Product Description
Liriope muscari 'Christmas Tree' Bare Root Plants
Christmas Tree Lily Turf
Height: 12-15 Inches
Spread: 12-18 Inches
Hardiness Zone: 6-10
Part Shade to Shade
Evergreen - cut back late Winter
Lavender Christmas tree shaped flower spikes- Mid-Summer
Stays in clump form - no rhizomes
Good choice for borders and edging
Also suitable for ground cover and mass planting
Moderately salt tolerant
Liriope muscari 'Christmas Tree' has ½" wide, green leaf blades. Blooms with dense, lavender flower spikes shaped like Christmas trees mid-Summer and they are followed by near black berries. Christmas Tree Liriope stays in clump form. It does not spread by rhizomes. Perfect for borders, edging and mixed beds. Also used for erosion control on banks, slopes, large bed plantings and in woodland gardens. This variety of Liriope requires shade.
Liriope grass, also called lilyturf, border grass, or monkey grass, looks a lot like a grass, but actually is a member of the asparagus family, Asparagaceae,
Liriope tolerates a wide range of soils and soil conditions, though it doesn't like constantly wet or boggy soil.
During the first growing season, water the plants regularly, at least 1 inch of water per week. Once established, liriope plants are relatively drought-tolerant.
Liriope can be mow during the late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Use liriope as a groundcover, an edging plant to mark pathways or borders, naturalize under large trees, and in mass plantings for erosion control. A dense mat of liriope can stabilize soil on slopes and ditch banks. Liriope is a low-maintenance plant that is drought and deer-resistant.
Liriope muscari 'Christmas Tree' is a delightful variety of lilyturf known for its unique flower spikes that resemble miniature Christmas trees. This charming and versatile plant is a fantastic addition to gardens, especially those with shady areas. Here is a breakdown of its key features:
Liriope muscari 'Christmas Tree' (Christmas Tree Lilyturf)
- Type: Herbaceous Perennial
- Hardiness Zones: 6-10 (USDA)
- Height: 12-15 inches
- Spread: 12-18 inches
- Foliage: Grass-like, dark green, forms dense clumps
- Flowers: Lavender, densely packed flower spikes that resemble Christmas trees in mid-summer
- Light: Part shade to full shade (thrives in shade)
- Soil: Well-drained, adaptable to various soil types
- Water: Drought-tolerant once established
- Growth Habit: Clump-forming, non-spreading (does not spread by rhizomes)
- Uses: Borders, edging, mass plantings, container plantings, woodland gardens, shade gardens
Why 'Christmas Tree' is a Great Choice
- Unique Flowers: The distinctive Christmas tree-shaped flower spikes add a touch of whimsy to the garden.
- Shade-Loving: Thrives in shady areas where other plants may struggle.
- Neat and Tidy: Its clumping growth habit makes it a great choice for defined borders and edging, as it does not spread aggressively.
- Low Maintenance: Easy to care for once established.
- Versatile: Works well in a variety of garden settings, especially in shade gardens and woodland areas.
- Drought-Tolerant: Requires little watering once established.
- Deer Resistant: Generally, not bothered by deer.
Planting and Caring for Bare Root 'Christmas Tree' Lilyturf
- Planting Time: Spring or fall is ideal for planting bare root Liriope.
- Preparation: Upon receiving your bare root plants, soak the roots in water for a few hours to rehydrate them before planting.
- Location: Choose a location with part shade to full shade and well-drained soil.
- Planting: Dig a hole slightly larger than the root system. Create a small mound in the center of the hole and place the plant on the mound, spreading the roots outward. Ensure the crown (where the roots meet the stem) is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming around the plant.
- Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart for a dense groundcover or border.
- Watering: Water thoroughly after planting and keep the soil consistently moist (but not soggy) until the plants are established. Bare root plants require consistent moisture initially.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilizing: A light application of balanced fertilizer after new growth emerges can be beneficial.
- Pruning: Cut back the foliage to 2-3 inches in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
Liriope muscari 'Christmas Tree' is a delightful and low-maintenance perennial that adds a unique touch to shade gardens and borders. Its distinctive flower spikes and adaptability make it a valuable addition to any landscape.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
