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liriope royal purple vs big blue

Looking for the perfect ground cover or border plant for your garden and torn between Liriope Royal Purple and Big Blue? The debate of liriope royal purple vs big blue is common among New Zealand gardeners seeking evergreen, low-maintenance options for both sun and shade. Both varieties are standout performers in landscapes, but subtle differences in their looks, growth habits, and uses might make one a better fit for your specific needs.

Liriope muscari 'Blue Skies' plant with blue flowers and green foliage in a garden.

Liriope 'Blue Skies'

5 from 4 customers

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 foliage through summer and autumn, bearing masses of blue-mauve flowers. This is an excellent choice for container growing, rock and cottage gardens, or border planting.

From $14.50

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 30 cm
Spread: 30 cm
Flowering time: Summer, Autumn
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Shade
Garden uses: Banks, Borders, Containers, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Liriope muscari 'Pee Dee Gold Ingot' plants with yellow foliage in a border garden.

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 cm long. Stems rise above the foliage through summer and autumn, bearing masses of light purple flowers.

From $14.50

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 30 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Shade
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern
Liriope spicata plants with pink-blue flowers in a garden.
Liriope spicata (Creeping Lilyturf)

Liriope spicata, commonly known as Creeping Lily Turf, grows as a clump and produces arching, strap-like, dark green leaves. Short stems carrying...

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Liriope muscari 'Gold Banded' plants with colourful, variegated foliage and pink flowers.
Liriope 'Gold Banded' (Variegated Liriope)

Liriope 'Gold Banded' produces green leaves edged with gold, and masses of lavender coloured flowers in summer. This herbaceous perennial grows as a...

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Jacaranda mimosifolia (Blue Jacaranda)

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Phlebodium aureum Blue Star (Blue Star Fern)

The Blue Star Fern features wavy leaves that are a blue-green colour. This popular indoor plant grows as a clump to about 30 cm tall and the same...

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Dodonaea viscosa purpurea shrub with colourful, purple foliage growing an an informal hedge.
Dodonaea viscosa purpurea (Purple Hop Bush)

Dodonaea viscosa purpurea, commonly known as Purple Ake Ake, features lush, purple leaves which are held densely off upright stems. The foliage is...

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Fraxinus Purple Spire

Fraxinus 'Purple Spire' is an elegant deciduous tree admired for its upright narrow habit and outstanding autumn foliage that develops rich purple...

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Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire) trees growing in a modern garden.
Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire)

Beilschmiedia tarairi, commonly known as the Taraire tree, is a unique, NZ native tree. Its prominent feature is the masses of olive-like, purple...

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Mesembryanthemum Purple Splendour

“Purple Splendour” is a variety of the commonly known, Iceplant, and is an herbaceous perennial grown for its spreading nature and pretty flowers. It...

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Wisteria 'Blue Sapphire' cluster of colourful blue flowers.
Wisteria 'Blue Sapphire'

Wisteria ‘Blue Sapphire’ is a stunning flowering climber prized for its long elegant racemes of rich blue violet flowers that appear in spring. This...

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Lavender 'Sensation Blue' shrub with purple flowers above dark green foliage.
Lavender 'Sensation Blue'

Lavender 'Sensation Blue' is a standout lavender variety admired for its deep blue purple blooms and aromatic grey green foliage. Flowering from...

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A Rosemary 'Blue Lagoon' shrub with blue flowers in a mixed planting.
Rosmarinus 'Blue Lagoon'

Rosmarinus ‘Blue Lagoon’ is a hardy, evergreen shrub prized for its aromatic foliage and vibrant deep blue flowers. Blooming from late winter through...

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Podocarpus 'Matapouri Blue' hedge.
Podocarpus 'Matapouri Blue' (Blue Tōtara)

Podocarpus ‘Matapouri Blue’, also known as Blue Totara, is a stunning New Zealand native tree prized for its striking blue-green foliage and tidy...

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Prostanthera 'Eddington Blue'

Prostanthera 'Eddington Blue' is a stunning evergreen shrub admired for its masses of vibrant blue mauve flowers and highly aromatic foliage. This...

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Fagus sylvatica 'Purple Fountain' specimen tree.
Fagus sylvatica 'Purple Fountain'

The Purple Fountain beech is a variety of European Beech tree that features colourful foliage and weeping branches. The glossy leaves emerge deep...

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Fagus sylvatica Dawyck Purple

Fagus sylvatica Dawyck Purple, commonly known as the Purple Beech tree, is grown for its beautiful colours and slender growth habit. The foliage...

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An upright Rosemary 'Tuscan Blue' shrub with blue flowers in a Mediterranean themed garden.
Rosmarinus 'Tuscan Blue'

The 'Tuscan Blue' Rosemary is a fast-growing and upright variety that features petite, sky-blue flowers borne amidst the dark green leaves through...

