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.
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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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7 LISTINGS
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 (Tony)
Habit: Clump forming
Est. Hgt/Wdth in 7/10 yrs: 20cm x spreadscm
Liriope Monroe White
Current Stock Height: 5/15 cm ?
Container: 1.9l ?
$19.99
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.
Habit: Clump forming
Est. Hgt/Wdth in 7/10 yrs: 30cm x spreads
Liriope Muscari
New stock expected soon. Pre-order now. Estimated price $21.99 each. Payment when stock arrives.
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.
Habit: Clump forming
Est. Hgt/Wdth in 7/10 yrs: 40cm x spreadscm
Liriope Royal Purple
Current Stock Height: 5/10 cm ?
Container: 1.9l ?
$19.99
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.
Habit: Clump forming
Est. Hgt/Wdth in 7/10 yrs: 25cm x spreads
Ophiopogon Black Dragon
Current Stock Height: 10/15 cm ?
Container: Tube ?
$6.99
.jpg "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.
Habit: Clump forming
Est. Hgt/Wdth in 7/10 yrs: 5cm
Ophiopogon Nana dwf
Stock currently unavailable. Pre-order new season stock. No payment required.
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.
Habit: Clump forming
Est. Hgt/Wdth in 7/10 yrs: 25cm x spreads
Ophiopogon Planiscapus
Current Stock Height: 10/15 cm ?
Container: Tube ?
$4.99
aka Lily Turf or Mondo Grass
A wonderful landscaping plant that can be used for edging or as a ground-cover. The narrow green leaves are highlighted with a fine white variegation and form a tight little clump. Dainty pale lavender flowers appear in summer but really, it's all about the foliage. Looks best in filtered light. Evergreen.
Habit: Clump forming
Est. Hgt/Wdth in 7/10 yrs: 25cm x spreads
Ophiopogon Silver Mist
Current Stock Height: 10/15 cm ?
Container: 1.3l ?
$12.99
Wairere Nursery
826 Gordonton Road, R D 1, Hamilton 3281 Ph: (07) 824 3430 Email: