Plants in genus ophiopogon
Ophiopogon japonicus
Ophiopogon japonicus, an evergreen perennial, is known for its grass-like leaves and clusters of small white or blue flowers. It grows well in partial to full shade and is ideal for use as a groundcover.
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana'
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana', also known as Dwarf Mondo Grass, is a short evergreen perennial with tufted, grass-like dark green leaves. It grows to a height of 2-3 inches and produces small white flower spikes in early summer, followed by blueberries in autumn. This plant is often used as ground cover, between stepping stones, or for border planting, and is a staple in Japanese gardens. It is not a true aquatic plant but can survive underwater for short periods, making it suitable for terrariums.
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Gyoku Ryu'
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Gyoku Ryu' is a dwarf mondo grass cultivar with thick, dark green foliage forming a tight mat. This evergreen groundcover is used in traditional Chinese medicine and is ideal for shaded areas.
Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Kokuryu'
Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Kokuryu' is a groundcover plant with truly black foliage that forms a circular mound. It spreads slowly by rhizomes, creating an 18-inch wide mat in three years. This easy-to-grow plant is ideal for adding contrast to gardens.
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Bluebird'
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Bluebird' is a super-dwarf mondo grass forming tight clumps resembling golf balls. Discovered in the late '70s, it is ideal for rock gardens and thrives in part sun to shade.
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Aritaki'
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Aritaki', commonly known as Mondo grass, is a plant with white and green striped narrow leaves. It is brighter in early spring and becomes more subtle in summer, adding year-round interest to gardens. This plant thrives in part sun to shade and is well-suited for rain gardens or as a groundcover in shaded areas. Ophiopogon japonicus is a versatile addition to any garden, providing texture and color to garden borders or pathways.
Ophiopogon umbraticola
Ophiopogon umbraticola, a fine-textured mondo grass from southern China, features curly tufts of narrow green blades. It blooms with tiny white flowers in late June, followed by cobalt blue fruit in October. This plant is hardy through Zone 5 winters and is ideal for adding texture to gardens.
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Tuff Tuft Silver'
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Tuff Tuft Silver' is a clump-forming mondo grass discovered in Sichuan, China. It forms 8-inch tall by 15-inch wide evergreen clumps and produces short pendent spikes of silvery white flowers in early June. This plant is suitable for ground cover in shaded garden areas, providing year-round interest with its dense foliage and seasonal blooms.
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Variegatus'
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Variegatus' is an evergreen groundcover with white-striped foliage. It spreads easily and is suitable for part sun to shade conditions. This plant is native to Japan and is often used in rain gardens and shade perennials.
Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Black Beard'
This plant forms a large 1-foot tall clump and is tighter and faster-growing than Ophiopogon 'Arabicus'. It is a robust choice for ground cover in gardens.
Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'
Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens', also known as Black Mondo Grass, is an evergreen plant with near-black foliage and lavender-white flowers in summer. It produces black berries in fall and is resistant to deer and rabbits. This drought-tolerant plant handles light foot traffic and prefers full sun to partial shade.
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Tears Of Gold'
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Tears Of Gold' is a clump-forming plant with narrow green foliage streaked with gold. Occasionally, it produces all-green or solid gold leaves. This plant thrives in part sun to shade and is suitable for dry shade gardens. It is native to Japan and adds a unique texture to garden landscapes.
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Shiroshima Ryu'
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Shiroshima Ryu', a Japanese selection of mondo grass, is known for its striking white-striped leaves that add a dramatic vertical element to gardens. This perennial works well as a groundcover, particularly in woodland settings, where it can lighten up darker areas. It thrives in part sun to shade and is suitable for dry shade conditions, making it a versatile choice for various garden environments. This plant is hardy in USDA zones 6a to 10b, offering a reliable option for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance, ornamental grass with unique foliage.
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Comet'
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Comet' is a striking perennial known for its narrow foliage with vertical white stripes. This plant can form a 3-foot-wide patch over five years in rich soil, making it an excellent groundcover. It is well-suited for woodland gardens, where it can lighten the garden floor with its bright foliage. 'Comet' is adaptable to various light conditions, thriving in part sun to shade. It is also drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners. This evergreen perennial is ideal for cottage gardens, fairy gardens, and living walls. Its unique patterned foliage adds visual interest to any landscape.
Ophiopogon jaburan 'Vittatus'
Ophiopogon jaburan 'Vittatus', or giant clumping mondo grass, features striped green and white leaves. It grows up to 30 inches tall and 6 feet wide, producing white flowers in August and cobalt blue fruit from October to December.
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Seoulitary Man'
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Seoulitary Man' is a striking plant discovered on Korea's Ulleung Island. It forms a narrow leaf clump up to 12 inches tall and 20 inches wide, with light lavender flowers in spring and bright blue berries in fall. This plant is ideal for woodland gardens and thrives in part sun to shade.
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Tuff Tuft Lavender'
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Tuff Tuft Lavender' is a perennial with very thin, dark evergreen foliage that forms a 20-inch tall clump. It produces dense clusters of mauvy lavender flowers in June and July, adding a splash of color to shaded garden areas. This plant is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, making it a low-maintenance choice for groundcover or border planting.
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Fuiri Gyoku Ryu'
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Fuiri Gyoku Ryu' is a rare, miniature mondo grass that forms 3-inch tall clumps with green leaves and creamy gold stripes. This non-invasive groundcover is ideal for fairy gardens or bonsai containers, spreading to a 1-foot wide patch in 5 years.
Ophiopogon bodinieri 'Tarrvs 200'
Ophiopogon bodinieri 'Tarrvs 200' is a plant collected in Tibet at an elevation of 10,000 feet. It features very narrow, upright dark green leaves that grow up to 10 inches long. This slowly-spreading plant produces small bell-shaped white flowers in mid-May. It is drought-tolerant and thrives in dry shade, making it ideal for rock gardens and groundcover.
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Snow Globe'
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Snow Globe' is a tiny ground-covering plant with 2-inch tall rosettes of green and white striped leaves. It forms a dense carpet, making it suitable for Japanese-style shade gardens or bonsai containers. This plant's compact size and striking foliage make it an excellent choice for adding texture and interest to small garden spaces.
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Super Dwarf'
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Super Dwarf' is a miniature plant forming tiny tufts of narrow, green foliage, reaching only 1.5 inches tall and 5 inches wide. This slow-spreading plant is one-third the size of Ophiopogon 'Gyoku Ryu', making it ideal for small spaces or as a ground cover. It thrives in part sun to light shade and is well-suited for dry shade gardens and xeriscaping.