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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 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
Liriope spicata 'Franklin Mint' plant with lush green foliage and pink flowers.
Most Popular Liriope 'Franklin Mint'

Liriope 'Franklin Mint' features strap-like, dark green leaves and short stems that carry masses of tiny, lilac-coloured flowers that emerge amidst...

From$17.95
Liriope muscari 'Pee Dee Gold Ingot' plants with yellow foliage in a border garden.
Most Popular Liriope 'Pee Dee Gold Ingot'

Liriope 'Pee Dee Gold Ingot', commonly known as Purple Liriope or Lilyturf, grows as a clump and produces strap-like, golden-yellow leaves up to 20...

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Liriope muscari 'variegata' plants with colourful foliage and purple flowers.
Most Popular Liriope 'variegata'

Liriope 'variegata', commonly known as Variegated Lilyturf, grows as a clump and produces strap-like leaves that are green with a prominent cream...

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Liriope muscari 'Isabella' pink flowers and lush green foliage.
Most Popular Liriope 'Isabella'

Liriope Isabella, commonly known as Lilyturf or Monkeygrass, produces strap-like, dark green leaves and masses of pretty, light pink flowers during...

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Liriope muscari 'Silvery Sunproof' plant with variegated leaves and purple flowers.
Most Popular Liriope 'Silvery Sunproof'

Liriope 'Silvery Sunproof' is a stunning variegated perennial valued for its silvery green leaves edged with creamy white. This hardy plant forms...

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Ophiopogon japonicus nana (dwarf Mondo grass) growing between paving stones.
Most Popular Ophiopogon japonicus Nana

Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana' is a dwarf or mini Mondo Grass grown for its delicate, dark green foliage. Flower spikes are borne in summer and bear...

From$6.95
Ophiopogon japonicus Silver Mist grass in a garden.
Most Popular Ophiopogon 'Silver Mist' (Silver Mondo Grass)

Ophiopogon 'Silver Mist' is a dwarf silver Mondo Grass, and features fine, grass-like foliage that is variegated dark green and white. It typically...

From$6.95
Ophiopogon planiscapus (Mondo Grass) with lush green foliage growing as a ground cover.
Most Popular Ophiopogon planiscapus

Ophiopogon planiscapus, commonly known as Dwarf Lilyturf, is a Mondo grass grown for its fine, dark green foliage and short stature. The foliage is...

From$6.95
Lomandra Frosty Tops with lush blue foliage in a garden.
Most Popular Lomandra Frosty Tops

Lomandra Frosty Tops is a hardy, evergreen grass featuring elegant, blue-grey foliage and a soft, weeping form. Growing to around 50 cm tall and...

From$19.25
Lomandra 'Katrinus Deluxe' plant with lush, dark green foliage.
Most Popular Lomandra Katrinus Deluxe

Lomandra Katrinus Deluxe is an evergreen, ornamental grass known for its mid-green, arching foliage and tidy clumping habit. Growing to approximately...

From$17.87
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.

Lomandra Frosty Tops and Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma) are beloved staples, but Malus 'Profusion', Clivia 'Peach', and Heuchera 'Lime Marmalade' bring fresh energy to any planting scheme.
–The Plant Company

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