Jessie Keith
Family
Liliaceae
Botanical Name
Ophiopogon japonicus
Plant Common Name
Dwarf Lilyturf, Dwarf Mondo Grass, Japanese Lilyturf
General Description
A popular evergreen groundcover in the South, dwarf lilyturf is a tough, creeping, grass-like perennial native to Japan, Korea and China. It’s very compact, less aggressive than Liriope, and there are lots of pleasing cultivars to choose from. Its tidy beauty and ability to grow well in partially shaded spots are key to its desirability. Wild populations exist in moist, shaded or partially sunny spots along forests, ravines, cliffs or slopes. The Chinese have cultivated it for centuries for its medicinal, tuberous roots.
The short, leathery leaf blades of this spreading perennial are dark green and have rounded tips. The roots are tuberous and spread via stolons. The often lustrous blades form dense basal rosettes with a clean, attractive appearance. In summer, short spikes of small, tubular, purplish white flowers appear amid the leaves. Dark blue berry-like fruits follow.
Dwarf lilyturf grows best in partial sun to shade and moist, humus-rich soil with good drainage. It will not tolerate wet soils. Towards the end of the winter season, the blade tips may begin to look tattered and brownish. The best way to rejuvenate is to mow or shear plants back. This is a versatile plant that looks great along walkways, bed edges or as a low groundcover. It can even be used to dress up a container planting. Variegated cultivars grow more slowly than green ones.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
7 - 10
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
8"-15" / 20.3cm - 38.1cm
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Width
12"-18" / 30.5cm - 45.7cm
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Bloom Time
Summer
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Native To
China, Japan, Korea
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam
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Tolerances
Salt
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Lavender
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Fruit Color
Blue Violet
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Edging, Groundcover, Lawns and Turf, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
