Liriope muscari, the lily turf flower

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Liriope muscari, or lily turf, is a grass-like mound with purple blooms.

Liriope muscari Key facts:

Latin name: Liriope muscari, Liriope platyphylla
Family: Liliacea
Type: perennial, evergreen

Shape: arched clumps
Height: 12 to 16 inches (30 to 40 cm)
Plant density: 7 to 8 plants per 10.8 square feet (7 to 8 plants per m²)

Exposure: shade to partial shade
Soil: any, but prefers slightly acidic and well-draining
Flowering: summer, from July to August

With its ribbon-like leaves grouped in a rosette, giving it the appearance of grass, the Liriope muscari is a sturdy and evergreen perennial. In summer, its clusters of purplish-mauve flowers, reminiscent of the muscari, add a charming touch to your flower beds.

Planting Liriope muscari

Fond of neutral to slightly acidic soils, Liriope muscari thrives in shaded or semi-shaded areas. To ensure healthy growth during the initial months, mix in some potting soil, compost, or well-decomposed manure with your garden soil.

If your soil tends to hold onto water, consider adding a drainage layer at the bottom. Pozzolana and vermiculite are top picks as they allow water to pass while retaining just the right amount of moisture for plants.

Maintenance of Liriope muscari

Taking care of Liriope is extremely easy.

The only task to take on is to cut the foliage back at the beginning of spring, around March.

This refreshes the plant and gets rid of wilted stems.

Propagation:

Want more Liriope muscari? Splitting up the clump is your best option.

• Start by uprooting it with a digging fork.
• Given its dense root system, segment it using a sharp spade.
• Now, just plant your new Liriope seedlings as per our advice above.

For a better survival rate, do this in fall. Fall, winter and spring then gives the plant ample time to settle in before the dry summer days hit.

Diseases and pests:

Liriope muscari rarely falls ill. But, like many plants, its young shoots sometimes attract slugs and snails.

Uses and pairings

You can grow Liriope muscari in pots. But something that truly makes it stand out is pairing it with other plants! Partner it up, and let its beauty pop.
Good companions, visually, include Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ or an Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald’n Gold’ for a color contrast. Or, go with an Omphalodes cappadocica or Bergenia for some leafy variety.

Smart tip

Liriope muscari and the green leaf variety of Ophiopogon planiscapus can look like twins. Keep your eyes on labels when buying your plants!