We’ve been trialing two very exciting new groundcovers, a spreading, gold-foliaged mondo grass (Ophiopogon), and a gold-foliage monkey grass (Liriope). Both are currently scheduled to be 2026 Plant Delights releases. While both plants will tolerate light shade, they are much more vigorous, and maintain their foliage color better in half day sun.
Liriope minor ‘Gotemba Gold’ is a Japanese selection of the dwarf monkey grass from the famed Gotemba Nursery. This colorful groundcover tops out at 3″ in height. Our 5 year old patch has spread to 5′ in width.
Ophiopgon japonicus ‘Spring Gold’ has a similar height and spread, but is a darker gold color. We obtained our plants from UK Aspidistra collector, Philip Oostenbrink. It’s very possible this has a Japanese cultivar name.
Really like both of these. Will be on the lookout for your introduction in 2026! Thanks for sharing this.
How does Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Spring Gold’ compare to ‘Monkeyshine’?
Ophiopogon ‘Monkeyshine’ is a clumper, and ‘Spring Gold’ is a runner.