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Liriope muscari

Liriope muscari, also known as Lilyturf or Big Blue Lilyturf, is a low-maintenance, clump-forming perennial ground cover with attractive, grass-like dark green foliage. It produces spikes of vibrant purple flowers in late summer and early fall, followed by persistent black berries. It thrives in various light and soil conditions, making it a versatile and resilient addition to any garden. It is often used for ground cover, borders, edging, containers, and erosion control.

  • Liriope muscari Big Blue 18ct Flat Liriope muscari Big Blue 18ct Flat

    Liriope muscari 'Big Blue' (18)ct Flat

    Liriope muscari 'Big Blue' (18)ct FlatCommon Name: Blue Lily-turf, Monkey Grass A grass-like plant that blooms! Liriope is a unique, evergreen grassy perennial with wide, dark green, strappy leaves and a fountain-like habit. Delightful, lilac-purple...

    $87.57
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  • Liriope muscari Big Blue 2.5 inch pot Liriope muscari Big Blue 2.5 inch pot

    Liriope muscari 'Big Blue' (2.5 inch pot)

    Liriope muscari 'Big Blue' (2.5-inch pot)Common Name: Big Blue Lily Turf Height: 12-15 Inches Spread: 12-18 Inches Hardiness Zone: 5/6-10 Sun to Shade Evergreen - cut back late Winter Lavender flower spikes - Mid-Summer followed by near black berries...

    $2.84
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  • Liriope muscari Big Blue 3.5 inch pot Liriope muscari Big Blue 3.5 inch pot

    Liriope muscari 'Big Blue' (3.5 inch pot)

    Liriope muscari 'Big Blue' (3.5-inch pot)Common Name: Big Blue Lily Turf Height: 12-15 InchesSpread: 12-18 InchesHardiness Zone: 5/6-10Sun to ShadeEvergreen - cut back late WinterLavender flower spikes - Mid-Summer followed by near black berriesClumps...

    $4.30
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  • Liriope muscari Big Blue bare root plant Liriope muscari Big Blue bare root plant

    Liriope muscari 'Big Blue' (bare root plant)

    Liriope muscari 'Big Blue' Bare Root PlantsCommon Name: Big Blue Lily Turf Height: 12-15 InchesSpread: 12-18 InchesHardiness Zone: 5/6-10Sun to ShadeEvergreen - cut back late WinterLavender flower spikes - Mid-Summer followed by near black...

    $2.12
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  • Liriope muscari Classic Blue 2.5 inch pot Liriope muscari 'Classic Blue' (2.5 inch pot)

    Liriope muscari 'Classic Blue' (2.5 inch pot)

    Liriope muscari Liriope muscari 'Classic Blue' (2.5-inch pot)Common Name: Ingwersen Lily Turf Height: 12-15 Inches Spread: 12-18 Inches Hardiness Zone: 6-10 Sun to Shade Evergreen - cut back late Winter Lavender shaped flower spikes- Mid-Summer Stays in...

    $2.84
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  • Liriope muscari Classic Blue 3.5 inch pot Liriope muscari 'Classic Blue' (3.5 inch pot)

    Liriope muscari 'Classic Blue' (3.5 inch pot)

    Liriope muscari Liriope muscari 'Classic Blue' (3.5-inch pot)Common Name: Ingwersen Lily Turf Height: 12-15 InchesSpread: 12-18 InchesHardiness Zone: 6-10Sun to ShadeEvergreen - cut back late WinterLavender shaped flower spikes- Mid-SummerStays in...

    $4.30
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  • Liriope muscari Densiflora bare root plant

    Liriope muscari 'Densiflora' (bare root plant)

    Liriope muscari 'Densiflora' Bare Root PlantsCommon Name: Densiflora Lily Turf Height: 12-18 Inches Spread: 12-18 Inches Hardiness Zone: 6-10 Sun to Shade Evergreen - cut back late Winter Lavender flower spikes- Mid-Summer Stays in clump form - no...

