Ophiopogon clarkei

Common Names

Mondo Grass, Himalayan Mondo Grass, Lily Turf, Clark's Lily Turf

Summary

An evergreen, dense groundcover with a low, rhizomatous habit reaching about 8–12 inches in height, and arching dark green narrow leaves; native to forests, scrub forests, cliffs, and streamsides in the East Himalaya region, including NE India, Sikkim, Nepal, Bhutan, east Xizang, and NW Yunnan, at elevations of 6,500–11,500 feet; in summer, short racemes of small lilac-tinged white flowers appear, followed by dark purple berries, giving a grassy texture and distinctive seasonal color; it forms a ground-cover with a more open, taller habit than the denser Mondo Grass.

Cultivation favors full sun to light shade with regular watering, tolerating occasional irrigation once established; hardy to below 0°F and suited to USDA zones 7–10; it spreads moderately via rhizomes, is not invasive and does not move into drier soils; uses include ground cover, edging plant, lawn alternative, container plant, and weed suppression; it is deer- and rabbit-resistant.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

4-8 inches

Spread

10-12 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 7-10

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Average, gritty, rich, well-drained and moist soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Summer

Foliage Color

Dark green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Growth Rate

Slow spreading

Seasons of Interest

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Propagation Methods

Rhizomes, Runners