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Gerald L. Klingaman
Liliaceae
Liriope muscari
Big Blue Lilyturf
This is one of the most popular groundcovers for shade. Lilyturf originates from the forests of eastern Asia and has grassy arching leaf blades. This clump-forming perennial spreads over time via rhizomes. Its flower spikes appear in late summer. Each upright stem is covered with many small, bulbous flowers that may be lavender, violet, purple or white. These are followed by black berry-like fruits that appear in fall and are eaten and spread by birds.
This popular groundcover grows best in good soil with average moisture but tolerates poorer soils and dry conditions. One of its greatest benefits is its shade tolerance. It grows readily in partial or full shade and creates a good groundcover under trees. The evergreen leaves can appear weather beaten with time—particularly those of variegated forms. In these cases it is best to shear or mow plants back in fall or early spring to allow new fresh leaves to emerge. It spreads vegetatively and creates a dense clump. It may self-sow, but it isn't as invasive as the similar-looking Muscari spicata.
9 - 1
5 - 9
H1, H2, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24
Perennial
Partial Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade
12"-18" / 30.5cm - 45.7cm
18"-28" / 45.7cm - 71.1cm
Late Summer, Early Fall
Eastern Asia, China
Acidic, Neutral
Well Drained
Clay, Loam, Sand
Fast
Average Water
Clump-Forming
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Showy
White, Purple, Lavender, Violet
Dark Blue, Black
Green, Dark Green
No
Single
Yes
Fine
Glossy
Edging, Foundation, Groundcover, Mixed Border
Birds
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