    $1.87
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  • Liriope muscari Emerald Goddess 3.5 inch pot Liriope muscari 'Emerald Goddess'  (3.5 inch pot)

    Liriope muscari 'Emerald Goddess' (3.5 inch pot)

    Liriope muscari 'Emerald Goddess' (3.5-inch pot)Emerald Goddess Lily Turf Height: 18-24 Inches Spread: 30 Inches Hardiness Zone: 6-10 Sun to Shade Evergreen - cut back late Winter Taller than other Liriopes - replaces Evergreen Giant nicely Lavender...

    $5.93
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  • Liriope muscari Gold Band 3.5 inch pot Liriope muscari 'Gold Band' (3.5 inch pot)

    Liriope muscari 'Gold Band' (3.5 inch pot)

    Liriope muscari 'Gold Band' (3.5-inch pot)Gold Band Lily Turf Height: 12-18 Inches Spread: 12-15 Inches Hardiness Zone: 5/6-11 Sun to Shade Evergreen - cut back late Winter Long and full Lavender flower spikes- Mid-Summer Stays in clump form - no...

    $4.83
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  • Liriope muscari John Burch 3.5 inch pot

    Liriope muscari 'John Burch' (3.5 inch pot)

    Liriope muscari 'John Burch' (3.5-inch pot)John Burch Lily Turf Height: 12-15 Inches Spread: 12-18 Inches Hardiness Zone: 5/6-11 Sun to Shade Evergreen - cut back late Winter Lavender cox-combed shaped flower spikes- Mid-Summer Stays in clump form - no...

    $4.55
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  • Liriope muscari John Burch bare root plant

    Liriope muscari 'John Burch' (bare root plant)

    Liriope muscari 'John Burch' Bare Root PlantsJohn Burch Lily Turf Height: 12-15 Inches Spread: 12-18 Inches Hardiness Zone: 5/6-11 Sun to Shade Evergreen - cut back late Winter Lavender cox-combed shaped flower spikes- Mid-Summer Stays in clump form -...

    $2.24
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Liriope muscari, also known as Lilyturf or Big Blue Lilyturf, is a low-maintenance, clump-forming perennial ground cover with attractive, grass-like dark green foliage. It produces spikes of vibrant purple flowers in late summer and early fall, followed by persistent black berries. It thrives in various light and soil conditions, making it a versatile and resilient addition to any garden. It is often used for ground cover, borders, edging, containers, and erosion control.

Liriope muscari: The Low-Maintenance, Versatile Ground Cover

Lilyturf, also known as Big Blue Lilyturf, is a beloved evergreen perennial that offers a multitude of benefits for your landscape.

Benefits:

  • Low Maintenance: Thrives with minimal care, perfect for busy gardeners.
  • Soil Stabilization: Helps prevent erosion with its fibrous root system.
  • Pollinator Friendly: Attracts bees and butterflies, supporting biodiversity.
  • Year-Round Interest: Evergreen foliage provides visual appeal throughout the year.
  • Versatile: Suitable for ground cover, borders, edging, containers, and erosion control.

Features:

  • Appearance: Dense clumps of grass-like, dark green leaves with spikes of violet-blue flowers in late summer to early fall.
  • Growth Habit: Forms dense clumps and spreads slowly via underground rhizomes.
  • Height: Typically reaches 12 to 18 inches tall.
  • Sunlight Requirements: Thrives in partial to full shade but can tolerate some sun.
  • Soil Tolerance: Adaptable to various well-drained soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay.
  • Frost Tolerance: Withstands light frost, but prolonged freezing may damage foliage.

Landscaping Uses:

  • Ground Cover: Creates a lush, weed-suppressing carpet in shady areas.
  • Borders and Edging: Defines garden beds and pathways with its neat, mounding habit.
  • Containers: Adds greenery and texture to patios, balconies, and other outdoor spaces.
  • Erosion Control: Stabilizes slopes and prevents soil loss.

Additional Information:

  • Native to East Asia: Originates from China, Taiwan, and Japan.
  • Deer and Salt Tolerant: A great choice for challenging landscapes.
  • Not a True Grass: Belongs to the Asparagaceae family, despite its grass-like appearance.

Embrace the beauty and versatility of Liriope muscari and enhance your garden with its lush foliage, vibrant blooms, and low-maintenance nature.

