Ophiopogon intermedius (09/02/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Flowering period: Summer
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 30cm
Eventual Spread: 30cm
Hardiness: 8b – 11
Family: Asparagaceae
Ophiopogon intermedius is a slow low growing evergreen herbaceous perennial. Its mid green leaves are grass like, tufted, up to 40cm long and 1cm broad. Its white/ purple flowers are bell shaped, appear as a reduced panicle which is up to 16cm tall. Its fruit is a blue/ purple berry. Its roots are short rhizomes which aids it spread.
Ophiopogon intermedius, commonly known as the Lilyturf, is native to south east China, north south-east Asia and the Indian subcontinent. In its native habitat it grows in mixed forests and scrub and other moist shady places.
The etymological root of the binomial name Ophiopogon is derived from the Greek name ‘Ophis’ a serpent and ‘Pogon’ a beard which refers to the plants foliage. Intermedius is derived from the Latin inter meaning ‘between’ and medius meaning ‘middle’.
The landscape architect may find Ophiopogon intermedius useful as a low growing evergreen ground cover plant. Once established this plant is drought tolerant. This plant is not attractive to deer.
Ecologically, Ophiopogon intermedius flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.
Ophiopogon intermedius Leaf (09/02/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Ophiopogon intermedius prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It will tolerate wet soils.
Ophiopogon intermedius requires little maintenance. Clumps may be divided in spring.