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    • Liriope spicata

    Liriope spicata, also called Creeping Lilyturf, is a fast-spreading, evergreen ground cover known for its dense, grass-like foliage and ability to thrive in shady areas. It features spikes of lavender flowers in summer and produces black berries in the fall. While it is an excellent choice for erosion control and covering large areas, it can be invasive due to its vigorous spreading habit.

    • Liriope spicata 18ct Flat Liriope spicata 18ct Flat

      Liriope

      Liriope spicata (18)ct Flat

      Liriope spicata (18)ct FlatCommon Name: Creeping Lily-turf, Monkey GrassA grass-like plant that blooms! Lirope is a unique evergreen groundcover with dark green, quarter inch wide, upright foliage. Delightful, pale lavender flowers resembling grape...

      $87.57
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    • Liriope spicata 2.5 inch pot Liriope spicata 2.5 inch pot

      Liriope

      Liriope spicata (2.5 inch pot)

      Liriope spicata (2.5-inch pot)Creeping Lily Turf Height: 12-15 Inches Spread: 12-24 Inches Hardiness Zone: 4/5-10 Sun to Shade Evergreen - cut back late Winter Lavender flower spikes- Mid-Summer Fast and aggressive creeper by rhizomes Use for ground...

      $2.84
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    • Liriope spicata 3.5 inch pot Liriope spicata 3.5 inch pot

      Liriope

      Liriope spicata (3.5 inch pot)

      Liriope spicata (3.5-inch pot)Creeping Lily Turf Height: 12-15 Inches Spread: 12-24 Inches Hardiness Zone: 4/5-10 Sun to Shade Evergreen - cut back late Winter Lavender flower spikes- Mid-Summer Fast and aggressive creeper by rhizomes Use for ground...

      $4.30
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    • Liriope spicata bare root plant Liriope spicata bare root plant

      Liriope

      Liriope spicata (bare root plant)

      Liriope spicata Bare Root PlantsCreeping Lily Turf Height: 12-15 Inches Spread: 12-24 Inches Hardiness Zone: 4/5-10 Sun to Shade Evergreen - cut back late Winter Lavender flower spikes- Mid-Summer Fast and aggressive creeper by rhizomes Use for ground...

      $2.12
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    Common Name(s): Creeping Lilyturf, Creeping Liriope, Lilyturf, Monkey Grass

    Phonetic Spelling   lih-RYE-oh-pee spih-KAH-tah

    Creeping lilyturf (Liriope) is a versatile, evergreen groundcover that thrives in shade. Its dense, uniform growth and low-maintenance requirements make it a popular choice for landscaping.

    Key Features:

    • Growth Habit: A perennial with rhizomatous growth, spreading quickly to form a dense mat.
    • Appearance: Grass-like, dark green leaves that turn bronze-green in winter.
    • Flowers: Pale violet or off-white flowers appear on short spikes in summer.
    • Hardiness: Tolerates salt spray, heat, and drought.

    Planting and Care:

    • Preferred Conditions: Partial or deep shade and well-drained soil.
    • Spacing: 1 to 2 feet apart.
    • Maintenance: Minimal; occasional mowing of old foliage in spring.
    • Propagation: Division.

    Landscaping Uses:

    • Groundcover: Creates a dense, uniform cover for shaded areas.
    • Erosion Control: Ideal for banks and slopes.
    • Edging: Can be used as an edging for trees, shrubs, or garden beds.
    • Containers: Grows well in containers.

    Considerations:

    • Invasiveness: Can spread aggressively and become invasive in some regions.
    • Foot Traffic: Not tolerant of heavy foot traffic.
    • Pest and Disease: Susceptible to scale, slugs, and snails.

    Alternative Groundcovers: If you are concerned about invasiveness, consider alternatives like mondo grass, vinca minor, or ivy.

    Overall, creeping lilyturf is a low-maintenance groundcover that offers a variety of landscaping benefits. However, it is important to be aware of its potential invasiveness and choose it carefully for your specific garden conditions.

    Genus: Liriope Species: spicata Family: Asparagaceae Perennial

    Propagation: Division Origin: China and Vietnam

    Dimensions:

    • Height: 6-18 inches
    • Width: 12-24 inches

    Plant Type: Ground Cover, Herbaceous Perennial Poisonous: Low toxicity

    Habit/Form: Clumping, Spreading Growth Rate: Medium

    Cultural Conditions:

    • Light: Deep shade to partial shade (2-6 hours of direct sunlight)
    • Soil Texture: Clay, loam, sand
    • Soil Drainage: Good drainage
    • USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 4a-10b

    Flowers:

    • Color: Purple/lavender, white
    • Bloom Time: Fall, summer
    • Petals: six petals/rays
    • Size: 1-3 inches
    • Flowers form in spike-like clusters, are pale violet or off-white, and are hidden among leaves on short rachis.

