Ophiopogon japonicus (oh-fee-oh-POE-gon ja-PON-eh-cus )

Evergreen     Sun or shade        Height 8-10 Feet               Groundcover    Spacing 9 Feet

HABIT:  Low-growing, grasslike groundcover. Grows in clumps but spreads by rhizomes to form solid mass.

CULTURE:        Best in shade or partial shade but will grow in sun. Needs even moisture and regular fertilization. Mow down once a year in late winter just before the new growth breaks.

USES:              Low groundcover for small to medium size areas.

PROBLEMS:     Nematodes, rabbits.

NOTES:            A dwarf form, O. japonicus Nana,is very compact, dark green, and slow-growing. It should be planted at least 6inches on center. A black form exists that is expensive and extremely slow-growing. Native to Japan and Korea.