Liriope spicata |
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Photo Courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
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| | Common Name: Lily-turf-Creeping
Common Name (Alternative): Monkey Grass |
A grass-like plant that blooms! Lirope is a unique evergreen groundcover with dark green, quarter inch wide, upright foliage. Delightful, pale lavender flowers resembling grape hyacinths peak above the foliage in midsummer.
This selection spreads by underground stolons, quickly forming a thick carpet which is useful for erosion control and as a groundcover. It is also an active competitor against tree roots in the shade, making it a good choice for shady borders.
L. spicata is similar to L. 'Big Blue,' although it is of slightly smaller stature.
Origin: Not Native to North America
Characteristics:
Height:
8-12 Inches
Spread:
18-24 Inches
Flower Color:
Purple shades
Foliage Color:
Green shades
Sun or Shade?:
Full sun (> 6 hrs. direct sun)
Part shade (4-6 hrs. direct sun)
Full shade (< 4 hrs. direct sun)
Wet or dry?:
Low water needs
Average water needs
Need critter resistant plants?:
Deer resistant
Rabbit resistant
How fast should it grow?:
Rapid
When should it bloom?:
Midsummer
Looking for seasonal interest?:
Evergreen (in some or all zones)
How's your soil?:
Average Soil
Fertile Soil
Sweet or Sour Soil?:
Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0)
Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)
What's your garden style?:
Prairie
Woodland/Shade
Modern
Asian
Eclectic
Creeping Lily-turf can be grown in either sun or shade, though it prefers light shade and rich soil of dry to average moisture. This is an ideal plant for southern regions due to its extreme tolerance of heat, humidity, and drought. Insects and diseases do not seem to bother this plant either, so it is very low maintenance. In the spring, the foliage may be cut back or mowed down if it has discolored over the winter. A new flush of growth will quickly reappear.