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Click for previous Image Image 1 of 2 Ophiopogon japonicus Mondo Grass

1st year - newly potted from a tube tray

Ophiopogon japonicus 'Aritaki'

Mondo Grass

Plant Type:

GRASSES & GRASS-LIKE PLANTS

Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Aritaki’ – is a very fine, grassy, narrow-bladed form with abundant longitudinal ivory white stripes on each green to gray-green blade. The mid to late season spikes of whitish lavender flowers give way to large gloriously glossy porcelain blue berries – just stunning among the variegated leaves. ‘Aritaki’ is a perennial of great merit and easy disposition. Spring planting is advised if you are to attempt them in the north. It makes a very nice potted plant. I am personally partial to this exceptional form. And those fruits studded among the leaves in fall and winter - well, 'Aritaki' elates my spirit whenever it comes into view. Lending itself as an edger, a mat or a groundcover, this would make another very fine potted "palette cleanser" set between specimen bonsai. Plant it in full to part sun in fertile, draining soil.


Height:

6 in

Colors:

Lavender

Zone:

(6a)6b to 9
What is my hardiness zone?

Characteristics and Attributes for Ophiopogon japonicus 'Aritaki'

Season of Interest (Flowering)

  • Summer

Season of Interest (Foliage)

  • Four Seasons

Autumn Interest

  • Fruit / Berries / Seed Heads

Nature Attraction

  • Honey Bees & Native Bees

Light

  • Mostly Sunny
  • Full Sun

Attributes

  • Border
  • Massing
  • Labyrinth
  • Drought Tolerant
  • Potted Plant
  • Bank
  • Edging
  • Evergreen
  • Greenhouse / Alpine House
  • Ground Cover
  • Bonsai Candidate

Growth Rate in the Garden

  • Moderately Fast

Origins

  • Japan

Propagated By

  • Division

Genus Overview: Ophiopogon

Common Name: Mondo Grass

The Mondo Grasses make beautiful grass-like ground covering blankets adaptable to sun in the north, happier in part to open shade farther south. They are not grasses at all; in fact, they are members of the Liliaceae as is Liriope with which they are closely allied. Plant the virtually evergreen Mondo Grasses in fertile soil for best growth. Once established they do demonstrate drought tolerance. Spring planting is advised if you are to attempt them in the north range. Ophiopogon spreads moderately fast and is a colonizing plant. All of the following are offered by pot grown division.