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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6 LISTINGS
If you want a tough and easy to grow ground cover or edging plant then it would be hard to go past Liriope Blue Skies. Strong grass-like dark green foliage that forms a clump and spreads. Spikes of dainty light blue flowers appear throughout summer. Tolerates sun or part shade. Evergreen.
Habit: Clump forming
Est. Hgt/Wdth in 7/10 yrs: 40cm x spreads
Liriope Blue Skies
Container: 1.5l ?
$14.99
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: 40cm x spreads
Liriope Monroe White
Current Stock Height: 5 cm
Container: 1.3l ?
$16.99
.jpg "Ophiopogon Japonicus (Mondo)")
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.
Habit: Clump forming
Est. Hgt/Wdth in 7/10 yrs: 20cm x spreads
Ophiopogon Japonicus (Mondo Grass)
$4.99
Ophiopogon Japonicus
Current Stock Height: 10 cm
Container: tube ?
$4.99
Extremely dwarf form of this 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.
Habit: Clump forming
Est. Hgt/Wdth in 7/10 yrs: 10cm x spreads
Ophiopogon Kyoto Dwarf
Current Stock Height: 0/5 cm ?
Container: tube ?
$6.99
.jpg "Ophiopogon Nana (Dwf 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 Mondo)
Current Stock Height: 5 cm
$4.99
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: