This appealing evergreen perennial plant is grown for its strappy, variegated leaves and spikes of densely clustered, lavender blue, bell shaped flowers which appear in late summer and autumn.

The Variegated Liriope is great edging, narrow gardens, pots, rockeries and mass plantings. Even when not in flower the variegated foliage makes an attractive border or mass planting.

Liriope Muscari – Liriope Variegated

Liriope Muscari, also known as common lilyturf or small leaved lilyturf, is a simple yet beautiful plant that can add relaxation and beauty to any landscape. This perennial grows to be about 15cm tall and forms a dense clump of fragrant grass-like foliage. The flowers are white or pink within the summer months. Liriope is an easy-to-grow plant that is suitable for both shade and sun. Being drought tolerant, it will survive in dry or moist conditions without any problems. This ground cover looks wonderful in flower gardens as it provides colour year-round with flowers opening-up during the summer. The best time to plant liriope is in spring when soil is not frozen. This plant can be planted directly in the ground or in pots and placed out of direct sunlight. It will grow to be about 15cm tall with a few runners that will start at the base of the plant and take root. The flower spikes along the main stem also have a tendency to spread.

Liriope Muscari Around the World

Liriope muscari is native to the Mediterranean region and is particularly abundant along the Mediterranean coast of Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Sardinia, Turkey and Greece. However, it is also commercially cultivated in these regions. Liriope is easy to cultivate and useful in the garden as a ground cover, particularly in coastal gardens, where the plant can survive with less winter chill. It can be used as a barrier between areas that are hard to water, such as front of buildings or under native plants. The name "liriope" is Greek for "nodding grass".

In southern countries of Greece such as Chania and Crete, Liriope muscari is also used to make a delicious herbal water called Vassiliko which has been around for some centuries. Vassiliko is used to treat sore throats and respiratory problems. The plant is also used for cooking in some other countries, particularly in Pakistan. Liriope muscari has been widely used in Europe and the United States as an ornamental plant in gardens. It was first traded to Europe from Japan in the year 1877. Liriope muscari is considered to be a very attractive plant and is widely used as ground cover.

Things To Keep In Mind with Liriope Muscari

In cold regions, downy mildew might be a problem and will appear as white patches on the lower leaf surface of the plant. If treated early enough and properly, this disease can be controlled but will not go away completely. If it does get out of control there are some fungicides that can be used to treat it but caution should be taken when using them as they might kill the surrounding plants. As with most perennials, soil problems will occur over time. Correctly preparing the soil by adding plenty of organic matter and a regular back-fill of compost around the plants will help reduce this problem.

In more temperate regions, Rock Gardenia can be used as an alternative ground cover to Liriope muscari. It has similar foliage to Liriope but is more hardy and therefore warmer in winter. It is also easier to use other types of plants in this type of ground cover as it only needs one plant which can be mulched in the summer to stay hidden beneath its foliage which makes the garden look much more attractive and interesting adorned with small plants that are compact and bush like. For more information, contact one of our friendly specialists at Evergreen Growers.