Liriope muscari
Common Names: liriope, border grass, lily-turf
Family: Liliaceae (lily Family)
Grass Perennial Tolerant of Shade and Low Light Conditions Has
Ornamental (non-edible) Fruit Has evergreen foliage Has Unusual or
Interesting Foliage Flowers
Description
Liriope, also commonly called border grass is not actually a grass
but a member of the lily family, a fact that inspires another of its
common names, lilyturf. The dark green, ribbonlike foliage grows in
length from 10 to 18 in (25-46 cm) and then recurves toward the
ground to form rounded clumps. As the clumps mature they merge into
a continuous carpet that resembles a plot of shaggy lawn grass. In
summer, spikes of small purple, violet or white flowers rise from
the center of clumps. Flowers are followed by pea-sized black or
white berries in autumn. Liriope spreads quite fast in reasonable
soil, creating a substantial tuberous root mass. The plant itself is
similar in appearance and landscape use to mondo grass (Ophiopogon
japonicus) which has finer textured foliage and bears its flowers
within the clumps rather than above it like liriope.
Liriope is available in several varieties including some with
white and yellow variegation. 'Monroe White' has white flowers while
'Big Blue' has intense violet-blue blossoms.
liriope blossoms
Although its small blossoms are difficult to see hidden in the low
growing foliage, they are quit showy when you lie on the ground to
take pictures of them. Click to download a large version and take
closer look withour crawling on your belly like a snake...
Location
Liriope is a native of the shady forest floors of Eastern Asia
including regions in China, Taiwan and Japan.
Culture
Becomes established most rapidly in well worked, fertile soil, but
is tolerant of much less than ideal conditions. This plant is a true
survivor and will grow almost anywhere!
Light: Sun to shade.
Moisture: Average.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 7-11.
Propagation: Divide clumps into whatever size you like from a few
leaves to large chunks. Liriope transplants easily at any time of
year. The blue-black berries easily germinate, but divisions are
easier and quicker.
Usage
Use liriope to outline planting beds and to trace the route of paths
and walkways. Because it is inexpensive and fast growing, this is an
ideal shape defining plant in the landscape, traits that have earned
it another common name border grass. Liriope is one of the best and
most beautiful ground covers for shady gardens and even boasts
summertime color. Because of its dense root mass, liriope is an
excellent choice for controlling erosion on steep, shady slopes by
stabilizing the soil and suppressing weed growth - no mowing either!
Features
The evergreen foliage is thick and luxurious and fallen leaves and
debris tend to disappear within. Liriope is tough, easy to grow and
readily available from nurseries and garden centers. Before you run
out to buy some though, check with the neighbors - they probably
have a few clumps that they'd be happy to share with you. |
