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Ophiopogon planiscapus Hosoba Kokuryu

Ophiopogon planiscapus Hosoba Kokuryu
Mondo Grass, Fountain Plant, Monkey Grass, Snake's beard

4,8/5
11 reviews
1 reviews
1 reviews
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Delighted with our purchase. Despite weeks of rain and water-saturated soil (we took care to lighten it at planting with compost and sand), they are beautiful accompanied by white hellebores. We will definitely order more.

Christelle , 26/11/2023

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This plant carries a 12 months recovery warranty

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Value-for-money
A new Ophiopogon planiscapus, dark purple with upright leaves. Pretty little lilac-coloured bells bring life to the foliage in July. This small perennial with the appearance of grasses eventually forms an original evergreen ground cover in shaded areas of the garden, even under trees. To be grown in well-draining, humus-rich, and slightly acidic soil, in a border, planter, or rockery.
Flower size
6 cm
Height at maturity
20 cm
Spread at maturity
30 cm
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade, Shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -15°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time March to May, September to October
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Flowering time July
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Description

Ophiopogon 'Hosoba Kokuryu' is a perennial rhizomatous plant, evergreen in mild climates, forming an upright clump of almost black narrow leaves. This small perennial slowly spreads and eventually forms an original ground cover in shady areas of the garden, even in summer when dried out by the roots of large trees. This dark carpet comes to life in summer with discreet small pink-lilac bells, followed by black berries. It also thrives well in pots, where it will elegantly dress the base of larger plants.

 

Ophiopogon is a genus native to shady thickets and wooded areas of China and Japan, belonging to the lily family. Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Hosoba Kokuryu', also known as Japanese lily of the valley or snake's beard, is a rhizomatous perennial with trailing roots, forming a dense and rather upright clump 20cm (8in) tall with a spread of 30cm (12in). Slow-growing, it gradually produces small daughter clumps at the periphery of its stump. Its foliage, similar to that of grasses, remains very dark throughout the year if the winter allows. It consists of thin, linear, upright leaves, 10 to 35cm (4 to 14in) long, almost black. In July, small campanulate flowers appear, 4 to 7mm (0in) long, pink-lilac, forming clusters 4 to 8cm (2 to 3in) long. This discreet flowering gives way to a fruiting in the form of fleshy spherical fruits, 3 to 5mm (0in) in diameter, slightly bluish black.

 

This pretty clump with beautiful black foliage, decorative in all seasons, is an excellent ground cover for humus-rich soil, even dry in summer. It withstands root competition and shaded areas, making it perfect when planted at the base of large trees or shrubs. Completely comfortable in non-burning sun, it will also find its place on a slope where its roots will help stabilize the soil. It adapts to all whims: as a border plant, in a shaded rock garden, in a pot, container or planter on a terrace. It works wonders in a scree garden or in a small Japanese garden. Bonsai enthusiasts use Ophiopogon as "Shitakusa" or "accent plants," which are plants presented with miniature trees to enhance their beauty. Hostas, violets, columbines, ferns, liverworts, as well as lilies of the valley, periwinkles, Heuchera, and spring bulbs will be good companions for this small black plant that goes well with almost anything. It will enhance the base of Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Bamboo, Nandina, and many other flowering or foliage shrubs.

Ophiopogon planiscapus Hosoba Kokuryu in pictures

Ophiopogon planiscapus Hosoba Kokuryu (Foliage) Foliage
Ophiopogon planiscapus Hosoba Kokuryu (Plant habit) Plant habit

Flowering

Flower colour mauve
Flowering time July
Inflorescence Cluster
Flower size 6 cm
Flowering description Small pink-lilac campanulate clusters.

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen
Foliage colour black
Foliage description Dark, almost black. Evergreen if winter not too harsh.

Plant habit

Height at maturity 20 cm
Spread at maturity 30 cm
Growth rate slow

Botanical data

Genus

Ophiopogon

Species

planiscapus

Cultivar

Hosoba Kokuryu

Family

Aparagaceae (Liliaceae)

Other common names

Mondo Grass, Fountain Plant, Monkey Grass, Snake's beard

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference850691

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Planting and care

This is a low-maintenance and robust young plant, requiring no care after planting, perfectly evergreen in regions with mild winters. It prefers a semi-shaded to shaded location. It also tolerates a sunny exposure, as long as the sun's rays are not too intense. Morning sun is preferable. Semi-hardy, it can tolerate temperatures down to -15°C (5°F), although its foliage may be damaged by the cold. In regions with harsh winters, it is strongly recommended to plant it in a sheltered location protected from heavy frosts and to mulch its base with a thick layer of dead leaves in autumn. It can withstand dry summer periods. Planting can be done in spring or autumn, in a light soil with little limestone, slightly acidic, rich in humus and clayey or sandy, well-drained, especially in winter. In cold climates with heavy and moist soil, it is recommended to prioritize planting from April to June. Multiplication can be done by dividing the clumps in spring. The seedlings should be spaced 20cm (8in) apart. Very resistant to diseases, its young foliage can however be attacked by slugs and snails.

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Planting period

Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time March to May, September to October

Intended location

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

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Disease resistance Very good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
4,8/5
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