Liriope muscari 'BIG BLUE'

Lily-turf is a unique evergreen perennial that is often sold in grass sections of garden centres. However, it belongs to the lily family, hence its name. It comes from shady forests of Eastern Asia where it makes amazing groundcovers.

Big Blue lily-turf is perhaps one of the most common lily-turf varieties in North America. It is comparable to Royal Purple variety in Europe. From late summer it produces 30-45 cm tall, purple flushed stems, topped with terminal spikes composed of rich lavender violet, spherical buds which burst to pale violet flowers. They rise well above the foliage making a good display of richly coloured flowers. Flowers are produced until mid autumn.

The foliage is ribbon-like, dark green, very glossy, and evergreen in winters of zone 6. Lily-turf can be used in mixed perennial borders, however, it is especially valued as a lush groundcover creating handsome, evergreen understory of uniform habit and colour under multi-stemmed trees or shrubs. It slowly spreads by short stolons but cannot be considered as invasive such as its close relative liriope spicata.

Liriope does well in moist, humus-rich, and preferably acid to neutral soil, but will tolerate almost any well-drained soil. It does best in partial shade, and lives well in full sun, too, if adequate moisture is provided, as well as in deep shade where flowering may be limited. Mulching is recommended in frost prone areas. In case the leaves look exhausted and unsightly after a strong winter cut them off about 5 cm above ground level in spring, not lower. Hardy to min. -25 °C.

Last update 28-09-2021