A Guide to Growing And Caring for Liriope
Liriope is a ground cover that is popular among garden plants, this flowering herbaceous evergreen is native to East Asia and is grown on a wide scale in tropical and sub-tropical regions. These garden beauties are highly disease tolerant, liriope is a grass-like hardy plant with rich dark green slender leaves and purple flowers that can withstand drought conditions.
Liriope don’t get that tall growing from 10 to 18 inches with a spread of 12 t0 18 inches, once this plant is established it is very low maintenance, not fussy at all bringing that much need flavor makes the liriope a must-have in your home garden.
Liriope commonly goes by the name blue lily turf or turf Lilly, this perennial is famous for growing in clumps and looks great when using as a low border hedge. There is also a dwarf and variegated species that can be used as a part of a garden and landscape design, liriope is a high prize that will go to work for you so if you are interested in the growth and care of the liriope then stick around as we take our journey into the world of this hardy type plant that is not only a show stopper but is easy to grow and care for.
Planting Location
When choosing a location for your liriope, install in an area that gets full to partial sunlight.
Soil Type
Because this is a hardy type plant liriope can thrive in a range of soils but will not stand up well in soils that have poor drainage.Ā Install in soil that drains well.
Watering Methods
Once your liriope is established they can go long periods of time without water, if under very hot conditions your liriope begins to show signs of water stress then go ahead and give them a drink of water.
Fertilizing Methods
Liriope is not fussy when it comes to being feed, to help boost your liriope however a slow-release fertilizer may be applied. Before applying fertilizers read and follow the manufacturer’s label because the label is the law.
Garden insect pests of the liriope
Keep an eye out for these garden pest
- Snails
- Slugs
- Scales
Snails and Slugs
Snails and Slugs cause much damage by eating the plant leaves. To control these pests the use of snail bate will eliminate them.
Scales
Scales cause damage by sucking the plant’s fluid that causes yellow spots to appear on the leaves which will spread if allowed to continue. To bring these garden insect pests under control apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Before applying chemicals read and follow the manufacturer’s label because the label is the law.
Diseases of the liriope
Keeping a watch for these diseases and treating them will keep your liriope in tip-top shape.
- Leaf and Crown Rot
- Anthracnose
Leaf and Crown Rot
This disease is caused by a fungus, signs that your liriope has this disease include the yellowing of the interior leaves or foliage followed by the basal leaf section turning brown. To avoid the spread of this disease remove infected plants and disposed of them.
Anthracnose
This disease is encouraged by fungus under extreme moisture conditions. Signs of this anthracnose are the leaf tips and margins developing reddish-brownish spots. Providing good air circulation by spacing plants along with controlling the moisture with good soil drainage and the removal of diseased plant parts will bring this issue under control.
Ideas where to install your liriope
Here are just a few ideas on where to install your liriope
1. These grasses can be installed and placed in front of a garden bed.
2. Installing them along a fence will work wonders.
3. Planting your liriope grass along a wall will look truly amazing.
4. Installing these grasses near a pond will give that wow.
5. Place some of these grasses along a garden path walkway.
Container grown liriope
A great way to grow liriope is from a container, container gardening is great because with these types of gardens you have the upper hand in moving your plants to a more secure environment during adverse conditions. Here are the steps to take when growing liriope from containers.
1. A common thing with growing liriope from a container is using them as an undergrowth around larger plants which really highlights these plants. But if you are using liriope only ensure that your plant is elevated and not sitting low in the pot which will not only not look good but will hinder good air circulation. The soil should be soil that drains well.
2. Fill the container with soil leaving reaching about 2-3 inches from the rim free of soil. This 2-3 inch spacing will allow you to water your liriope without the soil being washed out of the container. The container should also have drain holes to allow water to have an exit point or find a way to escape.
3. Install your liriope by ensuring they are erected and not planted deeply. Only the root ball should be underground or covered with soil.
4. Adding a layer or two of mulch will not only bring beautification but will also hold moisture.
5. Water your liriope until the water runs out of the drain holes
6. Remember liriope don’t like wet feet because they are drought tolerant so monitor the amount of water they are receiving.
7. Using a slow-release fertilizer will offer help, fertilize according to the manufacturer’s label.
Pruning your liriope
Wait until the cold months sets in before trimming your liriope, Trimming your liriope during the winter season to mid-March will help to give it a good head start, you will have a nice flush of healthy growth as your liriope produces new growth. The use of a lawnmower with the blades set high will do or if you prefer the use of or a hedge trimmer that is sharp to remove dead foliage can also work.
The final word
Liriope is a garden wonder that can work wonders. These low maintenance plant has proven time and again that they can get the job done. Small in size but big in surprise as they show their beauty under the harasses of conditions. This grass has made its mark not only on many garden and landscape designs but into the hearts of so many people so if you are interested in what you have just learned then I encourage you to give the liriope a try. You will be amazed at the flavor this plant brings by lighting up your garden and landscape.
Newsletter
Signup Today for Our Newsletter to Receive Up to Date Information on Herbs and Other Gardening News in the Industry.
About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.
I am not familiar with the grass like ground cover called Liriope, so found this very interesting. The flowers look a bit like a lavender plant, so is it family of the lavender plant? I live in Italy, and my garden is very dry in the summer, so liriope could be the perfect solution for getting colour in the summer, without having to worry that I need to water the plants.
These plants are amazing and will do wonders for your landscape and garden area, little hassle, and very easy to take care of. Liriope is a must for a low-maintenance garden, glad I could help.
You are certainly right about liriope being an easy-to-care-for plant! It practically grows on its own and if you are not careful, it will start to take over in a single season!
Thanks for the tips on when to prune, fortunately, I have been doing that as recommended (just by sheer luck). I also feel like I need to thin out this plant as it’s creeping farther than I had intended. Is there a “best” time of year to thin out liriope?
Hello so good to meet you and I am glad to help, the best time to trim liriope is just prior to sping before the new healthy growth emerges. Trimming is done by removing foliage that is old along with those that are brown or dead. Hopes this helps.