Ophiopogon and Liriope at Wairere Nursery

Ophiopogon and Liriope

AKA Lily Turf / Mondo Grass / Liriope The average gardener would be hard pressed to tell the difference between Liriope and Ophiopogon as they apear to be very similar which in fact they are. To assist you to make the correct choice for your garden design or planting scheme I will explain the main points of difference in simplistic terms. Liriope tends to have broader leaves than Ophiopogon. Liriope also forms a clump that more or less stays where it is put but gently increases in size. This means it is ideal for planting in rows or edging a path etc. Ophiopogon on the other hand tends to creep along the ground and pop up in a more random fashion. This is because of the underground creeping stolons or tubers. Ophiopogon are an excellent choice as a ground cover or rockery plant. It doesn't mean they should be excluded for edging as any unwanted apearances can be dealt with very easily and either discarded or used in another part of the garden. The flowers that apear in summer look similar. The main point of difference being that they are held above the foliage of Liriope and tend to be a little more hidden with Ophiopogon.

Now that we've got that sorted all you really need to know is that both these perennials are tough, hardy and easy to grow. They like a slightly acidic soil that is not too heavy (e.g. not clay) however, overall they are remarkably tolerant and adaptable. In our harsh afternoon sun you may notice a little leaf scorch but this will not cause great harm and once again the plants are remarkably able to adapt to their chosen position. However the best performance will be obtained if your plants are in morning sun or light shade. The clumps are evergreen and need little maintenance apart from the removal of untidy or scruffy foliage. In desperation neglected clumps can be cut back hard and new foliage will emerge quite quickly. Leaf colour ranges from black to dark green with attractive variegated options as well. The flowers come in white, pink and mauve shades and these are often followed by shiny little berries. Both Liriope and Ophiopogon are a landscaper's dream plant for adding definition and direction and for softening the edges of pathways, and are well worth considering for their easy care, good natured, low maintenance habit.

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9 LISTINGS FOR OPHIOPOGON-AND-LIRIOPE

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Liriope Evergreen Giant

aka Turf Lily

A very hardy evergreen clumping perennial. It has long strappy foliage that is a beautiful dark green and produces violet-purple flower spikes from mid Spring through to Autumn. Great for mass planting or borders. Easy to grow in sun or part shade. Evergreen.

Flower Colour: Purple
Habit: Bushy
Leaves: Evergreen, Green
Mature Size (HxW): Spreading

Liriope Evergreen Giant

Current Stock Height: 10/15 cm ?

Container: 1.9l ?

$26.99

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Liriope Monroe White

aka Turf Lily

A great little groundcover or edging plant. Grass-like dark green foliage that forms a clump and spreads. Spikes of dainty white flowers appear in summer and autumn followed by black berries. Drought and shade tolerant. Evergreen.

Best in full shade

Flower Colour: White
Habit: Clump Forming
Leaves: Evergreen, Green
Mature Size (HxW): Spreading

Liriope Monroe White

Current Stock Height: 5/10 cm ?

Container: 1.9l ?

$26.99

Liriope Monroe White

New stock expected Middle of May, 2025. Waitlist now. Estimated price TBA. Payment on order.

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Liriope Muscari

aka Turf Lily

A wonderful little perennial for mass planting or edging pathways or borders. Grass like glossy dark green foliage that quickly forms a clump and continues to spread. In summer stems of pretty little lavender blue flowers appear en masse. Easy to grow in sun or part shade. Evergreen.

Flower Colour: Lavender
Habit: Clump Forming
Leaves: Evergreen, Green
Mature Size (HxW): 30cm x spreads

Liriope Muscari

Current Stock Height: 5/10 cm ?

Container: 1l ?

$19.99

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Liriope Muscari Ena

aka Turf Lily

A wonderful little perennial for mass planting or edging pathways or borders. Grass like variegated foliage that quickly forms a clump and continues to spread. In summer stems of pretty little purple flowers appear en masse. Easy to grow in sun or part shade. Evergreen.

