Liriope spicata is more commonly known by gardeners as the Creeping Lilyturf, or somtimes, like many other Lirope genus plants, simply as Monkey Grass. Though this name is usually more closely related with the Liriope muscari species.
It is a hardy, evergreen perennial. Plants are versatile and easy care to care for.
This ground cover plant makes a good choice for borders, edgings, in rock gardens, and in shady areas under trees and shrubs.
Creeping Lilyturf typically reaches a height of 9 to 18 inches (23 to 45 cm).
Be aware that it can spread indefinitely due to its creeping rhizomes. Although this makes it an effective ground coverage plant, it means you will need to be on the watchout for it spreading to other parts of your garden.
Plants have arching, grass-like leaves. These are a vibrant green color and provide an attractive backdrop for its small, delicate, lavender or purplish-white, spike-like flowers. These bloom in late summer.
Following flowering, plants will produce small black or dark-purple berries.
Native to East Asia, the plant is hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 10, but has a slightly less hardy rating of H4 by the RHS.
How to Grow Liriope spicata in the Garden
Creeping Lilyturf is quite flexible to light exposure, and can tolerate anything from full sun to deep shade. Much lusher foliage growth will occur if grown in shaded areas.
It prefers a well-drained soil, and can adapt to most soil types.
Once established, Creeping Lilyturf requires minimal care. It's a drought-tolerant plant, so no need to water it frequently.
An annual application of a balanced fertilizer (N-P-K ratio 10-10-10), manure, or compost can help maintain healthy growth.
While Liriope spicata is a robust plant and requires little care, it can sometimes be affected by pests such as slugs or snails.
You may also wish to cut back foliage in late winter, as this will enhance new growth in the spring.
Liriope spicata can be propagated through division or by planting the offsets that it produces. Do this either in early spring or fall.
Title: Quick Liriope spicata Growing and Care Guide
Scientific Name: Liriope spicata.
Common Names: Creeping lilyturf, Monkey grass, Spiked lilyturf.
Growing Zone (USA / UK Hardiness): USDA Zones: 4-10. RHS Hardiness Rating: H4 (Hardy in the UK).
Best Used For / Garden Location: Used for ground cover, edging, and rockeries, or in containers. Ideal for part to full shade areas.
Plant Details
Life Cycle / Plant Type: Perennial.
Plant Height: 9-18 inches (23-45 cm).
Plant Spread: 9-12 inches (23-30 cm), but spreads readily.
Blooms: Late summer to early autumn.
Flower Details: Small, lavender flowers appear on spikes above the foliage.
Leaf Foliage: Narrow, arching, grass-like, green leaves.
Fruit: Small, black berries appear in the fall.
Growing Conditions and Location
Best Light Conditions: Partial to full shade.
Suitable Soil Types: Well-drained, fertile, and slightly acidic to neutral soil.
Sowing / planting: Plant divisions or container plants in spring or autumn.
Germination time: Flowers appear in the first growing season after planting.
Propagation: Propagate by division in early spring or autumn.
Plant Care: Low maintenance, trim back in early spring to promote new growth.
Growing in pots and containers: Suitable for containers. Ensure good drainage, don't overwater.
Growing as a House plant: Not typically grown as a houseplant.
Further Information
Miscellaneous: Attracts birds and is resistant to deer. Can be invasive, especially in southern United States.
Pests and diseases: Slugs and snails. Diseases include anthracnose, crown rot, and rust.
Common Cultivars / Varieties: 'Silver Dragon' has variegated foliage with white stripes. 'Franklin Mint' has dark green foliage and lavender flowers.
Family: Asparagaceae, the Asparagus family.
Native: Native to East Asia, including China, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
References and Further Reading: RHS: Liriope spicata; NC Extension Gardener Toolbox.
Common Questions
Is Liriope spicata a good garden or landscaping plant?
Liriope spicata can be a very good garden plant. It is an excellent ground cover plant, that can grow in most conditions and soils. It has a grass-like foliage and produces lavender flowers.
Is Creeping Lilyturf a fragrant plant?
Creeping Lilyturf is not notably fragrant.
What is the best garden location to grow it?
It is a very adaptable plant that can thrive in full sun to full shade. It prefers some shade and a well-drained soil, it readily tolerates most soils.
Is Liriope spicata invasive in the USA?
Liriope spicata is known to be invasive in certain parts of southeastern USA. It can grow very aggressively and outcompete native plants. Be sure to check local regulations before cultivating this plant.
How do I remove Creeping Lilyturf from my garden?
It will require thorough multiple diggings to remove Creeping Lilyturf from the garden.
Lift out the root system by digging below the plant as deeply as possible, using a fork.
Remove all rhizomes in the area. Destroy or remove these from the garden. Do not use them in your compost, as parts of the rhizome can regrow and will likely be spread throughout the garden the next time you apply compost to your plants.
Add Mulch and a protective barrier to help control the area and to prevent regrowth and spread. You will probably need to repeat the removal a few times.
Consider growing shrubs such as Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra) and Fragrant Sumac (Rhus aromatica), or alternative spreading plants in the area, such as Evening Primrose, Fountain Grass, or sedges. If all else fails, consider a non-selective herbicide such as glyphosate.
Reremoinvolves thorough digging to ensure all roots and plant parts are removed. Follow up removals may be necessary to control regrowth.
Summary
Liriope spicata, better known as the Creeping Lilyturf is a creeping plant that is native to East Asia. It can grow in all light conditions and soil types, but does best in shaded areas that have good drainage. As it has a grass-like appearance it is often used for ground coverage.
I hope that you have enjoyed reading this guide on how to grow Creeping Lilyturf. You may also enjoy the following Asparagaceae plant growing guides: How to grow Asparagus Densiflorus, Yucca Plants, and Hosta guacamole in the garden.
