Ophiopogon

Family. Liliaceae.

Origin. Japan and China.

Description. Ophiopogon is a small genus of evergreen, perennial, herbaceous plants that includes about 50 species. It is characterized by long, belt-shaped leaves up to 60 cm long, collected in a basal rosette. Leaf shades range from standard green to white, yellowish and dark purple, almost black. The leaves of some species have longitudinal stripes. Flowers appear in the center of the bush, on leafless peduncles from 25 to 40 cm high; they can be white or lilac, but are often lost in the foliage. After flowering, round berries of an unusually bright blue or light blue color are formed.

Height. The height of ophiopogon depends on the specific species and can range from 10 cm to 1 m; the plant develops very quickly.

Planting and care

Growing 

These plants do not require special care and are well suited for beginning gardeners. 

Reproduction

In the spring, large hummocks are divided into several parts, and each division should have its own roots and 8 - 10 leaves.

Flowering time

Spring.

Growing conditions - temperature

Ophiopogon can withstand a wide range of temperatures, but tends to be kept cool. Ideally, it should be kept at a temperature of 13 to 18 ° C; as temperature conditions increase, the frequency of watering and air humidity should be increased. Do not expose the plant to temperatures below 10°C during the winter months. 

Lighting

Well-lit location without direct sunlight. Ophiopogon can be successfully grown in partial shade, but it will bloom reluctantly. Variegated varieties need good lighting.

Soil 

Nutritious, moist, humus-rich soil with good drainage and slightly acidic pH. A mixture of garden soil with leaf humus or peat, with the addition of coarse sand to improve drainage, is suitable for growing.

Fertilizer

During the growing season, feed with liquid fertilizers every 2 weeks. During the dormant period, feeding is stopped.

Spraying

In spring and summer, air humidity should be high - place ophiopogon on a tray with damp pebbles or use a room humidifier.

Watering

During the growing season, dry the top layer of soil between waterings. In winter, just try not to dry out the earthen ball completely.

Transfer

The transplant is carried out in the spring, every year, when the root system is in the pot.

Pests and diseases

Leaves turn yellow when overwatered and insufficiently drained. Species with variegated leaves may lose color when grown in partial shade.

Among the harmful insects that appear are spider mites that appear when kept too dry, as well as thrips and whiteflies.  When kept outdoors, slugs and snails may appear.

Purpose

Ophiopogon forms attractive tussocks and can be used as a ground cover. 

Note

Ophiopogon lives indoors for a very long time if it is periodically renewed by division. The plant has phytoncidal properties and is capable of killing airborne pathogens. 

Varieties:

Ophiopogon japonicus

Ground cover, perennial, evergreen, herbaceous plant with long, narrow, basal leaves up to 20 - 40 cm. In the warm season, it forms low thin peduncles with several small white or lilac flowers. When pollinated after flowering, round, bright, glossy blue berries appear. 

Ophiopogon japonicus minor

A miniature variation of the Japanese ophiopogon, the leaves of which reach a length of only 10 - 12 cm. The plant height does not exceed 8 - 10 cm and forms a dense grass cover with age. The flowers are white or light lilac, over time turning into purple or dark blue berries.

Ophiopogon japonicus Silver Mist

A slow-growing herbaceous perennial with arched, green leaves with longitudinal, narrow, silvery stripes. Plants reach a height of 30 cm and form fairly dense tussocks with age. The flowers are white, small, and do not attract much attention. 

Ophiopogon planiscapus

Decorative deciduous perennial 20 - 30 cm high with basal, rather short, glossy, dark green leaves. Develops slowly. The peduncles are low, erect, thin, bearing white or lilac, drooping, bell-shaped flowers at the tops. 

Ophiopogon planiscapus Niger

Plants with dark, bluish-violet, glossy, gracefully arched leaves 20 - 35 cm long. Young leaves can be colored green, but with age they darken and turn purple. The height of the plant is 15 - 20 cm. During the flowering period, the bushes throw out low flower stalks with soft lilac flowers. 

Ophiopogon jaburan

Decorative deciduous perennials with belt-shaped glossy leaves painted green. Currently, variegated forms with longitudinal light stripes on the leaves have been developed. Plants reach a height of 45 cm, and older specimens can grow up to 70 cm. The peduncles are thin, arched, bearing many small, bell-shaped, white flowers at the tops. The berries are glossy and blue.