Family: Convallariaceae
Common Name: Lilyturf, Mondo Grass

Originating from the Philippines, China and Japan, some of these 20 species of low-growing, evergreen, stemless perennials have become very popular in recent years as groundcover and edging plants. They also make attractive pot plants. The foliage is grass-like, the flowers vary from white to mauve and the tiny berries can be blue or blueish green.

Species

O. jaburan, snakebeard, from Japan, grows to 60 cm (24 in), with white flowers and violet-blue berries. Cultivars with variegated leaves and purple flowers similar to grape hyacinth are available.

O. japonicas, mondo grass, grows to 35 cm (14 in), with dark green foliage, white or mauve flowers and blue berries.

O. planiscapus, zone 6, to 20 cm (8 in), has slender foliage, and produces white or mauve flowers and blue berries. Cultivar 'Nigrescens' has foliage which becomes almost black at maturity.

Cultivation

Tolerant of a wide range of soils, these plants will grow in sun or shade. Better foliage colour is obtained in shade or partial shade. Regular watering during hot weather maintains best appearance. Propagate by divi­sion of the plants in late winter or spring.

Climate

Zone 7, unless otherwise specified below.