General Culture:
Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Prefers moist, fertile soils in part shade. Tolerates wide range of light and soil conditions. Also tolerates heat, humidity and drought. Foliage is evergreen in the deep South, but can turn brown considerably in cold St. Louis winters. In early spring before new shoots appear, cut back or mow on a high mower setting to remove old foliage. Not reliably winter hardy throughout USDA Zone 5 where it may best be grown in sheltered locations.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
Lilyturf (also commonly called blue lily turf) is a tufted, tuberous-rooted, grass-like perennial which typically grows 12-18" tall and features clumps of strap-like, arching, glossy, dark green leaves (to 1" wide). Clumps slowly expand by short stolons, but do not spread aggressively like Liriope spicata (A620). Erect, showy flower spikes with tiered whorls of dense, violet-purple flowers rise above the leaves in late summer. Flowers resemble grape hyacinth (Muscari), hence the species name. Flowers give way to blackish berries which often persist into winter.
Problems:
No serious insect or disease problems. Slugs and snails are occasional visitors.
Uses:
Best as an edging for walks, paths or driveways or massed as a ground cover.
© Missouri Botanical
Garden, 2001-2010
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