Plant of the Month - March 2007

Lily Turf, Border Grass (Liriope muscari)

Texture of an ornamental grass, variegated foliage, attractive flowers, ornamental fruit, and evergreen, oh yea, and it is all on one plant! Liriope is a great ground cover for most locations in the garden and a worthy addition to many landscapes.

Liriope, though not a true grass, has strap like leaves that create a soft mound of green. The yellow variegation on the cultivar ‘varieagata’ can add some light and energy to a shady corner. In summer flower spike begin to emerge above the clumps of foliage and hold spikes of purple, violet, or white flowers. These flowers eventually fade into purple or white fruit which persist into the winter.

Grow Liriope in a range of soil and light conditions. While Lily Turf will establish and spread more vigorously in well drained fertile soils, it will do fine in lesser soil conditions as well. Liriope grows equally well in sun or shade but will not like areas that are wet all the time.