Liriope Plants In New Zealand – Growing, Care, And Varieties

Landscaping With Liriope

These short articles provide some insight into how you might use Liriope plants in different situations and what you might pair them with.

Design Ideas For Liriopes

Liriopes owe their popularity to not just their aesthetics, but also to their versatility. They are commonly mass planted on banks, used to border paths and gardens, or included where are a hardy plant is desired. They are well suited to planting around living areas, pool, and barbecue areas where they provide a fresh appeal. As the flowers emerge you see the plants transform into a stunning display. The lush foliage is fantastic for providing elegance and texture to a planting. The Plant Company often uses them as a foundation planting to accentuate specimen trees. They can be included in most garden styles with ease, and make for an exciting addition. However, to get the most impressive shows, they do need to be mass planted. Explore The Plant Company’s range of Liriope varieties to find the one(s) that will suit your design needs!

Liriope Recommendations For Specific Uses

The Plant Company has a range of Liriope varieties, and the choice depends on the what the plant is to be used for. The most common uses are for growing in a pot, mass planting, adding to a mixed planting, or for planting around outdoor living areas such as pools and the like.

The Plant Company recommends the following varieties based on their popularity and suitability for different uses:

• Growing in a container: Liriope muscari or Samantha
• Mass planting: Munroe's White, Evergreen Giant, Liriope spicata, or Blue Skies
• Mixed planting: Liriope muscari, Samantha, Munroe's White, or Blue Skies
• Outdoor living areas: Munroe's White, Liriope muscari, Samantha, or Blue Skies
• Heavier shade: Liriope spicata

Be sure to check out The Plant Company’s amazing range of Liriope varieties to find the one(s) that will suit your needs.

Plants To Grow With Liriope

A wide range of plants can be grown with Liriopes. The Plant Company often recommends using flaxes and Astelias to bring in different colours, textures, and heights for mass plantings. This avoids what could otherwise become a green carpet. Some popular flax options include Black Rage, Veneer, Yellow Wave, and Dark Delight.

Specimen trees such as Flowering Cherries and Maples are often used with Liriope plantings. The Liriopes in this instance serve to accentuate the specimen tree and provide elegance in their own right.

The good thing about Liriopes is that they are versatile and blend easily with most plant colours and textures in a subtle and non-overpowering manner.

What Is A Liriope Alternative?

The most common alternatives to Liriopes are dwarf flaxes and dwarf agapanthus such as Agapetite. The leaf colouring, plant form, and growing requirements are similar.

Liriope Care

Caring for Liriope is about making sure the plants are thriving. Our plant care articles provide the necessary details to give you the greatest chance of success. Afterall, there is nothing worse than putting the effort into planting for them to fail. Therefore, follow our advice and give yourself the best chance of success.

How To Care For Liriope

The most important part starts with planting, and our article, How To Plant A Liriope, provides sound advice on how to do this properly. So, let’s now assume your plant is growing well and you want to keep it that way!

Winter is the perfect time for mulching your plants. Organic matter such as compost or sheep pellets should be spread liberally around the plants and then overlaid with mulch. The Plant Company has three very good options for mulch. The first is coco fibre matting which is made from the husks of coconuts. The second is Earth Mat which is made from recycled paper. Both break down to become part of the soil within two years. The third is black plastic matting which will last 20 years or more. Whichever mulch is used, The Plant Company recommend stones, bark chip, or other similar products be spread over top for aesthetic purposes. The Plant Company does not recommend adding fertiliser during winter as this is better applied in spring so less is wasted. However, adding organic matter such as compost is quite okay.

Spring is the perfect time for fertilising the plants as they start to bounce into life. The Plant Company has fertilisers which have been specially blended for different plants and in this instance, our garden fertiliser will give them the correct boost and keep them fed for 12-months. A suitable alternative is our organic fertiliser which will also keep them well fed but they will require a secondary application in autumn.

Summer is when the plants need regular watering, and this should be undertaken every second day on the hottest days. Plants that are establishing need particular attention as their root system will not have penetrated deep enough to secure consistent moisture yet.

Caring for Liriopes in autumn is about keeping the plants healthy. Foliar feeding using a liquid fertiliser can be undertaken during spring, summer, and autumn if you have time but this is not essential if solid fertiliser and/or good amounts of organic matter have already been applied. If you think the plants need an extra boost or have some yellowing, however, a liquid fertiliser won’t hurt.

Plants should be checked for pest or disease issues during spring, summer, and autumn. If anything is looking unusual, refer to our articles under Liriope Issues And Troubleshooting.

Liriope Diseases, Problems, and Solutions

Liriope do have problems and disease issues from time to time. Therefore, it is important to understand the underlying issue(s) and have the remedies to fix the problem. The Plant Company have produced this series of articles to help you in the quest for answers to address common Liriope problems and diseases.

Common Liriope Pests

Liriopes do not suffer from pest issues as a general rule. We have seen the odd snail on plants in the nursery but not at levels that would justify spraying them. That said, if pest levels are high and of concern, then slug bait can be used for their control. Please always read the label before using any agrichemical.

Dead Tips On Liriope Leaves

Small amounts of dead tissue at the ends of older leaves on Liriope is common. It is generally the result of over-watering, or the plants having endured a prolonged period of wet. The leaf tips can be trimmed using scissors and this won’t affect the plant. The longer-term solution is to reduce watering, improve drainage, or both.

