Liriope (Liriope muscari)
Liriope is a striking evergreen plant with hardy foliage that has various uses in the garden. It grows from a rhizome and is excellent for borders, edging, planting beneath trees, as a ground cover, or added to a pot display. Liriope can thrive in both sunny and shady conditions.
A fast-growing, grassy plant grown for its often-variegated ribbon-like leaves, but is also available with plain green leaves. ‘Variegata’ is a variegated form. Although liriope resembles a grass in that it is low and clumping, it is a type of lily. Expect plants to grow around 30cm high and 40cm wide. Plants produce stems of small tightly clustered purple flowers in summer and early autumn adding to this plant’s appeal. The flowers are followed by small blue to black berries.
- ‘Pink Pearl’ is a compact plant with elegant green and cream variegated foliage growing to around 25cm high and wide. Grown in the sun or a shady position, it showcases stunning pink flower heads from mid-summer to autumn.
- ‘Evergreen Giant’ is a large form with green leaves that reach 30-45cm high and up to 60cm across. It has clusters of purple flower spikes and grows best in moist, well-drained soil.
- ‘Monroe White’ grows to around 40cm tall and wide with dark green foliage and eye-catching large spikes of white flowers. Enjoy this planted en masse as a ground cover or as part of a flower display in a pot.
- ‘Amethyst’ grows around 40cm high and wide with dark purple flower spikes held above the narrow dark green foliage. This plant is tolerant of drought, frost and humidity.
- ‘Samantha’ has strappy green leaves with pink, bell-shaped flowers that bloom from early summer to autumn. Preferring a well-drained soil, it is perfect for a garden or pot situation.
Growing conditions
Aspect Liriope grow in a range of climates from full sun (away from wind and with water) to shade, although foliage colour may not be as intense in a full shade position. Provide extra shade in summer for variegated species that may burn in hot afternoon sun.
Soil They are not fussy about soils but liriopes grow best in rich soil with good drainage. To ensure good healthy growth, plant them in rich fertile soil. Improve soil by adding in homemade compost and organic matter and/or Seasol Super Compost.
Climate Liriope grows well in all climates from sub-tropical, warm and cool temperate.
General care
Watering Once established, liriope is fairly drought hardy but may need extra water when conditions are dry for extended periods. Water more frequently if plants are in containers. Keep plants looking good with regular fortnightly applications of Seasol.
Feeding and mulching Keep plants lush and leafy with a granular fertiliser applied throughout the seasons, such as Seasol plus Nutrients All Purpose including Natives or Seasol plus Nutrient Roses & Flowers. Supplement this feeding with a liquid fertiliser such as PowerFeed All Purpose including Natives or PowerFeed PRO SERIES for Roses & Flowers every 2 to 4 weeks. Plants in containers can be liquid fed every 2 to 4 weeks while they are growing and flowering with PowerFeed PRO SERIES All Purpose including Natives or PowerFeed PRO SERIES Roses & Flowers.
Mulch around and between clumps with organic mulch such as sugarcane mulch for a cottage-style garden or coarse pinebark for an informal-style garden. Mulch aids soil moisture retention and keeps weeds at bay.
Pruning If plants are looking tatty, they can be trimmed to ground level in late autumn or winter. If desired, deadhead after flowering.
Watch out There are a few pest or disease problems except snails and slugs, which makes this a trouble-free addition to the garden.
