About
Liriope muscari, the big blue lilyturf, is an evergreen, tuberous perennial forming a dense clump of narrow, arching, leathery, dark-green leaves. Dense, upright spikes of small, violet-purple flowers appear in autumn, followed by black berries. An outstanding and reliable perennial for a shaded or semi-shaded border where other plants struggle.
About the genus
Liriope are evergreen herbaceous perennials forming compact clumps or spreading patches of arching, linear leaves and dense spikes or racemes of small, globose flowers followed by black berries. Excellent and reliable perennials for shaded or semi-shaded borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Native toE Asia
Care notes
CultivationGrow in light, moderately fertile, preferably acid, moist but well-drained soil in partial or full shade; can tolerate drought once established. Shelter from cold, drying winds in frost-prone areas
PruningCut old leaves down to the ground in spring to encourage fresh foliage
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers outdoors in spring or propagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free