How To Control Grass Weeds In Liriope

Grass weeds can be controlled in Liriope via one of two ways. The first approach is to paint glyphosate onto leaves of the rouge grass. This requires a lot of patience but is very effective. The second method is to dig out the Liriope, remove the weed inclusions, and then put the plant back. The Plant Company recommends following the advice in the article, How To Mulch Around Liriopes to reduce weeds returning.

Liriope Leaf Spotting

Leaf spotting and death from the leaf tip is often caused by the fungus, Anthracnose. This often occurs during hot and humid weather which favours the fungi. It is often more cosmetic than damaging, and the plants will grow through the issue within a few months without any treatment provided conditions change.

Prevention is better than cure for leaf spot diseases. With good air-flow around the plants this issue will rarely present. The other preventative measure is to use low rates of copper fungicide as humid weather sets in.

Liriope Plant Dieback

The most common disease problem with Liriopes is root rot, which is caused by the fungi, Phytophthora. Phytophthora attacks the roots and causes the plant to eventually die. The tell-tale symptoms are yellowing of the leaves and is often accompanied by wilting of the leaves. This can happen over several months during any season and progressively gets worse. This is all resulting from the root system being progressively weakened by the pathogen. Gardeners will often mistakenly think the plant needs more water. Unfortunately, adding water only accelerates the problem prolonged wetness was generally the cause in the first place.

The best solution to this issue is good drainage. Often the disease will start to show several weeks after a prolonged rain event. It can also occur when plants are regularly over-watered. Therefore, good drainage is essential and sites where drainage is poor should be avoided.

Treatment for Phytophthora can be a hit and miss exercise as there are no silver bullets. However, if picked up early, The Plant Company has experienced some success using Transformer. Transformer does have fungicidal properties and when used as a soil drench 2-3 times, plants can bounce back. However, if the plant is too far gone, The Plant Company recommends removing the plant entirely, and using Transformer as a soil drench before putting in a new plant. Of course, the drainage or watering issues will need to be addressed so the problem does not manifest again.

Nutritional issues can occur from time to time if plants have not been fed for a number of years. This often shows up as discoloured foliage, which, over time will show dead areas on the leaf. A liquid fertiliser can be used to correct issues quickly and should be supported with garden fertiliser during spring.

What Is Causing The Liriope Leaves To Yellow?

Leaf yellowing in Liriope is commonly caused by Anthracnose, Phytophthora, poor drainage, or too much shade. Occasionally, nutritional issues can occur if plants have not been fed for a number of years, and this presents as discoloured foliage. A liquid fertiliser can be used to correct issues quickly and should be supported with garden fertiliser during spring.

What Is Wrong With My Liriope Plant?

Liriope plants are generally low-maintenance and trouble free, however, they can still face some problems:

• Crown rot: This fungal disease can cause the roots and crown of the plant to rot, leading to yellowing leaves and eventually death. Crown rot is most common in liriope plants that are overwatered or planted in poorly drained soil.
• Leaf spots: These fungal or bacterial diseases can cause brown or tan spots to appear on the leaves. Leaf spots can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to other diseases.
• Slugs and snails: These pests can chew holes in the leaves. They are most active at night and in moist conditions.
• Grubs: These larvae of beetles can eat the roots, causing them to wilt and die.
• Cold damage: Liriope plants are generally cold-hardy, but they can be damaged by severe frosts. Cold damage can cause the leaves to turn brown and die.
• Overwatering: Liriope plants are drought-tolerant and prefer to be watered deeply and infrequently. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other problems.
• Underwatering: Liriope plants need regular watering, especially during hot, dry weather, and underwatering can cause the leaves to wilt and die.
• Poor drainage: Liriope plants need well-drained soil. Planting them in soil that is too wet can lead to root rot and other problems.

If you are concerned about the health of your liriope plants, you can consult with The Plant Company.

What To Do About Frost Damage To Liriope

If the new growth on your Liriope has been killed or damaged by frost, trim off the damaged leaves after the risk of frost has passed. Frost cloth or a blanket may be used to afford protection from further frosts. It is important not to cut off the frosted growth until the risk has passed as this growth, albeit ugly, is helping to shield the plant from further damage.

New shoots tend to be more prone to frost damage than older ones. For this reason, The Plant Company does not recommend applying fertiliser of any kind to plants between mid-autumn and late-winter as this can create softer shoots that are more susceptible to frost.

Liriope Fertilizer

Providing the best fertilizer for Liriope is important to ensure the plants thrive. The correct fertilizer depends on whether the plant is grown in a pot or in soil, and getting this wrong can be disastrous for your plants. Our articles provide the best advice about fertiliser for Liriope so you can achieve the amazing results you are after.

What Is The Best Fertiliser For Liriope?

Liriopes are vigorous plants that require feeding to keep them growing optimally. The Plant Company’s shrub fertiliser has been blended to give plants the boost they need and then sustained nutrition for the next 12 months. It is perfect for Liriopes.

We recommend the fertiliser is applied to the soil surface in spring just as the plants start to grow actively. More importantly, we advise that no fertiliser is placed in the hole at planting, but rather spread around the soil surface so it can wash through the roots as it releases. The Plant Company’s shrub fertiliser ensures that nutrients remain in the soil around the plant rather than being lost through the soil profile to where the plant cannot reach it. This also applies to plants grown on sandy soils. This fertiliser is therefore very environmentally friendly and longer lasting than most other products in the market.

