Lily Turf

Lily Turf, Liriope

Lily turf is an excellent groundcover plant that grows so thick that weeds can’t compete. It is very easy to grow, easy to obtain and relatively problem free.

Growing

Lily turf can be grown in full sun, but prefers to grow in partial shade or light shade, in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil. However, you’ll find that it adapts to heavy clay soils just fine.

Once established, plants are tough as nails and will require little care to thrive. To encourage new growth, trim or remove winter-damaged foliage in late winter or early spring.

Tips

Lily turf can be used as a dense groundcover and for erosion control. It looks great when planted in mass drifts and reduces the amount of mulch needed each year. Lily turf grows well under large deciduous trees, and it does well in containers.

Recommended

L. muscari is a slow-spreading, clump-forming, evergreen perennial that has wide, arching, grass-like, dark green foliage. The spikes of late summer flowers, in violet purple to white, are held above the foliage. Persistent, shiny, black or white berries follow. ‘Big Blue’ has large, showy, lavender blue flowers, and plants produce larger, taller clumps. ‘Variegata’ has lavender purple flowers; its foliage has creamy yellow edges.

Also called: monkey grass, blue lily turf, border grass

Features: strap-like foliage; easy to grow; purple to white flowers

Height: 12–18"

Spread: 6–12"

Hardiness: zones 6–10

Sidebar

Not a true grass, lily turf is actually a member of the lily family.