#283 Liriope muscari Common Names: liriope, border grass, lily-turf Family: Liliaceae (lily Family) Get link to this Profile or click for data record #283

A bed of liriope in a Tallahassee, Florida park lifts spikes of small violet blossoms into a misty July morning

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.

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.

This is Petey the Great Dane at 5 months of age resting in the comfort of a liriope border. All of the dogs enjoy lying around on what they see as a linear liriope futon. The border quickly recovers upon removal of Dane. Update: My good old Petey died in March 2003 and really bummed me out. Here's a picture of Pete when he was in his prime. I miss him.

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.

Jack Scheper 12/08/97; updated 8/18/02, 8/15/03, 8/9/05, 6/16/07, 6/29/09

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