Variegated Lilyturf

Family

Asparagaceae

Origin

Southeast Asia

Description

Used often as an edging plant or groundcover, the perennial lilyturf (Liriope) is popular for good reason. It stays green year-round in many climates, produces pretty blue or white flowers, and is a tough plant. Its dense tufts of almost evergreen, broadly grassy leaves are often striped. Stiff stems bear tight spikes of tiny blue or white bells, similar to those of grape hyacinth.

Environment

Lilyturf grows best with partial shade, but they can also take lots of sun and will even thrive in nearly complete shade. If they grow in very shady spots, the plants tend to be leggier, and they'll need more time to spread out if used as a groundcover. Its adaptability makes it suitable for nearly any situation. They make an attractive edging to a border or path.

Lilyturf will do fine as long as the soil isn't very soggy. It can grow in moist soil and needs about 1 inch of water per week since it's somewhat drought-tolerant. This plant likes moderately acidic to neutral soil from 6.0 to 7.0 pH.

When lilyturf flowers fade, cut them back to keep the plant looking tidy. Prune plants before the spring growing season to facilitate new growth and clear the plants of dead foliage.

Landscape Use

Lilyturf is used in a variety of landscape settings, along slopes to prevent erosion, for edging, rock gardens, containers, in woodland settings, or as a ground cover.

Caution

This plant has low severity poison characteristics.