Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nippon’ (Asparagaceae)

mondo grassIMG_3933

(image from google images)

Common name: dwarf mondo grass

Size, form, texture: mature size 10 inches by 16 inches, evergreen ground cover, herbaceous perennial,

Hardiness, origin, native ecology: zone 7-10, brown tips on leaves in cold winter, shade tolerant, prefers partial to full shade but can tolerate sun, leaves will just get sunburnt, prefers moist well drained soil.

Bud, foliage, flower and fruit characteristics:  Narrow strip shaped leaves, grasslike texture, interesting appearance, white or pale purple flowers.

Cultural and maintenance requirements and appropriate uses in the landscape: Cannot tolerate being walked on, will get holes where people have stepped, good to plant in islands with moss, good as ground cover or in very front of borders.

Hosta sieboldiana ‘Elegans’ (Asparagaceae)

IMG_3489IMG_3911

Common name: seersucker hosta

Size, form, texture: height 2-3 ft, spread 3-4 ft, spreading ground cover,

Hardiness, origin, native ecology: open bed over winter, completely herbaceous, Z 4-9, prefers part to full shade, likes well drained soil and moist conditions, need to keep soil moist especially in hot, dry conditions.

Bud, foliage, flower and fruit characteristics: large heart shaped coarse textured leaves, with corrugation. Flowers are in white racemes, funnel shaped with purple tinge. Very attractive tropical looking plant.

Cultural and maintenance requirements and appropriate uses in the landscape: Low maintenance other than potential irrigation, pests include slugs etc, but not often an issue, dense foliage crowd out weeds, versatile and dependable. Good in shade garden, borders, in perennial border or in mass. Slow growing, takes time to reach mature form.

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