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How to grow ophiopogon
- BBC Gardeners' World Magazine
Published: Friday, 3 October 2025 at 6:17 pm
Grow healthy, evergreen ophiopogons, with the help of our start-to-finish Grow Guide.
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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.
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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 and snowdrops.
Where to grow ophiopogon
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.
When to plant ophiopogon
Ophiopogon planted with Hosta, Asplenium scolopendrium, and Dichondra. Jason Ingram
Ophiopogon is best planted in spring so plants need less watering and are well established before winter.
How to plant ophiopogon
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.
How to care for ophiopogon
Ophiopogon aff. caulescens. Torie Chugg
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.
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.
How to propagate ophiopogon
Dividing an Ophiopogon clump. Sarah Cuttle
Propagate ophiopogon by dividing in spring as the plant comes into growth. Simply dig up and pull apart the plant to create new ones.
Pests and diseases
Ophiopogon does not suffer from diseases, but slugs may be attracted to new spring growth.
Advice on buying ophiopogon
- Ophiopogon is often available from garden centres but you'll find a greater range of varieties at specialist nurseries, and online
- Always inspect plants for signs of damage or disease before buying or planting
Where to buy ophiopogon online
Ophiopogon varieties to grow
Ophiopogon japonicus. Torie Chugg
Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Kokuryū', previously known as 'Nigrescens', is the most popular cultivar. It's also known as ‘Black Dragon’, ‘Ebony Knight’, or ‘Arabicus’. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it the Award of Garden Merit (AGM). Height x Spread: 20cm x 30cm
Ophiopogon 'Black Beard' is another dark variety, but slightly taller, growing to 25cm. Flowers are white with a flush or purple, followed by berries in autumn. H x S: 25cm x 50cm
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Minor' is a very compact form of ophiopogon. The leaves are evergreen, growing to 10cm, and the flowers are pale lilac. H x S: 10cm x 50cm
Ophiopogon planiscapus has evergreen foliage that makes good ground cover. It suits full sun or dry shade. White flowers appear in summer, followed by blue berries. H x S: 20cm x 30cm
Frequently asked questions
Will ophiopogon grow in shade?
Ophiopogon is good for humus-rich soil in partial shade. It works well in dappled shade under deciduous trees and looks fantastic planted alongside late winter- and spring-flowering bulbs.
Does ophiopogon spread?
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Ophiopogon will spread if it’s in ideal conditions, but only relatively slowly, so it shouldn't be a problem. If plants spread into unsuitable areas, simply dig them up and replant elsewhere.
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