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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
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...

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Liriope muscari 'Big Blue' plant in a border garden with masses of showy, blue flowers.
Most Popular Liriope muscari 'Big Blue'

Liriope muscari 'Big Blue', commonly known as Border Grass, grows as a tidy clump and produces strap-like, dark green leaves. Flower spikes rise...

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Liriope muscari 'Stripey White' plants with cream and green variegated leaves.
Most Popular Liriope 'Stripey White' (Variegated Liriope)

Liriope 'Stripey White' is a hardy and attractive perennial valued for its striking variegated foliage and versatility. The long, arching green...

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Liriope muscari 'Silver Ribbon' plants with a beautiful variegated foliage growing in a pot.
Most Popular Liriope 'Silver Ribbon' (Variegated Liriope)

Liriope 'Silver Ribbon', commonly known as Variegated Lilyturf, produces arching, green leaves with a silver overtone, and striped with cream. Short...

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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...

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Carex comans Bronze plant in a garden with dense bronze foliage.
Most Popular Carex comans 'Bronze'

Carex comans 'Bronze' features slender, hair-like, bronze-brown foliage. It typically grows to 40 cm tall and the same width. Carex comans 'Bronze'...

From$9.95
Lomandra Tankia with lush green foliage bordering a path.
Most Popular Lomandra 'Tanika'

Lomandra 'Tanika' is a hardy, Australian Native grass that is commonly known as Mat Rush. This grass features fine, deep-green foliage and a...

From$22.95
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$9.95
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
Dactylis glomerata plant with a cat.
Most Popular Dactylis glomerata (Cat Grass)

Dactylis glomerata, commonly known as Cat Grass or Catnip Grass, is a popular grass that is loved by cats. It features flowing, green foliage held as...

From$22.01
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.

–The Plant Company

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