Foliar feeding using a liquid fertiliser can be undertaken if you have time but this is not essential if garden fertiliser or shrub fertiliser has been applied. If you think the plants need an extra boost or have some yellowing, however, a liquid fertiliser application won’t hurt. A great benefit of foliar feeding is that it helps keep the leaves strong and lush.

What Is The Best Fertiliser For Liriopes Grown In A Pot?

Liriopes grown in containers require different fertiliser to those grown outdoors in soil. In this instance the correct fertiliser to use is either container plant fertiliser or fertiliser tablets. Each of these will provide safe, sustained, and complete nutrition to the plant for the next 12-months. Using other types of fertilisers can be detrimental to the plant and may result in plant injury or death.

Foliar feeding using a liquid fertiliser can be undertaken if you have time but this is not essential if container plant fertiliser or fertiliser tablets have been used. If you think the plant needs an extra boost or has some yellowing, however, a liquid fertiliser application won’t hurt. A great benefit of foliar feeding is that it helps keep the leaves strong and lush as the nutrition is right where the plant needs it.

What Is The Best Organic Fertiliser For Liriope?

Liriopes are showy plants that require feeding to keep them looking amazing. A lot of articles have all sorts of advice on this subject which often requires multiple applications, so you use more of their products. The Plant Company prefers to take a simpler and more environmentally responsible approach. We believe the best organic option is The Plant Company’s organic fertiliser which is applied in spring and again in autumn and will keep them well fed. You can safely apply generous amounts of this fertiliser without risk of injuring the plants. More details about this organic fertiliser are provided with the product.

What Is The Optimum Soil pH For Liriope?

The soil pH refers to how acid of alkaline the soil is. Liriopes prefer a soil pH within the range of 6.2 to 7.5 which means they will tolerate both acidic and semi-alkaline soils. As the pH of the soil moves away from this optimum range, the nutrients the plant is taking up (or not taking up) through the roots changes. If the shift in pH is too far, this can result in deficiencies of some nutrients and toxic levels of others. In either case this can cause the plant to become sick or even die a slow death.

The best way to know whether the pH is correct for your plant is to do a test. The Plant Company has pH test kits available that are easy to use and only take a few minutes to get a result. Preferably this test should be completed before planting so any pH issues can be corrected without risking the plant. A pH less 6.2 should have sparing amounts of dolomite lime applied along with garden fertiliser. A pH above 7.5 should have small amounts of soil acidifying fertiliser applied. In both instances the fertiliser should be thoroughly mixed into the soil before planting. A retest of the soil pH should be undertaken after four weeks and small adjustments made again. If the pH is in the optimum range, just use garden fertiliser thereafter.

Liriope General Information

This series of articles answers many of the frequently asked questions about Liriope, such as how fast they grow, their hardiness, and more!

Are Liriope Hardy To Frost?

Liriopes can take a heavy frost once established, though very young plants should be protected until they are at least 15-20 cm tall. Frost Cloth is a good option for protecting vulnerable plants if you are worried. Be careful to harden off recently purchased plants if you intend to plant these during winter and frosts are likely. Do this by gradually exposing them to the cooler conditions over a 2-3 week period or until such time as you think that a frost won’t damage them. The Plant Company recommends holding off planting until spring if you are at all worried that new plants might get frosted.

If plants do get frosted, they will generally recover. However, you will need to protect them from further frosts as this could kill them completely. Generally speaking, a good sized Liriope planted in spring will cope with frosts the following winter. In such environments the plants will often die back to regrow again when conditions warm.

Do Liriope Make Good Ground Cover Plants?

Liriope make excellent ground covering plants. Their dense, and low growing nature makes them perfect for this task. Moreover, they have the added advantage of producing masses of flowers which adds further aesthetic appeal. The most common varieties used for groundcovers include Blue Skies, Evergreen Giant, Liriope spicata, and Munroe's White.

Does Liriope Spread?

Liriope is a rhizomatous plant and spreads by underground stems. The stems sprout new shoots as they spread. Some species can spread 30-50 cm per year in ideal growing conditions.

How Fast Do Liriope Grow?

Liriope are generally vigorous and establish quickly. Most will double in size each year, but you have to start with strong and healthy plants at the outset. Be sure to check out the The Plant Company’s amazing Liriope varieties to get quality plants.

How Tall Will My Liriope Grow?

Most Liriopes will reach between 25-40 cm tall and wide but this obviously depends on the variety. The Plant Company has put a lot of effort into determining how big each variety will grow in an unrestricted growing environment. Far too often we see people planting a garden too densely and then having to spend a lot of time trimming or removing plants later. This is something we want our customers to avoid, and we therefore provide size information for each variety listed so the planning can be right from the start. Be sure to check out our range and the detailed information that accompanies each of our Liriope varieties.

How To Pronounce Liriope Muscari

Here's how to pronounce Liriope Muscari:

Liriope (lir-EE-oh-pee)

• Li - like "lie" in lie down
• rio - like "ree-oh"
• pe - like "pee"

Muscari (mus-KAIR-ee)

• mus - like "muss" in muscle
• car - like "car"
• ee - like "ee" in feet

Is Liriope Invasive?

The short answer is no. Liriope muscari varieties grow as a clump and does not put out roots that would be considered invasive. While Liriope spicata varieties do have a spreading root system, they are not considered to be an invasive plant.

Is Liriope Toxic To Dogs?

