Blue Lily Turf
Liriope muscari
Also listed as Liriope gigantea, Liriope platyphylla
Also known as Monkey Grass, Big Blue Lilyturf
Climate Match for your location
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A tough, low-maintenance ornamental grass with narrow, dark green leaves and delicate purple or lavender flower spikes in late summer. It works well as edging, groundcover, or in containers and requires minimal care once established.
Why grow it
Liriope muscari offers reliable late-season color and texture in settings where many perennials have faded, with purple flower spikes appearing from late summer through fall. Compared to fine fescue or other ornamental grasses, it tolerates both dense shade and full sun, making it adaptable to varied garden microclimates where alternatives may struggle. Its evergreen or semi-evergreen foliage provides year-round structure with minimal fertilizer or supplemental water once established.
Watch out for
In consistently moist soils, particularly those with poor drainage, liriope can develop fungal issues such as root rot or leaf spot. Flowering and vigor may decline in deep shade or when plants become overcrowded, so periodic division every three to four years helps maintain vigor and appearance.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asparagaceae
Native Range
East Asia (China, Japan, Vietnam)
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A tough, low-maintenance ornamental grass with narrow, dark green leaves and delicate purple or lavender flower spikes in late summer. It works well as edging, groundcover, or in containers and requires minimal care once established.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Blue Lily Turf grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Liriope muscari offers reliable late-season color and texture in settings where many perennials have faded, with purple flower spikes appearing from late summer through fall. Compared to fine fescue or other ornamental grasses, it tolerates both dense shade and full sun, making it adaptable to varied garden microclimates where alternatives may struggle. Its evergreen or semi-evergreen foliage provides year-round structure with minimal fertilizer or supplemental water once established.
Watch out for
In consistently moist soils, particularly those with poor drainage, liriope can develop fungal issues such as root rot or leaf spot. Flowering and vigor may decline in deep shade or when plants become overcrowded, so periodic division every three to four years helps maintain vigor and appearance.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asparagaceae
Native Range
East Asia (China, Japan, Vietnam)
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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