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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.

azalea-blue-danube--1

Azalea 'Blue Danube'

5 from 1 customers

Azalea 'Blue Danube' is a striking evergreen azalea admired for its masses of rich purple blue flowers and lush green foliage. This compact shrub produces an impressive floral display during spring, creating bold seasonal colour in New Zealand gardens.

From $18.85

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 90 cm
Spread: 90 cm
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock
Hoya 'Royal Hawaiian Purple' flower cluster.

Hoya pubicalyx 'Royal Hawaiian Purple'

5 from 1 customers

Hoya 'Royal Hawaiian Purple' is a stunning evergreen climber prized for its thick glossy foliage and clusters of richly coloured star shaped flowers. The blooms are beautifully scented and appear on mature plants over an extended period, making this variety a favourite among indoor plant collectors and tropical garden enthusiasts.

From $20.63

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Indoor Plants
Height: 10 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Tropical
Large Jacaranda mimosifolia tree with blue flowers.
Jacaranda mimosifolia (Blue Jacaranda)

Jacaranda mimosifolia, commonly known as the Blue Jacaranda tree, is a tropical-looking tree that is widely planted because of its beautiful and...

From$494.05
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...

From$99.95
Aquilegia Blue Barlow cluster of blue flowers.
Aquilegia 'Blue Barlow' (Columbine)

Aquilegia 'Blue Barlow' is a classic perennial admired for its elegant double deep blue flowers that appear in late spring and early summer. This...

From$30.29
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...

From$270.40
Dianella nigra plant with masses of blue berries.
Dianella nigra (New Zealand Blueberry)

Dianella nigra, commonly known as the New Zealand Blueberry or Tūrutu, is a NZ native that features lush foliage and glossy berries that vary in...

From$16.49
hosta-blue-mouse-ears--5
Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears'

Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears' is a compact perennial prized for its rounded blue green foliage and tidy growth habit. It is an excellent choice for adding...

From$24.77
fraxinus-purple-spire-2
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...

From$387.55
juncus-blue-dart-
Juncus 'Blue Dart' (Blue Rush)

Juncus 'Blue Dart' is a striking ornamental rush prized for its upright blue green foliage and strong architectural form. This hardy evergreen plant...

From$18.29
Nepeta 'Blue Wonder' plant with blue flowers.
Nepeta 'Blue Wonder' (Catmint)

Nepeta 'Walker's Low' is an award winning Catmint admired for its long flowering season and aromatic grey green foliage. From late spring through...

From$17.87
ozothamnus-royal-flush-
Ozothamnus Royal Flush (Australian Rice Flower)

Ozothamnus Royal Flush, commonly known as the Rice Flower, is a shrub grown for its prolific flowering and drought tolerance. Clusters of pink...

From$26.15
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...

From$30.29
Westringia 'Blue Gem' low hedge with elegant mauve coloured flowers.
Westringia 'Blue Gem'

Westringia 'Blue Gem' is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its fine grey green foliage, naturally dense rounded habit, and masses of soft blue...

From$18.95
A Picea pungens 'Glauca' (Colorado Blue Spruce) tree.
Picea pungens Glauca

Picea pungens 'Glauca', commonly known as the Colorado Blue Spruce, is a blue coloured conifer that grows with a broad and open, pyramidal shape. The...

From$515.35
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...

From$270.40
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...

From$22.01
cupressus-blue-ice-4
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...

From$270.40
dichroa-blue-stars--1
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...

From$30.29
Salvia 'Aztec Blue' plants with elegant blue flowers above green foliage.
Salvia 'Aztec Blue'

Salvia 'Aztec Blue' is an eye catching perennial admired for its bold cobalt blue flower spikes that bloom heavily from late spring through autumn in...

From$27.53
Thuja orientalis 'Blue Cone' shrubs with green foliage in pots.
Thuja orientalis 'Blue Cone'

Thuja 'Blue Cone' is a dwarf conifer that features dense and erect sprays of green foliage. It gets its name from the blue cones produced during...

From$289.95
eucalyptus-baby-blue-2
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...

From$408.85
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...

From$22.95
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...

From$27.53
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 muscari 'Elmarco' plants with lush green foliage.
Liriope 'Elmarco'

Liriope Elmarco, commonly known as Purple Liriope or Lilyturf, has flower spikes that rise above the strap-like, dark green leaves to bear masses of...

OUT OF STOCK
Liriope muscari 'Big Blue' plant in a border garden with masses of showy, blue flowers.
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...

OUT OF STOCK
Liriope muscari 'variegata' plants with colourful foliage and purple flowers.
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...

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

OUT OF STOCK
Liriope muscari growing as a mass planting in a woodand garden.
Liriope muscari

Liriope muscari, commonly known as Lilyturf or Monkeygrass, is an herbaceous perennial with flower spikes that rise above the foliage during summer...

OUT OF STOCK
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...

OUT OF STOCK
Liriope muscari 'Silverlawn' plant.
Liriope 'Silverlawn'

Liriope Silverlawn, commonly known as Variegated Lilyturf, grows as a clump and produces arching, green leaves with a silver overtone, and heavily...

OUT OF STOCK
Azalea 'Blue Danube'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Aquilegia, Azalea, and Beilschmiedia, or related Categories - Flaxes, Grasses, 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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Our most famous blooms include Azara microphylla and Corokia 'Mangatangi', but some of our best-kept secrets are Koelreuteria paniculata, Hemerocallis 'Curls', and Rhododendron Vireya 'Tropic Glow' — underrated beauties ready to shine.
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