Liriope is not considered to be toxic to dogs, but it can cause stomach upset if ingested in large quantities. The most common symptoms of liriope poisoning are vomiting and diarrhoea. If they experience any symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Is Monkey Grass The Same As Liriope?

Monkey grass is the same as Liriope. It is a common name for several species of Liriope, including Liriope muscari and Liriope spicata. Monkey grass is a popular ground cover plant owing to its dense, evergreen foliage, and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions.

What Are Some Fun Facts About Liriope?

Some fun facts about Liriope:

1. Liriope is not a lily: Despite its name, Liriope is not actually a member of the lily family. It is a member of the Asparagaceae family, which also includes asparagus, ferns, and orchids.
2. Liriope is a versatile plant: Liriope can be used as a groundcover, a border plant, or even an accent plant in containers. It is also a popular choice for landscaping in coastal areas, as it is tolerant of salt spray.
3. Liriope is a tough plant: Liriope is drought-tolerant, heat-tolerant, and cold-tolerant. It can also tolerate a variety of soil conditions, making it a very versatile plant for landscaping.
4. Liriope is a low-maintenance plant: Liriope requires very little care once it is established. It does not need to be fertilized regularly, and it only needs to be watered during periods of hot, dry weather.
5. Liriope has attractive foliage: Liriope has evergreen foliage that comes in a variety of colors, including green, variegated, and even black. The leaves are also very attractive, with a grass-like texture.
6. Liriope has fragrant flowers: Liriope produces small, fragrant flowers that bloom in spikes in the summer. The flowers are typically lavender, purple, or white.
7. Liriope is a good pollinator plant: Liriope is a good pollinator plant for bees and other insects. The flowers provide nectar and pollen for these beneficial insects.
8. Liriope has medicinal properties: Liriope has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It is believed to have a number of medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-cancer properties.
9. Liriope is a symbol of good luck: In some cultures, Liriope is considered to be a symbol of good luck. It is often used in wedding bouquets and other special occasions.
10. Liriope is a popular plant: Liriope is a popular plant all over the world. It is grown in gardens and landscapes in a wide variety of climates.

What Are The Different Liriope Flower Colours?

Liriope flowers come in a range of colours, but they are not as widely varied as some other flowering plants. Purple is the most common colour associated with Liriope, particularly Liriope Muscari. The flowers can range from light lavender to deep violet-purple, depending on the variety. (e.g., Liriope muscari, Liriope 'Royal Purple'.

The less common colours are whites and pink. While not as frequent as purple, there are attractive cultivars with white flowers (e.g., Liriope 'Munroe White'). Varieties like Liriope 'Samantha' boast soft pink flowers.

What Is The Difference Between Liriope Spicata And Liriope Muscari?

There are two main differences between Liriope spicata and Liriope muscari. Liriope spicata has a spreading root system (called rhizomes) and a less compact flower than Liriope muscari. Liriope muscari grows as a clump and will not spread in the same manner. Therefore, Liriope spicata makes an excellent, spreading groundcover, whereas Liriope muscari is well-suited to borders and the like. Liriope spicata also tends to do better in heavier shade than muscari from The Plant Company’s experience.

What Is The Fastest Growing Liriope?

The fastest growing Liriope is Liriope spicata, also known as creeping lilyturf or monkey grass. It is a versatile and easy-to-care-for plant that can be grown in a variety of conditions. It is a good choice for ground cover, borders, and edging. Liriope spicata spreads rapidly by rhizomes and can form a dense mat of foliage.

Other fast-growing Liriope varieties include:

• Liriope muscari 'Big Blue'
• Liriope muscari 'variegata'
• Liriope spicata 'Silver Dragon'
• Liriope spicata 'Franklin Mint'

What Is The Most Hardy Liriope?

The Plant Company considers Royal Purple and Blue Skies to be the hardiest of the Liriopes. We base this off the survival rates following planting, and the lack of issues in the nursery.

When Do Liriope Flower?

Most Liriope varieties flower in late summer and autumn. Flowering time can be slightly influenced by climate and begin earlier in warmer regions.

Liriope Propagation

Propagating Liriope is a relatively straightforward process when you have the right advice. They are easily reproduced, and our articles give you the best chance of doing this successfully and efficiently.

How To Propagate Liriope

Liriopes are easily propagated by division. Established plants are simply broken apart with roots still attached. This task is usually undertaken in either spring or autumn, with the plants potted up using growing media for several weeks before planting out again. Take care not to make plants too small as they must have plenty of roots to successfully re-establish.

Liriope Varieties & Recommendations

Choosing a Liriope that works for you can be challenging given the sheer number that are available. Working through the different varieties, how big they grow, and so on, can take considerable time. The Plant Company’s series of short articles aims to offer concise and easy to follow advice and recommendations so you can determine the variety for your needs.

How Far Apart Should Liriope Muscari ‘Monroe White’ Be Planted?

The planting distance for Liriope 'Monroe White' depends on how you want them to look in the garden. That is, if you want them to grow as a consistent ground cover plant as a dense carpet to suppress weeds, then you would plant ‘Monroe White’ no further than 20 cm apart. If, however, you want this Liriope muscari to grow as discrete plants, they should be planted about 40 cm apart. The Plant Company recommends when planting Liriope 'Monroe White' alongside a path or as a border to space them 25-30 cm apart. At this spacing the will merge but still have their distinctive, rounded shape.

