Ophiopogon japonicus

The Ophiopogon japonicus Minor is an elegant evergreen ground cover with low-growing, grass-like foliage, very decorative under trees, along pathways, or in non-trafficked and semi-shaded areas of the garden. Its dark green, shiny grass-like leaves are adorned with discreet white flowers in late summer, followed by stunning turquoise berries, which have earned it the name 'turquoise grass'. It also grows well in pots, serving as a backdrop for flowering plants.

The Ophiopogon japonicus 'Minor' is a dwarf form of this trailing rhizomatous perennial native to Japan and Korea. It belongs to the family Convallariaceae and is a distant cousin of our Lily of the Valley. This plant grows in dense, spreading clumps that barely exceed 10cm (4in) in height but slowly extend without a theoretical limit. The growth of this 'Minor' form is slightly faster than that of the species Ophiopogon japonicus. The foliage usually persists throughout the year but can be damaged during particularly harsh winters without endangering the plant. The ribbon-like, leathery leaves are a beautiful dark green colour. Flowering occurs in July-August. The small, insignificant whitish flowers, borne on short stems, do not exceed the foliage. They are replaced by decorative pea-sized turquoise blue fruits, which persist for several weeks. Once established, this perennial requires no maintenance.

Hardy and robust, the Ophiopogon japonicus Minor has a long lifespan, and its ease of cultivation makes it a popular choice in gardens. Its main enemy is limestone. Plant Ophiopogon 'Minor' in partial shade, rich, light, and moist soil. Unlike grass, it cannot tolerate foot traffic, so plant it at the edge of woodlands, in fresh rockeries, between paving stones, or as a border in a Japanese-style garden. In a very Japanese-inspired setting, this low-growing ground cover can be planted in front of a mass of Giant Lilyturf (Liriope muscari), semi-shade Sedge (Carex), or All Gold Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa All Gold), for example.