Probably the best looking and easiest to grow lily turf species for our climate. Tightly clumping deep green grasslike mounds of foliage are good looking YEAR ROUND- no scorching or freeze burn. To 8″ tall x 10″ wide eventually it thrives in quite a bit of shade to even sun if irrigation is consistent. Loves heavy clay soils and will happily live in standing water for part of the year. Established plants (1-2 years) are much more drought resistant even in full sun. The glossy leaves are just 3mm wide and 10cm long. In summer masses of white flowers appear within the foliage. These turn into masses of large, vivid sky blue berries which are showy well into winter. Excellent for massing (plant on 8″ centers) for a small scale ground cover. For this application it plays to amend the soil with compost and all organic fertilizer to speed growth and establishment. Excellent as a marginal plant near natural ponds and creeks. Very deer resistant. Native to eastern China.
Ophiopogon umbraticola
Family: Ruscaceae Genus: Ophiopogon
Plant type: Grass or Grass-like, Herbaceous perennial
Biomes/Growing conditions: Deer Resistance, Dry Shade, Low Water/No Water, Mesic, Oregon Coast
USDA Hardiness zone: Zn6a -5º to -10ºF
Foliage color: Dark Green