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Liriope muscari ‘Variegata’ (Variegated Lily Turf)

Variegated Lily Turf, Lily Turf 'Variegata', Blue Lily Turf 'Variegata', Monkey Grass 'Variegata'

Liriope Muscari Variegata, Lily Turf Variegata, Blue Lily Turf Variegata, Monkey Grass Variegata, Big blue Lilyturf, Purple flowers, Evergreen perennial, Variegated Foliage
Liriope muscari, Liriope spicata, Lily Turf, Blue Lily Turf, Monkey Grass, Big Blue Lilyturf, Liriope platyphylla, Ophiopogon graminifolius, Variegated Lily Turf

Mostly grown for its attractive foliage, Liriope muscari ‘Variegata’ (Variegated Lily Turf) is an evergreen tuberous perennial forming a loose clump of narrow, arching, green leaves striped with creamy white. Blooming for weeks in late summer and fall, erect spikes of thickly clustered, small violet flowers appear above the leaves. They resemble grape hyacinth (Muscari), hence the Latin name. 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.

  • Grows up to 12-15 in. tall and wide (30-37 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.

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 10
Heat Zones 1 - 11
Climate Zones 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Asparagaceae
Genus Liriope
Common names Lily Turf, Monkey Grass
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Summer (Late)
Fall
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 12" - 15"
(30cm - 40cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Full Shade, Drought, Deer, Rabbit
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Liriope spicata (Creeping Lily Turf)
Liriope muscari ‘Big Blue’ (Lily Turf)
Liriope muscari ‘Gold Band’ (Variegated Lily Turf)
Liriope muscari ‘Ingwersen’ (Lily Turf)
Liriope muscari ‘Royal Purple’ (Lily Turf)
Liriope muscari (Blue Lily Turf)

Recommended Companion Plants

Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ (Black Mondo)
Ajuga reptans ‘Catlin’s Giant’ (Carpet Bugle)
Colchicum speciosum ‘Atrorubens’ (Colchicum)
Dryopteris erythrosora ‘Brilliance’ (Autumn Fern)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Best Foliage Plants for Your Garden
Native Plant Alternatives to Liriope spicata (Creeping Lily Turf)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 10
Heat Zones 1 - 11
Climate Zones 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Asparagaceae
Genus Liriope
Common names Lily Turf, Monkey Grass
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Summer (Late)
Fall
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 12" - 15"
(30cm - 40cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Full Shade, Drought, Deer, Rabbit
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Guides with
Liriope (Lily Turf)
Not sure which Liriope (Lily Turf) to pick?
Compare Now

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