Aztec Grass

Aztec Grass is an evergreen perennial, Ophiopogon intermedius 'Aztec', grown for arching grass-like leaves edged in white. Native to Asia, it spreads slowly by underground runners into tidy tufts, and the variegation lifts shaded beds, walkway edges, and containers where solid green groundcovers read as shadow. Shadier sites suit it best, though it takes full sun, with four to six hours the limit in the hottest zones. Clumps reach 1 to 2 feet tall and wide in well drained soil, acidic or alkaline, and established plants are moderately drought tolerant. It is grown outdoors in USDA zones 7 to 10 and holds its foliage through Florida winters. Slender spikes of small white flowers appear in summer, followed by black fruits. Mow or shear tired foliage in late winter. The species carries plain green leaves, and this white-edged form, also sold as 'Argenteomarginatus', is often mislabeled as a variegated liriope.