Liriope muscari (Blue Lily Turf)
Lily Turf, Blue Lily Turf, Monkey Grass, Big Blue Lilyturf, Liriope platyphylla, Ophiopogon graminifolius
Mostly grown for its attractive foliage, Liriope muscari (Blue Lily Turf) is an evergreen tuberous perennial forming a dense clump of narrow, arching, dark green leaves. Blooming for weeks in late summer and fall, erect spikes of thickly clustered, small violet-purple flowers, 6-8 in. tall (15-20 cm), appear on 5-12 in. stems (12-30 cm). They resemble grape hyacinth (Muscari), hence the Latin name. The blooms give way to round, shiny, black berries which often persist into winter. Hardy and compact, Lily Turf is a popular, alluring plant, particularly handsome when grown in large swaths or undulating rivers. Liriope muscari can be used as a lawn grass substitute too.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
- Grows up to 12-18 in. tall and wide (30-45 cm).
- Performs best in light, moderately fertile, preferably acid, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Tolerates full shade, but will produce more elongated foliage and spread more slowly. Shelter from cold, drying winds in frost-prone areas.
- Lily Turf is a wonderful edging plant for walks, paths, pool decks, narrow spaces and looks spectacular in mass plantings or as a ground cover. This is also an excellent choice for placing in front of shrubs or under trees for a fluffy effect.
- Lily Turf is trouble-free: deer and rabbit resistant, heat, humidity and drought tolerant (once established), and is virtually disease and pest free.
- Cut old leaves down to the ground in spring to encourage fresh foliage.
- Propagate by seed sown in containers outdoors in spring or propagate by division in spring
- Native to China, Taiwan, Japan.
- Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