Liriope In The Plant Company’s Database

The list of Liriope that The Plant Company has cataloged, worked on, propagated, and marketed is broad. Our database of Liriope varieties is listed below:

• Liriope 'Amethyst'
• Liriope 'Big Blue'
• Liriope 'Blue Skies'
• Liriope 'Elmarco'
• Liriope 'Emerald Cascade'
• Liriope 'Evergreen Giant'
• Liriope 'Franklin Mint'
• Liriope 'Gold Band'
• Liriope 'Isabella'
• Liriope 'Just Right'
• Liriope 'Majestic'
• Liriope 'Monroe White'
• Liriope muscari
• Liriope muscari 'variegata'
• Liriope 'Peedee Ingot'
• Liriope 'Purple Explosion'
• Liriope 'Royal Purple'
• Liriope 'Samantha'
• Liriope 'Silver Dragon'
• Liriope 'Silver Ribbon'
• Liriope 'Silverlawn'
• Liriope 'Silvery Sunproof'
• Liriope spicata
• Liriope 'Stripey White'

Liriope Monroe White Information

Liriope 'Monroe White' is a popular cultivar due to its elegant white flowers, lush foliage, and tidy growth:

• ‘Monroe White’ produces masses of small, white flowers in late summer and autumn on short spikes that rise above the foliage. They create a lovely contrast against the green leaves.
• It carries attractive, strap-like leaves which are a rich, dark green and form a neat, clump.
• This cultivar typically grows to a mature height of around 20 cm (8 inches) and a width of 25 cm (10 inches).
• It is a versatile plant that can tolerate a range of light conditions. It performs well in full sun, where it will flower more prolifically, but also thrives in partial shade.
• It is adaptable to various soil types but prefers a well-drained soil. It will tolerate drier conditions once established.
• Some of its popular uses include:
  • Groundcover: It forms a dense, low-growing carpet of green foliage with pops of white flowers, ideal for suppressing weeds and adding visual interest.
  • Edging: The compact size and neat clumping habit make it perfect for defining pathways or flower beds.
  • Containers: Liriope Munroe White can add a touch of elegance and texture to patios or balconies.
  • Rock gardens: Its drought tolerance and compact size make it well-suited for rock gardens.
  • White gardens: This variety is a popular choice for creating a cohesive white garden theme.

Overall, Liriope 'Monroe White' is a low-maintenance and versatile plant that offers year-round beauty with its attractive foliage and elegant white blooms.

Liriope Muscari Characteristics

Liriope muscari, commonly called big blue lilyturf, lilyturf, border grass, and monkey grass is a small, herbaceous perennial that typically grows 30-40 cm tall. It features clumps of strap-like, dark green and glossy leaves. Some further characteristics include:

• In late summer, erect flower spikes with tiered whorls of dense, white to violet-purple flowers rise above the leaves. The small flowers resemble those of grape hyacinth, hence the specific epithet muscari. The flowers develop into blackish berries which often persist into winter.
• Liriope muscari is a clump-forming plant that slowly expands by short stolons to a width of about 30 cm. It is not an aggressively spreading plant.
• It tolerates a wide range of light conditions, from full sun to part shade. However, it will produce more flowers and grow more compactly in full sun. In full shade, the leaves will be more elongated, and the plant will spread more slowly.
• This plant is adaptable to a wide range of soils, but it prefers moist, well-drained soil. It can tolerate poor soil conditions, including drought and heat.

Overall, Liriope Muscari is a versatile and easy-care plant that is a valuable addition to many landscapes. It is a low-maintenance groundcover, border plant, or edging plant.

Liriope Muscari Majestic Information

Liriope 'Majestic' features the classic Liriope muscari flower spikes with whorls of violet-purple blooms in late summer and autumn. It has dark green, strap-like leaves that form a neat and compact clump of dark green foliage.

• 'Majestic' typically reaches a height of 30-45 cm and a similar spread.
• It is a clump-forming plant and spreads slowly by short stolons and is not considered an aggressively spreading plant.
• It thrives in full sun to part shade. In full sun, it will flower more abundantly and maintain a denser form.
• It adapts to various soils as long as they are well-drained. It tolerates moderate drought once established.
• Uses in Landscaping:
  • Borders: The attractive foliage and violet-purple blooms make it a perfect addition to borders, providing year-round interest and a flush of colour in late summer.
  • The compact size and neat clumping habit make it ideal for defining pathways or flower beds.
  • You can plant Liriope 'Majestic' in large swaths to create a visually appealing and low-maintenance groundcover.

Liriope 'Majestic' makes a valuable addition to landscapes with its attractive foliage, classic Liriope flowers, and compact size. While potentially less common than other varieties, it's worth considering if you find it available and are looking for a low-maintenance flowering border or groundcover plant.

Liriope Royal Purple Information

Liriope 'Royal Purple' is known for its vibrant purple flowers and attractive foliage. Some of its key characteristics include:

• 'Royal Purple' has showy, deep violet-purple flowers during late summer and autumn. These flowers are denser and more intensely coloured compared to most other Liriope muscari varieties.
• It has dark green, strap-like leaves that form a neat, compact clump.
• This cultivar typically grows to a height of around 40 cm (16 inches) and a width of 45 cm (18 inches).
• It thrives in either full sun or partial shade.
• It prefers well-drained soil but tolerates a wider range of soil conditions, including moderate drought and cool climates.
• Liriope 'Royal Purple' is a popular choice for:
  • Groundcover: It creates a dense, low-maintenance carpet of rich green foliage and vibrant purple flowers.
  • Edging: The neat and tidy clumping habit makes it ideal for defining pathways or flower beds.
  • Containers: Liriope 'Royal Purple' can add a touch of colour and texture to patios or balconies.
  • Underplanting trees: Its shade tolerance allows it to thrive beneath trees where other flowering plants might struggle.

