Introducing...
Liriope
Common name: Lily turf
These modest, evergreen perennials can be mistaken for grasses. Liriopes are great ground cover plants or fillers for the front of part-shaded borders giving all year round interest. Liriopes come to their own when the purple or white flower spikes appear lighting up autumn borders. It is also a very useful plant for gardens where rabbit damage is a problem.
Looks
Small purple or white flowers are produced in dense upright spikes in late summer to autumn among strappy leaves (sometimes marked with white or cream). The flowers are followed by purple-black berries. Some make tight clumps (Liriope muscari) while others are gently spreading, ground cover plants (Liriope spicata).
Likes
Liriopes prefer growing in light shade, but they can be also planted in a sunny spot. They are happy most soils that drain well, including drier soils.
Dislikes
If planted in deeper shade, Liriope will not flower well. Plants may struggle in very alkaline soils or if planted in poorly draining heavy clay. They leaves may be damaged if growing in full sun and dry soil.
Did you know?
The Liriope plant name honours a Greek woodland nymph, Liriope, the mother of the vain Narcissus. Do not be alarmed by the 'white lumps' on the roots – Liriope has a fibrous root system with scattered tubers.
Growing guide
Liriopes we recommend
Liriope muscari Amethyst ('Liptp')
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Liriope muscari 'Monroe White'
lilyturf 'Monroe White'
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Liriope muscari 'Okina' (v)
lilyturf 'Okina'
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Liriope muscari Amethyst ('Liptp')
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Liriope muscari 'Monroe White'
lilyturf 'Monroe White'
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Liriope muscari 'Okina' (v)
lilyturf 'Okina'
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Useful advice
Perennials: cutting back
Perennials: dividing
Shade planting: annuals, bulbs and perennials
Shrubs: evergreen for specific situations
Get involved
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