This popular edging plant stays green year-round in many climates.
The perennial lilyturf(Liriope) is popular as anedging plantor groundcover for good reason.
Its dense tufts of almost evergreen, broadly grassy leaves are often striped.
Credit: Jay Wilde
Stiff stems bear tight spikes of tiny blue or white bells, similar to those ofgrape hyacinth.
Its adaptability makes it suitable for nearly any situation.
They make an attractive edging to a border or path.
Credit: Jay Wilde
How and When to Plant Lilyturf
For the best results, plant lilyturf in spring and summer.
Amend the soil if needed before planting.
Space out the plants far enough, at least 1 foot, to allow for spreading.
Dig a large hole to accommodate the root ball and loosen the roots before planting.
After backfilling the soil, soak the roots bywatering deeply.
Add 1 inch of wood mulch.
Credit: Jay Wilde
Lilyturf Care Tips
Lilyturf plants are easy to grow.
Light
Lilyturf thrives in just about any condition from full sun to light shade.
Soil and Water
Lilyturf will do fine as long as the soil isn’t very soggy.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
This plant likes moderately acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
Temperature and Humidity
Warm temperatures from 65oF to 75oF are ideal for lilyturf.
Remove the cover in spring before new growth emerges.
Credit: Illustration by Tom Rosborough
Established plants can tolerate excessive humidity.
Fertilizer
Liriope doesnt needa lot of fertilizer.
Add a 10-10-10 key in in the spring.
That should be sufficient, especially if you have fertile soil.
Be careful because too much fertilizer can increase the chances of disease and insect problems.
For the amount to use, follow product label directions.
Use a good-quality potting mix that’s well-draining.
Outside,slugs and snailscan cause damage to these plants.
Use an insecticide recommended for these pests, preferably a natural formula.
Fungal diseases that affect lilyturf areanthracnoseand leaf and crown rot.
Both can be brought on by heavy rains.
Plants infected should be trimmed to about 3 inches from the ground to remove dead and diseased leaves.
How to Propagate Lilyturf
Propagate lilyturf either by dividing the plant or by seed.
It’s easier to grow lilyturf from divided plants than from seed.
Division: To divide lilyturf, select an established plant at least three years old.
If the roots are extremely tough, you may need touse a sawto make the divisions.
Plant each division intoprepared soilin the garden or a container.
In either case, amend the soil with compost before planting to encourage root production.
Plant the divisions, ensuring the root’s crown is not covered with soil to keep it from rotting.
Tamp down the soil to remove air pockets.
Keep the plant well-watered until it recovers from the process.
Don’t be surprised if a few leaves turn yellow and die on the edge of the division.
Seeds: you’ve got the option to also harvest seeds from lilyturf plants.
Trim a few stems with flowers and leave them in a place to dry.
Then, remove the seeds from the flowers.
Put them in a bowl of warm water to soak 24 hours before you plan to sow the seeds.
Fill agarden traywith a moist, sterile planting medium.
Place the seeds 1 inch apart and cover them with 1/4 inch of the planting medium.
Mist the tray and use a large plastic bag to create a greenhouse.
Move the tray to a warm place and mist the planting medium occasionally over the next several weeks.
Germination occurs about a month later.
Remove the plastic bag and wait for the seedlings to grow a bit.
Then, gently move the seedlings outside to holes you have prepared, spacing them 1 foot apart.
Zones 4-9
Toad Lily
Toad lily’s speckled flowers add abright touch to a garden.
This perennial grows in shade.
Dont forget tolook for hummingbirds; theyll be attracted to the brightly colored blossoms.
Avoid spreading lilyturf (Liriope spicata), which covers a wide area and can be difficult to contain.
Even if you dig it up, it comes back the following year from rhizomes left in the soil.
Its fronds will wave gently in the ocean breeze.
Native to East Asia, there are 5 variations of lilyturf.
They all have the same basic characteristics, including clumps of evergreen-like plants and long, narrow leaves.