Overall, Liriope 'Royal Purple' offers a beautiful combination of low-maintenance care and attractive features, making it a great addition to various landscaping designs.

Liriope Samantha Information

Liriope 'Samantha' is a beautiful cultivar of Liriope muscari, and is known for its unique pink flowers. Some of its key characteristics include:

• The defining feature of Liriope ‘Samantha’ is its charming display of soft pink flowers. These appear in late summer and early autumn on tall stems that rise above the foliage.
• This evergreen features strap-like leaves that form a neat and compact clump of dark green foliage.
• Liriope ‘Samantha’ typically reaches a mature height of around 40 cm (16 inches) and a spread of 30 cm (12 inches).
• Liriope Samantha is an adaptable plant that thrives in both full sun and part shade. In full sun, it will produce more flowers and maintain a more compact form. However, it will tolerate partial shade with slightly less flowering and with a less dense growth habit.
• ‘Samantha’ prefers a well-drained soil but can tolerate a range of soil conditions, including moderate drought once established.
• Liriope ‘Samantha’ is a versatile plant that is a popular choice for several landscaping purposes:
  • Groundcover: It creates a dense, low-maintenance carpet of green foliage with pops of pink flowers, ideal for suppressing weeds and adding a unique touch of colour.
  • Borders: The attractive foliage and pink blooms make it a perfect addition to borders, providing year-round interest and a pop of colour in late summer.
  • Containers: Liriope ‘Samantha’ can add a touch of elegance and a pop of pink to patios or balconies.

Liriope 'Samantha' is a low-maintenance and attractive cultivar that offers a delightful alternative to the more common blue or purple Liriope varieties. Its soft pink flowers and evergreen foliage make it a valuable addition to various landscaping designs.

When Is The Best Time To Plant Liriope Muscari?

The best time to plant Liriope muscari is generally any time during autumn, winter, and spring. During these seasons the plants can establish before the heat of summer arrives. You can still plant in summer provided you pay particular attention to watering. If the plants are being grown in a container, they can be planted during any season. The Plant Company recommends that they are planted into soil that drains well and are watered regularly until they establish. Poor drainage or overwatering is the main cause of plant death with Liriope. Once they are growing well, they are largely drought tolerant, but they will still benefit from occasional watering during dry periods. Fertiliser only needs to be applied in spring of each year with a light dressing around each plant. The ideal plant spacing for Liriope muscari is about 25-30 cm apart, and at this spacing they will cover the soil and merge nicely.

Where Should Liriope Muscari ‘Royal Purple’ Be Planted?

Liriope 'Royal Purple' thrives in either full sun or partial shade. They key requirement is a well-drained soil, as both poor drainage and over-watering can cause the plants to struggle or fail. The Plant Company generally recommends Lilyturf is used as a ground cover plant or to border a path or garden. The hard edges of a walkway can be softened with the cascading foliage. Similarly, they will grow without dominating the area and so are perfect for narrow spaces or areas where low growing colour is the desire. Liriope 'Royal Purple' is also perfect for low-maintenance gardens and the busy gardener. It suffers from few issues, is hardy and largely drought tolerant once established, and needs little in the way of upkeep. What more could you want?

Planting And Growing Liriope Muscari

Planting Liriope muscari and getting them to grow well is generally easy when you get a few of the basics right. This involves planting them in the right soil type, choosing the most ideal planting position, selecting the right variety, and ensuring the plants have the essentials to thrive. The Plant Company has the right advice to ensure success when you are growing Liriope.

Are Liriopes Easy To Grow?

Liriopes are very easy to grow, but you need to have the basics right. Choose a sunny or partially shaded spot with good drainage. The soil should be well prepared with organic matter added from either compost or sheep pellets mixed in. Feeding your plants in spring with garden fertiliser will replenish nutrients and keep them fed for 12 months. They should also be watered regularly during extended dry periods to keep them flourishing.

We have prepared specific articles to help you grow amazing Liriopes: How To Plant A Liriope, How To Trim A Liriope, Best Fertiliser For Liriopes, When To Water Liriopes, How To Mulch Around Liriopes, and Liriope Issues And Troubleshooting. Enjoy!

Can Liriope Be Grown In Coastal Environments?

Liriopes can cope with coastal areas provided they are not routinely covered in salt spray. Being constantly coated can result in leaf burning and the plant eventually failing. Similarly, if the soil is too saline, this can also prove detrimental to the plants and result in them becoming stunted.

If you elect to plant in this environment, The Plant Company recommends ensuring the soil is well prepared with organic matter such as compost, provide some shelter, and regularly water during dry periods.

Can Liriope Be Grown In Pots?

Liriope can be grown in pots, and they look amazing when managed appropriately. They are often used in larger pots in conjunction with a larger specimen such as Hymenosporum flavum but can be grown singly or as a cluster.

Choose a pot that is no more than twice the size of what the Liriope is currently growing in and that has plenty of drainage holes in the bottom. Fill the bottom of the pot to about 1/3 of the way up with potting mix. Do not use soil or compost when growing plants in a container and do not add fertiliser. The Plant Company potting mix has all the nutrients required to sustain the plant for the next 12 months.

