Liriope Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners
Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 30th Oct 2023
In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Liriope plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
- Plant Characteristics: The Liriope genus boasts evergreen, grass-like foliage complemented by vibrant purple flowers. This versatile plant can serve both as an ornamental focal point and as a durable groundcover.
- Ideal Growing Conditions: They prefer well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of light conditions, from full sun through to shade.
- General Care: Watering should be moderate, ensure soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Deadheading spent blooms can encourage more flowering.
- Tips for New Gardeners: Lilyturf is an adaptable and robust plant suitable for beginners. Spacing is crucial for dense coverage, and while low maintenance, an occasional grooming helps to maintain its appearance.
Lilyturf, Monley Grass, Border Grass: Cultivation & Garden Use
Liriope plants are robust perennials, typically growing between 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) tall. In gardens, the most popularly grown Liriope species is Liriope muscari, commonly referred to as Big Blue Lilyturf. Another notable species is Liriope spicata, known as Creeping Lilyturf, notable for its rapid growth and expansive spread.
Some of the more common names for the Liriope plant are Lily-turf, Border grass, and Monkey grass.
Liriope muscarii by M. Martin Vicente.
These can be identified from their root system, with Big Blue Lilytuf having fibrous roots, and Creeping Lilyturf having a creeping rootstalk (Rhizomous) system.
They have grass like leaves and spiky purple or white flowers that bloom from late summer until early autumn.
Liriope makes a great edging plant and can also be used in borders.
The small height of this deer resistant plant makes it great to grow as a short ground cover. Ideally grow alongside ornamental grasses.
How to Grow Liriope Plant, Lily Turf
Lily turf and other Liriope Plants should be sown at a depth of about 6 mm (1/4 inch) either at the end of autumn or just before the last frost spring.
Liriope likes to grow in a partially shaded part of the garden that has a moist and fertile soil with good drainage.
If starting off Lily turf and other Liriope indoors then start to grow about 7 or 8 weeks before they are due to be transplanted.
The seeds should first be soaked in warm water for a day and germinated st 18 to 21 degrees Celsius (64 to 70°F); this should take about a month.
Once established, transplant Liriope seedlings into the garden after the last frost of spring about 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16 inches) apart.
Caring for Liriope Plants
Liriope are fairly easy plants to look after. Water regularly in dry periods to keep the ground moist for best results.
After flowering has occurred, remove the flowering stems before the seed has chance to set. This will help prevent Lily turf from spreading in the garden.
In the winter dead leaves should be removed from the plant, and Liriope cut back to about 10 cm (4 inches) in height.
Commonly Grown Liriope Species
Liriope muscari
Liriope muscari (Big Blue Lilyturf / Border Grass / Lilyturf / Monkey Grass), photograph by Leonora (Ellie) Enking; CC.
Liriope spicata
Liriope spicata (Creeping lilyturf / Creeping liriope), picture by Bruce Kirchoff; CC.
Commonly Grown Liriope / Lilyturf Cultivars
Liriope 'Variegata'
Liriope muscari 'Variegata' (Liriope variegated) cultivar photograph by F. D. Richards; CC.
Liriope muscari 'Big Blue'
Liriope muscari 'Big Blue' cultivar photograph by F. D. Richards; CC.
Liriope 'royal purple'
Liriope 'royal purple' cultivar photograph by Forest and Kim Starr; CC.
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Liriope Plant Growing and Care Guide
Common Names: Lilyturf, Monkey grass, or Spider grass.Life Cycle: Hardy perennial.
Height: 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm).
Native: Asia.
Growing Region: USA: Zones 5 to 10. UK: H5
Flowers: Late summer through autumn.
Flower Details: White, violet. purple. Tiered whorls. Tiny. Spikes. Upright grape-like.
Foliage: Evergreen. Strap-like. Glossy. Dark-green.
Sow Outside: 1/4 inch (6 mm). Start of spring - before the last frost, or towards the end of autumn. Spacing 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm).
Sow Inside: Germination time: one month. Temperature: 70 to 75°F (24 to 27°C). Seeds should be soaked for one day in warm water so they can complete maturation. Seven or eight weeks in advance. Transplant outdoors following the last frost.
Requirements and care: Tough plant. Partial shade; can tolerate full sunlight if growing in very moist soil. Good drainage essential. Rich soil, moist soil. Provide a feed in the spring. Can survive dry soils. Regular watering during dry periods. Remove inflorescence following blooming to prevent seed spread and to maintain tidiness. Cut back to about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) in the winter and discard any dead leaves. Propagate: Self-seeds; or by dividing.
Miscellaneous: The roots of Liriope are used in traditional Chinese medicine. Makes a good ground cover plant.
Common Questions
How many members does the Liriope genus have?
The Liriope genus contains eight species. These are evergreen perennials that are often used as groundcover in landscaping.
Do members of Liriope make a good garden or landscaping plant?
Yes, Liriope plants are excellent for gardens or landscaping. They are low-maintenance, tolerant of a range of conditions, and provide year-round interest.
Which Liriope species are most frequently grown by gardeners?
The most commonly grown species are Liriope muscari (Lilyturf) and Liriope spicata (Creeping Lilyturf).
Are members of the Liriope plant genus fragrant?
The flowers of Liriope are not typically fragrant, but they are visually striking with their deep purple color.
What is the perfect location to grow Liriope?
Liriope is very adaptable but typically prefers part to full shade and well-drained soil. It can be used in borders, rock gardens, or as ground cover.
Is Liriope invasive in the USA, if so in which states?
Currently, Liriope spicata (Creeping Lilyturf) is considered invasive in several southeastern states due to its aggressive spreading habit.
How do I remove Liriope plants from my garden?
To remove Liriope, dig up the entire clump, making sure to remove all roots. Regular monitoring will be necessary as it can regrow from small pieces.
Summary
The Liriope genus, part of the Asparagaceae family, includes evergreen perennials native to East Asia. Often used in borders and groundcover, these plants are known for their grass-like foliage and spikes of small, violet, white, or pink flowers.
Thriving in full sun to partial shade, Liriope enjoys well-drained soil. Watering should be regular, especially during dry periods. Propagation is typically achieved through division, performed in the spring.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Liriope plants. You may also enjoy my guides on how to grow ground cover plants such as Aegopodium podagraria, Dymondia margaretae, Portulaca oleracea, and the Zinnia angustifolia.
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