Lilyturf Liriope spicata

Lilyturf is a perennial, evergreen tufted or rhizomatous ornamental groundcover in the Asparagaceae (asparagus) family.  The name liriope is derived from new Latin and is a nymph in Roman mythology.  Though it may resemble an ornamental grass it is not a true grass.  While it is very tolerant of adverse conditions it can be invasive. 

This plant prefers light shade and fertile soil. The leaves are straplike up to 18-inches long, dark green turning to bronze-green in winter.  This plant grows between 6" and 10" tall. Flowers are spike-like clusters of pale violet to white, 6-parted, on elongated stems appearing in mid to late summer. The fruit is a blue-black berry. It tolerates salt spray, heat, drought, heavy shade.   

It forms a dense, uniform cover, unlike Liriope muscari, which forms clumps until well established several years after planting. This plant spreads quickly by rhizomes and can invade adjacent turf areas or other ground cover beds. Therefore, this Liriope may be best suited for planting in a bed surrounded by hardscape or confined with an edging (root barrier) that is 18 inches deep. It will grow well as erosion control on banks or as edging underneath trees or around shrubs where nothing else will grow. However, like other Liriope, it will not tolerate regular foot traffic.  Liriope beds can be mowed each spring before the new growth begins to eliminate last year's unsightly foliage.  

This plant is mildly resistant to damage by deer and is drought and highly salt-tolerant.

Quick ID Hints:

• 18" long, grass-like leaves with a 1/4" wide, serrulate margin
• Pale violet or off-white flowers appear on short rachis in the summer

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: It susceptible to scale, slugs, and snails.  Its aggressive growing tendencies make it very weedy and difficult to remove once established.  Alternative plants should be considered.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens. 

More information on Liriope.