Ophiopogon planiscapus Hosoba Kokuryu

Ophiopogon 'Hosoba Kokuryu' is a perennial rhizomatous plant, evergreen in mild climates, forming an upright clump of almost black narrow leaves. This small perennial slowly spreads and eventually forms an original ground cover in shady areas of the garden, even in summer when dried out by the roots of large trees. This dark carpet comes to life in summer with discreet small pink-lilac bells, followed by black berries. It also thrives well in pots, where it will elegantly dress the base of larger plants.

Ophiopogon is a genus native to shady thickets and wooded areas of China and Japan, belonging to the lily family. Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Hosoba Kokuryu', also known as Japanese lily of the valley or snake's beard, is a rhizomatous perennial with trailing roots, forming a dense and rather upright clump 20cm (8in) tall with a spread of 30cm (12in). Slow-growing, it gradually produces small daughter clumps at the periphery of its stump. Its foliage, similar to that of grasses, remains very dark throughout the year if the winter allows. It consists of thin, linear, upright leaves, 10 to 35cm (4 to 14in) long, almost black. In July, small campanulate flowers appear, 4 to 7mm (0in) long, pink-lilac, forming clusters 4 to 8cm (2 to 3in) long. This discreet flowering gives way to a fruiting in the form of fleshy spherical fruits, 3 to 5mm (0in) in diameter, slightly bluish black.

This pretty clump with beautiful black foliage, decorative in all seasons, is an excellent ground cover for humus-rich soil, even dry in summer. It withstands root competition and shaded areas, making it perfect when planted at the base of large trees or shrubs. Completely comfortable in non-burning sun, it will also find its place on a slope where its roots will help stabilize the soil. It adapts to all whims: as a border plant, in a shaded rock garden, in a pot, container or planter on a terrace. It works wonders in a scree garden or in a small Japanese garden. Bonsai enthusiasts use Ophiopogon as "Shitakusa" or "accent plants," which are plants presented with miniature trees to enhance their beauty. Hostas, violets, columbines, ferns, liverworts, as well as lilies of the valley, periwinkles, Heuchera, and spring bulbs will be good companions for this small black plant that goes well with almost anything. It will enhance the base of Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Bamboo, Nandina, and many other flowering or foliage shrubs.