Liriope

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).

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.

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.

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.