Liriope muscari FAQ

Ground Cover:

  • Creates a dense, weed-suppressing carpet, perfect for shady areas where lawn struggles.  
  • Borders and Edging: Its neat, clumping growth habit makes it ideal for defining garden beds, walkways, and driveways.
  • Mass Plantings: Can be used in masse to create a uniform, low-maintenance ground cover for larger areas.
  • Erosion Control: Its fibrous root system helps stabilize soil on slopes and banks.
  • Containers: Thrives in pots and planters, adding greenery and texture to patios, balconies, and other outdoor living spaces.
  • Rock Gardens: Provides contrasting color and texture among stones and other plants.
  • Woodland Gardens: Enhances the natural beauty of shaded areas.

Features:

  • Attractive Foliage: Dense clumps of grass-like, dark green leaves create a lush, year-round appeal.
  • Vibrant Blooms: Spikes of lavender-purple flowers add a splash of color in late summer and early fall.
  • Winter Interest: Produces shiny black berries that persist through the winter, providing visual interest and attracting birds.
  • Adaptable: Tolerates a wide range of light conditions, from full sun to deep shade.
  • Low-Maintenance: Requires minimal watering, pruning, and fertilization once established.
  • Resilient: Deer and rabbit resistant, and tolerates drought, erosion, heat, heavy shade, and salt.
  • Overall, Liriope muscari is a versatile and attractive plant that offers numerous landscaping benefits. Its low-maintenance nature, adaptability, and visual appeal make it an excellent choice for a variety of garden settings.

Bare Root Planting

  • Timing: Plant in early spring or fall when the weather is cool and moist.
  • Soil Preparation: Prepare your planting bed by loosening the soil and amending it with compost or well-rotted manure.
  • Planting Hole: Dig a hole slightly larger than the root system of the bare root plant.
  • Planting Depth: Place the bare root in the hole, ensuring the crown (where the roots meet the leaves) is level with or slightly above the soil surface.
  • Backfill and Water: Fill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the roots. Water deeply and thoroughly.

Planting from Containers

  • Timing: Plant anytime during the growing season, ideally in spring or fall.
  • Soil Preparation: Prepare the planting area as mentioned above.
  • Planting Hole: Dig a hole twice the width and the same depth as the container.
  • Remove Plant: Carefully remove the plant from the container, loosening the root ball if necessary.
  • Planting Depth: Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
  • Backfill and Water: Fill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the plant. Water deeply and thoroughly.

General Planting Tips

  • Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for adequate growth and air circulation.
  • Watering: Water regularly, especially during the first year, to help establish a strong root system.
  • Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the roots from temperature fluctuations.
  • Fertilizing: Fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or organic compost.

Remember:

  • Liriope muscari prefers well-drained soil and partial to full shade.
  • It is relatively low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established.

By following these planting guidelines, you can successfully establish Liriope muscari in your garden and enjoy its beauty and benefits for years to come!

Liriope muscari, while generally a low-maintenance and resilient plant, can still encounter a few pests and problems:

Pests:

  • Slugs and Snails: These mollusks can feed on the leaves, leaving unsightly holes and trails of slime.
  • Scale Insects: These tiny insects attach themselves to the leaves and stems, sucking sap and weakening the plant.

Diseases:

  • Leaf and Crown Rot: This fungal disease caused by Phytophthora palmivora results in yellowing and rotting of leaves and crowns, especially in poorly drained or overwatered conditions.
  • Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes reddish-brown spots on leaf tips and margins, often with a yellow halo. It is favored by humid conditions and overhead watering.
  • Root Rots: Various fungal pathogens can cause root rot, leading to stunted growth, yellowing foliage, and eventual plant death.

Other Problems:

  • Overcrowding: Liriope muscari spreads readily, and overcrowding can lead to poor air circulation and increased susceptibility to diseases.

Prevention and Control

  • Proper Planting and Care: Ensure proper spacing, well-drained soil, and avoid overwatering to prevent fungal diseases.
  • Sanitation: Remove and destroy any infected plant parts to prevent the spread of diseases.
  • Cultural Practices: Thin out overcrowded clumps, water at the base of the plant, and avoid overhead watering to promote good air circulation and reduce humidity.
  • Pest Control: Handpick slugs and snails or use organic or chemical controls. Treat scale insects with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.

By being aware of these potential issues and taking preventative measures, you can enjoy healthy and thriving Liriope muscari in your landscape.