Remove the plant from the container it is growing in by either pulling it free or by cutting the bag. We recommend cutting the bag, especially for larger grade plants, to minimise any chance of damaging the roots. If the roots are bound up, you can tease them apart if you want but this is not essential. The Plant Company does not advise cutting through roots, even if the plant is rootbound, as that injures the plant. Our research and trials concluded that cutting roots does not offer any advantages as they establish just as well without any root cutting. See the article, Managing Rootbound Plants, for more information.

Place the plant in the pot, add more potting mix, and firm this around the plant using gentle pressure, then water well. They should be watered at least twice a week during hot weather and weekly or fortnightly during cooler periods.

The key to having an amazing Liriope in a pot is to both keep it fed correctly (see the article, Best Fertiliser For Liriopes Grown In A Container) and avoid over-watering (see the article When To Water Liriopes).

Can Liriopes Grow In Shade?

The answer to this question depends on how much shade. In heavily shaded conditions, such as under a large, evergreen tree canopy, Liriopes tend to become “leggy” or “floppy” as the leaves compete with each other for light. In full sun they tend to be more compact and denser, with better flowering. That said, they will perform well even if they get only two hours of direct sun per day, or reasonable amounts of speckled sunlight throughout the day.

Can Liriopes Grow In Wet Areas?

The short answer to this question is no. In such circumstances they will develop disease issues and fail to perform. Liriopes prefer well-drained soils, so wet conditions are the worst thing for them. Better options for wet areas are Juncus or Apodasmia.

How Far Apart Should Liriope Be Planted?

Liriopes look amazing when mass planted and are perfect for both banks, borders, and planting around trees and shrubs. The question about how far apart depends on whether the fully grown state has a gap between plants, whether they are to merge into each other, and finally the variety. By way of example, Munroe's White grown to be distinct plants should be spaced at least 40 cm apart. If they are to merge, a spacing of 30 cm is recommended. For a variety such as Evergreen Giant, space at 60 cm for distinct plants, and 50 cm for merging.

How To Grow A Liriope Muscari Border

Liriope are perfect for garden borders. The question about how far apart depends on whether the fully grown state has a gap between plants, whether they are to merge into each other, and finally the variety. By way of example, Munroe's White grown to be distinct plants should be spaced at least 40 cm apart. If they are to merge, a spacing of 30 cm is recommended. For a variety such as Evergreen Giant, space at 60 cm for distinct plants, and 50 cm for merging.

How To Grow Liriope

Choose a full sun or partial shade position with good drainage for your Liriope. The hole should be dug to at least 50-75% deeper and wider than the container the plant is currently growing in. The Plant Company recommends incorporating compost or sheep pellets into the soil to provide additional organic material, but this is not essential. Do not put fertiliser in the bottom of the hole, rather spread garden fertiliser on the soil surface after planting, and preferably do this when the plant is actively growing in spring.

We have prepared specific articles to help you grow amazing Liriopes: How To Plant A Liriope, How To Trim A Liriope, Best Fertiliser For Liriopes, When To Water Liriopes, How To Mulch Around Liriopes, and Liriope Issues And Troubleshooting. Enjoy!

How To Plant Liriope

Choose a full sun position with good drainage for your Liriope plant. The hole should be dug to at least 50-75% deeper and wider than the container the plant is currently growing in. A planting spade makes the hole digging a lot easier. The Plant Company recommends incorporating compost or sheep pellets into the soil to provide additional organic material, but this is not essential. Do not put fertiliser in the bottom of the hole, rather spread that on the soil surface after planting, and preferably do this when the plant is actively growing in spring.

Remove the plant from the container it is growing in by either pulling it free or by cutting the bag. We recommend cutting the bag, especially for larger grade plants, to minimise any chance of damaging the roots. If the roots are bound up, you can tease them apart if you want but this is not essential. The Plant Company does not advise cutting through roots, even if the plant is rootbound, as that injures the plant. Our research and trials concluded that cutting roots does not offer any advantages as they establish just as well without any root cutting. See the article, Managing Rootbound Plants, for more information.

Now place the plant in the hole and make sure it is level with the soil surface before filling in around it. If it is above the soil surface, dig more out. If it is below, put in more soil and retest the level. Once the plant is set level with the soil surface, add more soil gradually and firm it around the plant using gentle pressure as you go. Scatter garden fertiliser across the soil surface after planting and the give the plant a good watering.

What Is The Best Soil For Liriope In A Pot?

Only potting mix should be used when plants are grown in a container. Often people will try and cut corners and use soil or mixes that contain both soil and potting mix with poor results. The same applies to when plants are potted up with compost as it holds too much moisture. Soil also contains weeds and tends to become compacted in a container, hence why it is not used in this manner. The Plant Company has nursery grade potting media which is pre-loaded with the correct amounts of fertiliser and micro-nutrients to keep the plant sustained with nutrition and actively growing for the next 12-months. After 12-months, simply add a couple fertiliser tablets to keep the plant fed for the next 12-months.

What Is The Best Soil For Liriope?

Soils rich in fertility and organic matter that are well-drained will produce amazing Liriope. The soil should be well prepared with either compost or sheep pellets mixed in at planting, or spread on the soil surface after planting. It is important that the soil being planted into won’t restrict root growth and for this reason, clay soils are generally not well suited to Liriopes. Clay soils also tend to be very wet which will negatively impact the performance of the plant. A little test that can be done is to dig the hole, fill it with water before the plant goes in, and leave it for 24-hours. If the water is still in the hole, you will need to address the drainage before planting.

