Ophiopogon jaburan Albo Variegata

Ophiopogon 'Albo Variegata' is sometimes sold under the names Ophiopogon japonicus 'Albo Variegata' or Ophiopogon jaburan 'Albo Variegata'. It is a lovely variety with variegated foliage and white flowers derived from this small perennial plant called Snake's Tongue or Japanese Lilyturf. It forms a spreading clump of long, decorative leaves in winter, which are adorned with discreet floral spikes in summer, followed by small fruits of varying shades of blue. This Ophiopogon slowly colonizes the soil at the base of trees, in borders or flower beds, always in partially shaded areas.

Ophiopogon is a genus native to shaded thickets and wooded areas of China and Japan, belonging to the lily family. Ophiopogon japonicus 'Albo Variegata' is a slow-growing rhizomatous perennial with trailing roots, forming a clump 20cm (8in) tall and spreading to 30cm (12in). The plant gradually forms small scattered clumps. Its foliage, which somewhat resembles that of grasses, consists of linear, ribbon-like, and arching leaves, rough-textured, measuring 10 to 20cm (4 to 8in) in length, dark green with creamy white margins. From July, sometimes late August depending on the region, small campanulate flowers appear, measuring 4 to 7mm (0in) in length, white in colour, arranged in clusters 4 to 8cm (2 to 3in) long, borne on channelled flat stems often shorter than the foliage. This discreet flowering is followed by the development of fleshy spherical fruits, measuring 3 to 5mm (0in) in diameter, evolving from blue to bluish-black, clearly visible against the light-coloured foliage.

Over time, this Ophiopogon 'Albo Variegata' forms a very bright ground cover, easy to grow in partial shade in preferably non-calcareous humus-rich soil. Tolerating root competition and shaded areas, it will be perfect when planted at the base of tall trees or bushes. It will also find its place on a slightly shaded slope where its roots will stabilize the soil. Multiple other uses are possible: as a border plant, in a rock garden, in a pot, container, or on a terrace. Its traditional use remains in a scree garden or a small Japanese garden. Enthusiasts of bonsai use them as "Kusamono," which are plants presented with miniature trees to enhance their beauty. This Ophiopogon can be combined with Violets, Columbines, Ferns, spring bulbs, etc. It will perfectly complement the base of Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Bamboos, Roses, and many flowering shrubs.