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Ophiopogon japonicus

6 Apr

Ophiopogon japonicus (23/03/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

Ophiopogon japonicus (23/03/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun to partial shade

Flowering period: Summer

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 30cm

Eventual Spread: 80cm

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

Family: Asparagaceae

Ophiopogon japonicus is an evergreen clump forming herbaceous perennial. Its dark green leaves are linear with entire margins, are up to 40cm long and 1cm broad. Its white/ pale lilac flowers are small and tubular and appear on short spikes. Its fruit is a blue berry and is up to 5mm across. Its roots are large stolons with tuberous roots, these enable its spread.

Ophiopogon japonicus, commonly known as Fountain Plant, Lilly Turf, Mondo Grass and Monkey Grass, is native to Japan and Korea. In its native habitat it grow in shady woodlands. This plant may spread readily given the right conditions.

The etymological root of the binomial name Ophiopogon is derived from the Greek name  ‘Ophis’ meaning ‘serpent’ and ‘Pogon’ meaning ‘beard’, in reference to its foliage. Japonica is derived from the Latin meaning ‘of Japan’.

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

Ecologically, Ophiopogon japonicus is attractive to pollinating and nectar loving insects.

Ophiopogon japonicus Leaf (23/03/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

Ophiopogon japonicus Leaf (23/03/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

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

Ophiopogon japonicus requires little maintenance. Large clumps may be divided in spring.

Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nanus’

11 Mar

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

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)

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.

Liriope muscari ‘Big Blue’

7 Oct

Liriope muscari 'Big Blue' flower (17/09/2011, London)

Liriope muscari ‘Big Blue’ flower (17/09/2011, London)

Position: Full sun to Partial shade

Flowering period: Late summer to autumn

Soil: Moist fertile soil

Eventual Height: 40 cm

Eventual Spread: 45 cm

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

Family: Asparagaceae

Liriope muscari ‘Big Blue’ is a slow growing tufted evergreen tuberous herbaceous perennial. The plant has grassy evergreen foliage which is dark green all year round and a clump forming habit. The arching leaves of the plant have a linear, strap like appearance. The small showy flowers occur on erect spikes and tiered whorls of dense violet-purple flowers rise above the leaves in late summer through to autumn. The flowers also have a globose habit and resemble the bloom of the grape hyacinth. The fruit is borne on a spike following the flowers in the form of single seeded berries. This plant spreads by short stolons.

Liriope muscari 'Big Blue' (17/09/2011, London)

Liriope muscari ‘Big Blue’ (17/09/2011, London)

Liriope muscari, commonly known as Lilyturf, Big Blue Lilyturf, Border Grass or Monkey Grass, is native to East Asia. In it’s natural habitat in China, Japan, and Korea it is an understory plant occurring in shady forests at elevations between 100m and 1400m. It is an easy plant to grow in areas with a similar native climate and is commonly used as ground-cover. The roots have often been used in traditional Chinese medicine. This genus was first described by Portuguese botanist Joao de Loureiro in the 18th century. Liriope muscari is synonymous with Liriope platyphylla. 

The etymological root of the binomial name Liriope is derived from the Latin Liriope being a fountain nymph in Roman mythology. The variety name muscari is in reference to the similarity of this genus’ flowers to those of the Muscari genus.

The landscape architect may find Liriope muscari ‘Big Blue’ useful as an effective ground cover plant and one which will tolerate shady conditions. It makes an effective edge to paths and low shrub borders due to it’s compact nature.  It also can be established on steep slopes where erosion control is needed.

Ecologically, Liriope muscari ‘Big Blue’, is attractive slugs and snails, but other than that Liriope is said to possess little ecological value. 

Liriope platyphylla (18,02,2012, Kew, London)

Liriope muscari ground cover (18,02,2012, Kew, London)

Liriope muscari ‘Big Blue’ prefers soils which are moist and fertile but well drained. The can be either sandy, loamy or clay soil as long as they are not waterlogged. The plant can tolerate acidic, basic and neutral soils.

The Royal Horticultural Society has given Liriope muscari ‘Big Blue’ their prestigious Award of Garden Merit 1993.

Liriope muscari ‘Big Blue’ requires little maintenance. Old leaves may be cut back in winter. Large clumps of this perennial may be divided during late autumn to early spring.