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Value-for-money

Ophiopogon japonicus

Ophiopogon japonicus Minor
Muguet du Japon, Ophiopogon du Japon, Herbe aux turquoises

4,5/5
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Arrival of this little tiller of ophiopogon after a day of travel, well packed and moist in its own box (the package contained several plants). After an afternoon to let it recover, it was placed at the base of a Japanese azalea in the company of its "negris" cousins. I had trouble knowing if it was happy because unlike the black variant that produces new leaves in bright green, this one is green on green. But after a month and a half, I'm sure it feels at home here because it's flowering! :) Delighted with my purchase! ^^ Thank you very much!

Christelle, 21/06/2021

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This plant carries a 12 months recovery warranty

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Value-for-money
A low-growing perennial plant with evergreen foliage, very dark and shiny green, which does not exceed 10cm (4in) in height. Its flowering is discreet and gives way to pretty turquoise berries. It is often used as ground cover in partially shaded garden areas, at the foot of trees and in non-trafficked areas. It is a small, sturdy, and vigorous plant that will spread in light, humus-rich, moist, non-calcareous soil.
Height at maturity
10 cm
Spread at maturity
15 cm
Exposure
Partial shade, Shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -15°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time March to April
Recommended planting time February to April, September to November
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Flowering time July to August
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Description

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.

Ophiopogon japonicus in pictures

Ophiopogon japonicus (Flowering) Flowering
Ophiopogon japonicus (Foliage) Foliage
Ophiopogon japonicus (Plant habit) Plant habit

Flowering

Flower colour white
Flowering time July to August
Inflorescence Cluster

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen
Foliage colour dark green

Plant habit

Height at maturity 10 cm
Spread at maturity 15 cm
Growth rate very slow

Botanical data

Genus

Ophiopogon

Species

japonicus

Cultivar

Minor

Family

Convallariaceae (Lilliaceae)

Other common names

Muguet du Japon, Ophiopogon du Japon, Herbe aux turquoises

Origin

Southeast Asia

Product reference839108

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Planting and care

Grow Ophiopogon japonicus Minor in any fresh, partially shaded, humus-rich, lime-free soil in milder winter regions. During periods of severe cold, you can cover the clump with a litter layer of dead leaves, but only for a few days; otherwise, the foliage will suffer from overcrowding. If the foliage turns brown due to the cold, do not remove it, as it protects the stump of the plant. While it establishes itself, carefully weed and water if necessary. Make sure to protect young plants from slugs and snails in spring. Once well established, this Ophiopogon requires no maintenance.

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Planting period

Best planting time March to April
Recommended planting time February to April, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Shaded rockery, Woodland edge, Undergrowth
Type of use Edge of border, Container
Hardiness Hardy down to -15°C (USDA zone 7b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 9 per m2
Exposure Partial shade, Shade
Soil pH Acidic, Neutral
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, humus-bearing and well-drained

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Disease resistance Very good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
4,5/5
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