Feeding your Liriope plants in spring with garden fertiliser will replenish nutrients and keep them fed for 12 months. Liberal amounts of organic fertiliser can also be used. Do ensure that plants are watered regularly during dry periods to keep them flourishing.

What Mulch To Use Around Liriopes

Placing mulch around Liriopes helps keep the soil moist and significantly reduces weeds. The Plant Company recommends an organic mulch is used as this breaks down over time to provide nutrients and improves the soil. It is also better for the environment than the plastic-based alternatives. Whatever type of mulch is used, it needs to be free draining so the soil can “breathe” and allow water to penetrate quickly and easily. Heavy rates of lawn clippings are therefore not a good option as they hold too much moisture. The Plant Company has three very good options for mulch. The first is coco fibre matting which is made from the husks of coconuts. The second is Earth Mat which is made from recycled paper. Both break down to become part of the soil within two years. The third is black plastic matting which will last 20 years or more. Whichever mulch is used, The Plant Company recommends stones, bark chip, or other similar products be spread over top for aesthetic purposes.

Compost is not considered an effective mulch as weeds germinate easily and it is only short lasting. It is, however, a very good method of adding organic matter to the soil and should be applied before the mulch is put down.

When Is The Best Time To Plant Liriope Muscari?

Liriopes and Liriope muscari are best planted from mid-autumn until late spring. During this time, they can cope with the stresses associated with planting (root damage mainly) more easily than if they have to also cope with heat and moisture stress as well. They can be planted in summer provided they are well-watered, and the roots have plenty of growing media attached when planted. If watering is a challenge, The Plant Company advises planting any time from late-autumn through until early-spring. Make sure you have a good planting spade to make this job a lot easier.

Where Do Liriope Grow Best?

A full sun or partial shade position with good drainage is essential for getting the best results with Liriopes. On poorly drained sites or with over-watering they tend to become stunted and sickly looking. This can cause and result in root rot issues that may eventually kill the plant if drainage is very poor. If you think this might be a problem for you, please refer to the article, Liriope Diseases.

In heavily shaded conditions Liriope tend to become “leggy” or “floppy” as the leaves compete for light. In full sun or partial shade, they tend to be more compact and have better flowering. The planting position should also be moderately sheltered which will help both with establishment and to produce a better shaped plant overall. This is not essential as they can cope well with moderate wind.

Pruning and Trimming Liriope Muscari

The Plant Company have produced this series of articles to provide advice for trimming Liriope so you can manicure your plants with confidence and success.

How Hard Can I Prune Liriope?

Most Liriope varieties will sprout new shoots when cut right back, even close to ground level. However, this relies on the plant having heathy shoots at the outset. This activity is best undertaken during spring or summer using secateurs. Please note: Liriopes grown in shade environments or suffering from disease or nutritional deficiencies may struggle to re-establish when cut back severely.

How To Trim Liriope

Liriopes are generally only trimmed to remove unsightly leaves or cut back more aggressively to rejuvenate or control a plant. This is best done during spring or summer when plants are moving to active growth. Aggressive trimming usually involves cutting plants back to 5-10 cm above the soil level. Liriopes are very forgiving plants and even if you get the trimming wrong, they will generally recover! Unfortunately, there is always a risk of plants dying after such aggressive trimming. This will sometimes occur if the plants were diseased or suffering nutritional deficiencies ahead of trimming. In these cases, the plants just don’t have the energy to resume active growth.

Light trimming can involve cutting the brown tips off plants, cutting out yellow or sickly-looking leaves, or even thinning out the shoots. This can be done at any time.

When Is The Best Time To Trim Liriope?

Liriopes can be trimmed at any time of the year, though spring is the time recommended by The Plant Company for any aggressive cutting back. The plants sprout from the base and at this time of year the risk of frost should have passed, and they are ready to bounce into active growth with the warming weather. Light trimming to remove unsightly foliage can occur at any time of year.

When to Trim Liriope

Decisions about when to trim a Liriope, how to cut them back, and how hard, and even how to do this task can be daunting for the novice gardener. The Plant Company have produced this series of articles to provide advice for trimming Liriope so you can manicure your plants with confidence and success.

Watering Liriope

Watering Liriope correctly is an important part of growing amazing plants. Importantly, making sure they get enough without being over-watered is paramount. Our articles provide the know-how on this subject.

When To Water Liriope

Liriope are lush plants and require good soil moisture during dry periods to stay fresh and keep growing actively. They are generally regarded as being tolerant of dry periods but will benefit from watering both during establishment and during extended dry. The Plant Company recommends a generous watering every third day during summer, or every fifth day if the soil is a bit heavier. If plants start to droop, you need to water immediately. The Plant Company advises watering in the morning or in the evening for water conservation purposes. Please be sure to read the article, Liriope Diseases, as over-watering can have unintended consequences!

During extended dry periods Liriopes may stop growing to preserve themselves. This is clearly not desirable if you are still wanting them to grow. They will start growing again once rain or water is provided, and as long as they have not been allowed to totally desiccate.

If the Liriope is being grown in a pot, watering 2-3 times a week during summer and once a fortnight during winter is the general rule. This will depend on how hot the growing environment is and the size of the plant, of course.