Big Blue Lilyturf (Liriope muscari)

Big Blue Lilyturf

(Liriope muscari)

bluefootedbooby

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Estimated Native Range

Summary

Liriope muscari, commonly known as Big Blue Lilyturf, is an evergreen perennial herb native to shady, forested regions in East Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea. It thrives in a variety of climates, from temperate to subtropical zones. This plant typically grows to a height of 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm) with a similar spread, forming dense tufts of grass-like foliage. The leaves are dark green, strappy, and arching, creating a lush groundcover. From late summer to early fall, it produces spikes of small, grape-hyacinth-like flowers in shades of lilac to deep purple, followed by blackish berries. The flowers are moderately showy and attract pollinators.

Big Blue Lilyturf is valued for its versatility and low maintenance, making it a favorite for urban and suburban landscapes. It is used for border plantings, as a groundcover, and for erosion control on slopes. It is also planted under trees and shrubs where other plants might struggle due to low light. Liriope muscari prefers moist, fertile soils but is adaptable to a range of conditions, including drought, heat, humidity, and various soil types. It can be grown in full sun to part shade, though it flourishes in partial shade with well-drained soil. To rejuvenate the plant and remove winter-damaged foliage, old leaves can be trimmed back in early spring. It is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 6 to 10. While generally disease-free, it can suffer from crown rot in overly wet conditions. Liriope muscari can be invasive outside its native range, so gardeners should check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Herb
Height: 1-1.5 feet
Width: 0.8-1 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Purple
Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium, High
Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Shady, forested regions in East Asia

Other Names

Common Names: Border Grass , Monkey Grass , Mörk Druvlilja , Maegmundong , 맥문동

Scientific Names: Liriope muscari , Liriope gigantea , Liriope muscari f. variegata , Liriope muscari var. variegata , Liriope muscari subsp. variegata , Liriope platyphylla , Liriope exiliflora , Liriope muscari var. communis , Ophiopogon muscari , Liriope muscari f. albiflora

GBIF Accepted Name: Liriope muscari (Decne.) L.H.Bailey