Photo of Ophiopogon umbraticola 'Sparkler' foliage, fruit by Far Reaches Farm

Photo by Far Reaches Farm

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Ophiopogon umbraticola 'Sparkler'

Also Known As

  • Ophiopogon chingii 'Sparkler'
  • Lilyturf
  • Mondo Grass

Plant type

perennial, groundcover, grass / grass like

size

  • H: 4"-6"
  • W: 4"-6"

planting zones

  • 5a-10a

More Options

Ophiopogon umbraticola 'Sparkler' plant details

Ophiopogon umbraticola 'Sparkler' is an evergreen perennial groundcover grass (or grassy in appearance) with green foliage. In spring and summer white flowers emerge followed by blue fruit. Features grassy texture. Grows well with mostly sun - shade and even moisture - regular water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in acidic, alkaline, average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Ophiopogon umbraticola 'Sparkler'

Plant type: perennial groundcover grass (or grassy in appearance)
Plant family: asparagaceae, liliaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 4 IN - 6 IN - wide, 4 IN - 6 IN - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring and summer
Uses: container plant, easy-to-grow, edging plant, lawn alternative, miniature, pathway

GROWING CONDITIONS for Ophiopogon umbraticola 'Sparkler'

USDA Zones: 5a - 10a
Sun exposure: mostly sun - shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat, humidity and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: acidic, alkaline, average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Tidy tufts of thin, curly, dark green leaves in 4-6” mounds…the showiest flowers of the genus are lightest lavender, plentiful and held on stems above the foliage (like sparklers)…they are followed by amazing, jewel-like sapphire blue berries. Slow growing and well behaved non-running species. Tolerant of dry shade, tree roots and deer, rabbit resistant. When I fist saw this in bloom, I could not believe it was a Lily Grass! What’s not to love??
This is an indicator plant useful for delineating highly refined plant geeks. Perfection of scale and form with very narrow slightly curled leaves and delicate white flowers followed by improbably rich blue shiny fruit. Involuntary moaning is perfectly acceptable. Very slow clumper.

Gardening facts about Ophiopogon umbraticola 'Sparkler' plant

How to Grow Ophiopogon umbraticola 'Sparkler'

  • Sun Exposure

    • mostly sun - shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • acidic
    • alkaline
    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Fruit

    • blue
  • Flower Season

    • summer
    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • grassy
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