Tight growing and compact this Ophiopogon intermedius with its linear grass like foliage is a good ground cover plant with high drought tolerance. Once planted it will take several seasons to settle and establish. Through good cultivation the clumps will fuse together providing an impenetrable barrier to other vegetation seeking to colonise the area. Fresh new growth shoots up vertically, the plant splits easily so a good gardener will rapidly increase the size of the colony.

With a wide distribution through the Himalayas to Indochina this species colonises forest margins. It produces plentiful flower spikes with pearly white buds that open to a clear pure white.

Rainfall facts from Bruce who records the weather at RBGE: The total rainfall for June 2012 was 142.8mm. This is almost twice last year’s 76.6mm.For June 2010 we received 41.5mm and for June 2009, 32.1mm.You have to go back as far as 1997 to find an equivalent rainfall of 148.5mm. Interestingly that very wet June was preceded by the very dry June (only 13mm) of 1996.

Ophiopogon intermedius. Photo by Tony Garn

Ophiopogon intermedius

Ophiopogon intermedius. Photo by Tony Garn

Ophiopogon intermedius

Ophiopogon intermedius. Photo by Tony Garn

Ophiopogon intermedius