Liriope (Lilyturf)
Liriope muscari
Tough as nails and beautiful year-round, liriope forms dense clumps of grass-like foliage topped with purple or white flower spikes in late summer. This evergreen ground cover thrives in challenging conditions where other plants fail, making it perfect for slopes, under trees, and low-maintenance landscapes. Its neat, fountain-like growth habit provides structure and texture to any garden.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun to full shade
Zones
5–10
USDA hardiness
Height
12-18 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Liriope (Lilyturf) in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 ground-cover →Zone Map
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Liriope (Lilyturf) · Zones 5–10
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand, Shallow Rocky. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: 'Big Blue'lavender flower spikes 'Evergreen Giant'stiff textured leaves and white flower spikes 'Marc Anthony' 'Monroe's White'bright white flowers 'Pee Dee Ingot' yellow leaves 'Royal Purple'deep purple flower spikes 'Silver Sun' 'Silvery Sunproof' Pale violet-purple flowers, leaves striped white and yellow 'Variegata'White striped leaves 'Webster Wideleaf'lavender flower spikes, widest leaf of all the cultivars, 'Big Blue', 'Evergreen Giant', 'Marc Anthony', 'Monroe's White', 'Pee Dee Ingot', 'Royal Purple', 'Silver Sun', 'Silvery Sunproof', 'Variegata', 'Webster Wideleaf'. Propagation: Division, Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Fruits are 1/3 inch in diameter, globose berries that start green and ripen to a shiny black.
Color: Black, Green. Type: Berry. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Garden value: Long-lasting, Showy
Harvest time: Fall
Bloom time: Summer
History & Origin
Origin: China, Taiwan, and Japan
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Deer, Drought, Erosion, Foot Traffic, Heat, Heavy Shade, Humidity, Pollution, Poor Soil, Rabbits, Salt
- +Wildlife value: Deer and rabbit resistant
- +Low maintenance
Considerations
- -Toxic (Fruits): Low severity
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Hosta
Similar shade tolerance and moisture needs, complementary foliage textures
Astilbe
Both thrive in partial shade with consistent moisture, contrasting flower forms
Heuchera
Compatible growing conditions and provides colorful foliage contrast
Japanese Painted Fern
Shares preference for shade and well-draining soil, adds silvery texture contrast
Caladium
Both tolerate shade well, caladium's broad leaves complement liriope's grass-like foliage
Ajuga
Compatible ground cover with similar growing requirements and seasonal interest
Azalea
Both prefer acidic, well-draining soil and partial shade conditions
Japanese Maple
Liriope provides attractive understory planting beneath maple's dappled shade
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that inhibits growth of many plants including liriope
Mint
Aggressive spreading habit can overwhelm and compete with liriope
Eucalyptus
Allelopathic compounds in fallen leaves can inhibit liriope growth
Bamboo
Extremely aggressive root system competes for space and nutrients
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent disease resistance, very few problems
Common Pests
Scale insects, snails, slugs (minor issues)
Diseases
Crown rot in poorly drained soils, anthracnose (rare)