Liriope muscari ‘Big Blue’ (Lily Turf)

Mostly grown for its attractive foliage, Liriope muscari ‘Big Blue’ (Lily Turf) is an evergreen tuberous perennial forming a dense clump of narrow, arching, dark green, strappy leaves. Blooming in late summer, erect spikes of thickly clustered, small lilac-purple flowers appear above the leaves. They resemble grape hyacinth (Muscari), hence the Latin name. The blooms give way to round, shiny, black berries, which often persist into winter. Hardy and compact, Lily Turf is a popular foliage plant, particularly handsome when grown in large swaths or undulating rivers. Liriope muscari can be used as a lawn grass substitute too. One of the most prized characteristics of this plant is that it does very well in dry shade.

• Grows up to 12-18 in. tall and wide (30-45 cm).
• Performs best in light, moderately fertile, preferably acid, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Tolerates full shade but will produce more elongated foliage and spread more slowly. Shelter from cold, drying winds in frost-prone areas.
• Lily Turf is a wonderful edging plant for walks, paths, pool decks, narrow spaces and looks spectacular in mass plantings or as a ground cover. This is also an excellent choice for placing in front of shrubs or under trees for a fluffy effect.
• Lily Turf is trouble-free: deer and rabbit resistant, heat, humidity and drought tolerant (once established), and is virtually disease and pest free.
• Cut old leaves down to the ground in spring to encourage fresh foliage.
• Propagate by seed sown in containers outdoors in spring or propagate by division in spring
• Liriope muscari species is native to China, Taiwan, Japan.
• Find where this species is invasive in the United States.