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Lilyturf Liriope muscari

Lilyturf Liriope muscari is one of New Zealand’s favourite perennial landscaping plants, prized for its lush grass-like foliage and delicate flower spikes. Known commonly as lilyturf, Liriope muscari thrives in a variety of conditions, making it an ideal choice for both beginner and seasoned gardeners. This versatile ground cover not only adds evergreen texture and colour to low-maintenance gardens, but also delivers charming purple blooms through late summer and early autumn. Whether you’re designing a shaded border, filling gaps between paving stones, or looking for erosion control, lilyturf Liriope muscari helps create beautiful, easy-care outdoor spaces.

Liriope muscari

5 from 3 customers

Liriope muscari, commonly known as Lilyturf or Monkeygrass, is an herbaceous perennial with flower spikes that rise above the foliage during summer and autumn, bearing masses of lavender-blue flowers that are long-lasting and blend wonderfully with the strap-like, dark green foliage. Liriope muscari is an excellent choice for cottage gardens, adding to a mixed planting, or for use in borders or around outdoor living areas. It is used extensively in landscaping due to its hardiness, versatility, and attractive appearance year-round.

Liriope muscari growing as a mass planting in a woodand garden.
  • Suited to regions:
    All regions
  • Plant type:
    Grasses
  • Height:
    30 cm
  • Spread:
    45 cm
  • Flowering time:
    Summer, Autumn
  • Tolerances:
    Coastal, Hardy, Shade
  • Garden uses:
    Borders, Containers, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen
  • Garden styles:
    Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Colourful Liriope muscari 'Royal Purple' plants with purple flowers.
Most Popular

Liriope 'Royal Purple'

Liriope 'Royal Purple', commonly known as Monkey Grass, produces strap-like, dark green leaves that become adorned with masses of showy, deep...

From$18.83
Liriope muscari 'Monroe White' white flowers.
Most Popular

Liriope 'Monroe White'

Liriope 'Monroe White' is a white flowering Liriope that grows as a tidy clump and produces strap-like, dark green leaves. Short stems rise above the...

From$18.83
Liriope muscari 'Blue Skies' plant with blue flowers and green foliage in a garden.
Most Popular

Liriope 'Blue Skies'

Liriope 'Blue Skies' is a blue-flowering Liriope that forms a tidy clump and features strap-like, dark green leaves. Flower spikes rise above the...

From$18.83
Liriope muscari 'Samantha' plants with dark green leaves and pink flowers.
Most Popular

Liriope 'Samantha'

Liriope 'Samantha' is a pink-flowering Liriope that produces strap-like, dark green leaves. Short stems carrying masses of tiny, light pink flowers...

From$20.18
liriope-muscari-evergreen-giant-
Most Popular

Liriope 'Evergreen Giant'

Liriope 'Evergreen Giant' is an herbaceous perennial that grows as a clump and produces strap-like, dark green leaves. Stems rise above the foliage...

From$20.18
Armeria maritima 'Morning Star White' plant with white flowers.
Most Popular

Armeria maritima 'Morning Star White' (Thrift)

Armeria maritima 'Morning Star White' is a compact and charming perennial valued for its crisp white pompom flowers that rise above tidy clumps of...

From$20.18
Ophiopogon 'Kyoto' (Dwarf Mondo grass) growing between paving stones.
Most Popular

Ophiopogon Kyoto

Ophiopogon 'Kyoto' is a Dwarf Mondo Grass and grows as a small clump with fine, dark green foliage. Flower spikes appear in summer bearing tiny...

From$6.08
Lomandra Nyalla grass with blue-green foliage in a border planting.
Most Popular

Lomandra Nyalla

Lomandra Nyalla is a hardy ornamental grass featuring delicate, lush green foliage and a graceful, arching form. Reaching approximately 80 cm in...

From$20.18
Miscanthus Morning Light growing as a clump with variegated leaves.
Most Popular

Miscanthus 'Morning Light'

Miscanthus 'Morning Light' (Maiden Grass) is a refined ornamental grass valued for its fine narrow foliage edged with silvery white. This elegant...

From$18.83
Hakonechloa macra 'Albovariegata' plant.
Most Popular

Hakonechloa 'Albovariegata'

Hakonechloa macra 'Albovariegata', commonly known as variegated Japanese Forest Grass, features lush foliage that is variegated dark green with...

From$22.88
Liriope muscari

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Why Choose Lilyturf Liriope Muscari?

Liriope muscari is valued for its resilience and adaptability. It tolerates drought, survives in poor soils, and flourishes in both sun and shade—perfect for New Zealand’s fickle weather. Its arching leaves provide year-round interest, while the upright spikes of violet or lavender flowers offer seasonal colour from late summer into autumn. The chunky, grass-like habit means lilyturf Liriope muscari looks fantastic as edging along pathways and garden beds, or mass-planted for those tricky areas under trees where grass simply won’t grow.

Planting and Maintenance

Plant lilyturf Liriope muscari in well-drained soil, spacing plants about 30cm apart for dense coverage. It’s remarkably low-maintenance: simply tidy up old foliage in spring and mulch lightly to suppress weeds. Watering is only needed during prolonged dry spells. Lilyturf is not often troubled by pests or diseases, making it an excellent option for sustainable gardening.

Design Ideas with Lilyturf

Liriope muscari pairs well with other ornamental grasses and evergreen perennials. For a bold, textured ground cover, consider combining it with Liriope 'Royal Purple', which features rich, purple-hued flowers and foliage. If you prefer a softer look, Liriope 'Monroe White' offers crisp white blooms that contrast beautifully with the dark leaves of traditional lilyturf.

For large-scale plantings, Liriope 'Evergreen Giant' makes a dramatic statement with wider leaves and robust growth. For subtle colour variation, Liriope 'Blue Skies' introduces pale blue-purple flower spikes, while Liriope 'Samantha' stands out with its unique variegated foliage.

Stunning Companions for Lilyturf

Enhance your garden’s texture and colour palette by pairing lilyturf Liriope muscari with other shade-tolerant and moisture-loving species like Sisyrinchium 'Snow Bells', which produces dainty white flowers, or Lomandra Frosty Tops for a soft, architectural accent. For additional autumn hues, Libertia 'Taupo Blaze' brings copper-tipped foliage, while Miscanthus Gracillimus adds airy movement with feathery plumes. Around wet areas, Bolboschoenus fluviatilis (Kukuraho) is an excellent native companion.

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Lilyturf Liriope muscari and its many attractive varieties are ready to transform your New Zealand garden. Explore our range and discover the perfect blend of colour, texture, and low-maintenance beauty for your landscape.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Aesculus Briotii and Apodasmia similis (Oi Oi) are beloved staples, but Olive Verdale, Coprosma repens (Mirror Plant), and Alnus glutinosa 'Imperialis' bring fresh energy to any planting scheme.
–The Plant Company

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