and is usually found in shady woodlands and forests.

Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nanus’ (18/02/2012, Kew, London)

The etymological root of the binomial name Ophiopogon is derived from the Greek name  ‘Ophis’ a serpent and ‘Pogon’ a beard which refers to the plants foliage. Japonica is derived from the Latin meaning ‘of Japan’. Nanus is derived from Greek nanos ‘dwarf’, in reference to its growth habit.

The landscape architect may find Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nanus’ useful as a very low growing carpet forming ground cover. Once established this plant is drought tolerant for short periods of time.

Ecologically, Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nanus’ is a good source of nectar for bees, butterflies and other insects.

Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nanus’ prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It will tolerate wet and waterlogged soils.

Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nanus’ requires little maintenance. Crowded clumps may be divided in spring.