    Leaves:

    • Description: Grass-like, eighteen inches long and one-fourth-inch-wide dark green leaves that turn bronze-green in winter.
    • Emergence: Directly from the ground

    Landscape Uses:

    • Containers
    • Slopes/banks
    • Cottage gardens
    • Drought-tolerant gardens
    • English gardens
    • Fairy gardens
    • Gardens for the blind
    • Rock gardens
    • Shade gardens
    • Winter gardens
    • Borders

    Resistance To: Deer, drought, foot traffic, heat, heavy shade, pollution, rabbits, salt

    Poisonous to Humans:

    • Severity: Low
    • Symptoms: No known cases, but caution due to a relationship with known toxic plants

    Additional Notes:

    • Liriope spicata is a versatile and low-maintenance ground cover that adds color and texture to shady areas.
    • It is drought-tolerant and can withstand heavy foot traffic, making it ideal for busy areas.
    • The plant's evergreen foliage provides year-round interest

    Liriope spicata FAQ

    Landscaping Uses

    Ground Cover: Its rapid spreading habit makes it excellent for quickly covering large areas, particularly in shady spots where lawn grass struggles.

    • Erosion Control: The extensive root system helps to stabilize soil on slopes and banks, preventing erosion.
    • Weed Suppression: Dense growth creates a thick mat that effectively chokes out weeds, reducing maintenance needs.
    • Naturalizing: Can be used to naturalize in woodland areas or under trees, providing a low-maintenance, green carpet.
    • Borders and Edging: Though it can spread, it can be used as a border or edging with proper containment.

    Features

    • Appearance: Forms a dense mat of grass-like, dark green leaves with a fine texture. Produces spikes of lavender flowers in summer, followed by black berries.
    • Growth Habit: Spreads rapidly via underground rhizomes, creating a thick ground cover.
    • Light Requirements: Tolerates a wide range of light conditions, from full sun to deep shade. Thrives in partial shade.
    • Soil Tolerance: Adaptable to various soil types, including clay, loam, and sand. Prefers well-drained soil.
    • Maintenance: Low-maintenance once established, requiring minimal watering, fertilizing, or pruning.
    • Resilience: Tolerant to deer, drought, and various environmental stresses.

    Important Considerations:

    • Spreading Habit: Liriope spicata can be invasive due to its vigorous spreading. Use caution when planting near desired plants or lawn areas or consider using physical barriers to contain its growth.
    • Foot Traffic: While tolerant of light foot traffic, it is not suitable for high-traffic areas.

    Overall, Liriope spicata is an excellent choice for a fast-growing, low-maintenance ground cover in shady areas. Its ability to suppress weeds, control erosion, and add visual interest makes it a valuable addition to many landscapes. However, its spreading habit should be carefully considered before planting. 

    Liriope spicata, or Creeping Lilyturf, can be successfully established in your garden from both bare roots and small containers. Follow these guidelines for optimal planting:

    Planting Bare Roots:

    • Timing: Plant in early spring or fall, when temperatures are cooler, and moisture is more readily available.
    • Soil Preparation: Prepare your planting area by loosening the soil to a depth of about 12 inches and amending with compost or well-rotted manure. This will improve drainage and provide nutrients.
    • Planting Depth: Dig holes large enough to accommodate the root system. Plant the bare roots with the crown (where roots meet the leaves) at or slightly above soil level.
    • Spacing: Space plants 6-18 inches apart to allow for spreading.
    • Backfill and Water: Fill the holes with soil, gently firming it around the roots. Water deeply and thoroughly.

    Planting from Small Containers:

    • Timing: Plant anytime during the growing season, but spring or fall are ideal for optimal establishment.
    • 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, gently 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.

    Additional Considerations:

    • Sunlight: While Liriope spicata tolerates full sun to shade, it thrives in partial shade. Choose a location accordingly.
    • Watering: Water regularly, especially during the first year, to help the plants establish a strong root system. Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant.
    • Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the roots.
    • Fertilizing: Fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or organic compost.
    • Spreading: Keep in mind that Liriope spicata spreads aggressively. Consider using physical barriers or planting in containers to control its growth.

    By following these planting guidelines, you can successfully introduce Liriope spicata to your garden and enjoy its lush, green beauty for years to come!

    While Liriope spicata (Creeping Lilyturf) is known for its resilience and low-maintenance nature, it can still experience certain pests and problems.

    Pests:

    • Slugs and Snails: These mollusks feed on the foliage, leaving unsightly holes and slime trails. Handpicking, diatomaceous earth, or slug baits can be used for control.
    • Scale Insects: These tiny insects attach themselves to leaves and stems, sucking sap and causing yellowing and stunted growth. Horticultural oil or insecticidal soap can help manage infestations.
    • Aphids: Less common than the others, aphids can still occasionally infest Lilyturf, causing similar damage to scale insects. Insecticidal soap or neem oil are effective control methods.

    Diseases:

    • Anthracnose: This fungal disease results in reddish-brown spots on leaf tips and margins, often with a yellow halo. Avoid overhead watering and ensure good air circulation to prevent this issue.
    • Leaf and Crown Rot: Caused by the water mold Phytophthora, this disease leads to yellowing and rotting leaves and crowns. Ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering.
    • Root Rots: Various fungal pathogens can cause root rot, leading to stunted growth, yellowing foliage, and plant death. Healthy soil and proper watering practices are essential for prevention.

    Other Problems:

    • Invasive Growth: Liriope spicata's vigorous spreading habit can become invasive, especially in favorable conditions. Consider using physical barriers or planting in containers to control its growth.
    • Winter Damage: In colder regions, the foliage may experience winter damage, turning brown and unsightly. Cut back the damaged foliage in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.

    Overall, Liriope spicata is relatively problem-free. By providing proper care and being aware of potential issues, you can enjoy a healthy and thriving ground cover in your landscape.