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Bougainvillea 'Purple Patch' purple-pink flowers and variegated foliage.
Bougainvillea 'Purple Patch'

Bougainvillea ‘Purple Patch’ is a dazzling climbing plant that delivers an abundance of rich purple bracts through the warmer months. Perfect for...

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Cupressus 'Blue Ice' (Blue Arizona Cypress)

Cupressus 'Blue Ice' is a striking evergreen conifer admired for its vibrant icy blue foliage and strong upright growth habit. This hardy tree...

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Dichroa Blue Stars (Evergreen Hydrangea)

Dichroa 'Blue Stars' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its clusters of intense blue star shaped flowers followed by brilliant metallic blue...

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Pittosporum 'Wrinkled Blue' speciment tree.
Pittosporum 'Wrinkled Blue'

Pittosporum ‘Wrinkled Blue’ is an attractive, upright evergreen tree known for its distinctive blue-grey foliage and dense, columnar growth habit...

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Eucalyptus 'Baby Blue' (Silver Gum)

Eucalyptus 'Baby Blue' is a highly popular evergreen tree admired for its stunning silver blue foliage and strong ornamental appeal. The rounded...

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Stunning, dark blue flowers on Salvia 'Blue Angel].
Salvia 'Blue Angel'

Salvia 'Blue Angel' is a beautiful perennial known for its soft blue flower spikes that appear generously across summer and autumn in New Zealand...

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Agapanthus 'Blue Finn' blue flower.
Agapanthus 'Blue Finn'

Agapanthus 'Blue Finn' is a compact, evergreen variety prized for its deep blue blooms and tidy, clumping habit. This hardy perennial adds a burst of...

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Blueberry 'Powder Blue' blue berries with lush, green foliage.
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Blueberry 'Powder Blue' is a late season blueberry variety valued for its sweet flavour, firm berries, and extended harvest period. This reliable...

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Buddleia 'Royal Red' dark pink flowers and grey-green foliage.
Buddleia 'Royal Red'

Buddleia ‘Royal Red’ is a bold deciduous shrub celebrated for its rich red crimson flower spikes and sweet summer fragrance. Flowering over an...

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Colourful Liriope muscari 'Royal Purple' plants with purple flowers.
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...

OUT OF STOCK
Liriope 'Blue Skies'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acaena, Azalea, and Hoya, or related Categories - Grasses, Groundcover Plants, and Indoor Plants.

Search liriope royal purple vs big blue

Key Differences: Liriope Royal Purple vs Big Blue

When comparing liriope royal purple vs big blue, the visual appeal is often the first difference gardeners notice. Liriope 'Royal Purple' is known for its striking, deep purple flower spikes that appear late in the season, contrasting beautifully with the glossy, dark-green foliage. The flowers are particularly vibrant, making Royal Purple a showpiece in perennial borders or shaded beds.

By contrast, Liriope muscari 'Big Blue' shows off classic lilac-blue flower spikes that stand tall above its lush, grass-like leaves. Big Blue forms dense clumps, spreading quickly to create a tidy, uniform ground cover. Its flowers tend to be lighter in colour, offering a softer, more traditional look for pathways, edging, or beneath trees.

Growth Habit and Garden Uses

Another key aspect when considering liriope royal purple vs big blue is growth habit. Liriope 'Royal Purple' typically grows slightly larger, with clumps reaching up to 40 cm tall and wide. This variety thrives in both sun and part shade and tolerates dry conditions once established, making it ideal for low-care garden beds and borders.

Big Blue, a variety of Liriope muscari, spreads more vigorously, forming dense mats. This makes it excellent for erosion control on slopes or covering difficult, shady spots where lawn grasses can’t thrive. It’s also more commonly used for mass plantings, whereas Royal Purple shines as an accent plant.

Colour Combinations and Companion Planting

To maximise your garden’s visual impact, consider pairing with other Liriope varieties. For golden foliage contrast, try Liriope 'Pee Dee Gold Ingot', or for a silvery-blue effect, opt for Liriope 'Blue Skies'. These varieties partner beautifully alongside either Liriope 'Royal Purple' or Liriope muscari 'Big Blue', offering year-round interest with minimal fuss.

Which Liriope Should You Choose?

The decision between liriope royal purple vs big blue comes down to your design priorities. Choose Liriope 'Royal Purple' if you seek vibrant colour and a slightly broader form. Go with Liriope muscari 'Big Blue' for its reliable ground-covering abilities and classic lavender spires. Whichever you select, Liriope’s resilience and low maintenance needs make it a versatile addition to any New Zealand garden.

Explore our full range, including Liriope muscari, to find the perfect liriope variety for your garden design and growing conditions.

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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.

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