Flower Colour: Purple
Habit: Clump Forming
Leaves: Evergreen, Variegated
Mature Size (HxW): Spreading

Liriope Ena

Current Stock Height: 5/10 cm ?

Container: 1l ?

$18.99

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Liriope Royal Purple

aka Turf Lily

If you want a tough and easy to grow ground cover or edging plant then it would be hard to go past Liriope Royal Purple. Strong grass-like dark green foliage that forms a clump and spreads. Spikes of dainty purple flowers appear throughout summer. Tolerates sun or part shade. Evergreen

Flower Colour: Purple
Habit: Clump Forming
Leaves: Evergreen, Green
Mature Size (HxW): Spreading

Liriope Royal Purple

Current Stock Height: 10/15 cm ?

Container: 1l ?

$21.99

Liriope Royal Purple

Current Stock Height: 5/10 cm ?

Container: 1.9l ?

$26.99

Liriope Royal Purple

Expected Stock Height: 10/15 cm ?

New stock expected Middle of May, 2025. Waitlist now. Estimated price TBA. Payment on order.

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Ophiopogon Black Dragon

aka Mondo Grass

Black Mondo Grass. This unique perennial has distinctive stiff purple-black foliage which clumps together to form little mounds that can be used as a ground cover or edging. Small lilac flowers appear in summer followed by shiny black berries. Evergreen.

Flower Colour: Lavender
Habit: Clump Forming
Leaves: Evergreen, Brown
Mature Size (HxW): 25cm x spreadscm

Ophiopogon Black Dragon

Current Stock Height: 10/15 cm ?

Container: Tube ?

$6.99

20 @ $6.00 each

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Ophiopogon Japonicus (Mondo)

aka Mondo Grass

Great little ground cover with fine narrow dark green leaves that form soft mats that hug the ground. Trouble free and easy to grow. Palest mauve flowers hide amongst the foliage and are followed by little blue berries. Grow in full sun or part shade. Evergreen.

Flower Colour: Lavender
Habit: Clump Forming
Leaves: Evergreen, Green
Mature Size (HxW): Spreading

Ophiopogon Japonicus

Expected Stock Height: 01/05 cm ?

Currently sold out. Add to your waitlist to be advised when next in stock.

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Ophiopogon Nana (Dwf Mondo Grass)

aka Mondo Grass

A grass-like perennial that forms tactile little clumps of very fine foliage. The soft dense mats look fabulous along pathways or edges. Small flowers hide amongst the foliage and are followed by little berries. Grow in full sun or part shade. Evergreen.

Flower Colour: Lavender
Habit: Clump Forming
Leaves: Evergreen, Green
Mature Size (HxW): 20 cm x spreadscm

Ophiopogon Nana dwf

Current Stock Height: 01/05 cm ?

Container: tube ?

$6.99

20 @ $6.00 each

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Ophiopogon Planiscarpus

aka Mondo Grass

Rewarding perennial with green strappy foliage that forms a strong little clump and spreads well. Ideal for mass planting or using as an edge along borders and pathways. In summer pale mauve flowers appear and these are followed by attractive berries. Easy to grow. Evergreen.

Flower Colour: Lavender
Habit: Clump Forming
Leaves: Evergreen, Green
Mature Size (HxW): 25cm x spreadscm

Ophiopogon Planiscapus

Current Stock Height: 05/10 cm ?

Container: 2l ?

$14.99

Ophiopogon Planiscapus

Current Stock Height: 01/05 cm ?

Container: Tube ?

$6.99

20 @ $6.00 each

9 LISTINGS FOR OPHIOPOGON-AND-LIRIOPE

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HL Nurseries Limited t/a Wairere Nursery
826 Gordonton Road, R D 1, Hamilton 3281 Ph: (07) 824 3430 Email: