General information about Liriope muscari (Lily Turf):
With slim spears of foliage, Liriope muscari is not only a lush perennial, it is often a gardener’s best solution. Perfect for banks, beds and at the base of trees where roots will not permit grass to grow, Liriope muscari proves virtually indestructible in stubborn areas.
They tolerate drought, heat, humidity, slopes and moist areas and deer tend to avoid them. Outstanding for erosion control and choking out weeds, Liriopes also gracefully fill those shady, dry spots where nothing else grows.
Liriopes are the perfect living border, creating stately outlines for formal gardens, and in southern gardens, when other plants wilt, they thrive. Of course Liriopes are famous as low-maintenance turf substitutes, and with the exception of Big Blue and Liriope spicata (both are creepers), they stay in clumps.
We’ve narrowed down the selections for you to what we feel are some of the top varieties offering a range of color, size and superior hardiness. Be warned, once you start perusing, you’ll find yourself wanting more than one variety. They’re just that beautiful!
Important note about bare root Liriope
Liriope is not like other perennials, it grows much slower the first year when transplanted from bare roots than from potted plants. Do not expect much growth the first season after transplanting bare roots. If you seek substantial growth the first summer after transplanting, buy potted plants.
Why all the confusion about the common names?
In 1763, the French botanist Michael Adanson described a plant (probably Liriope) that he called Mondo, which remains a common name today.
A few years later, Carl Peter Thunberg described a plant, which he named Convallaria japonica. This species is now known as Ophiopogon japonicus.
A decade later, Portugese botanist Joao de Loureiro described and named the plant we now know as Liriope muscari. Nearly 100 years later Joseph Decaisne described the same species as Ophiopogon muscari.
Over time there have been numerous discussions regarding these plants and the proper botanical names for them. Today, both Liriope and Ophiopogon are treated as distinct genera. In addition to sharing the name Mondo, the plants are also interchangably called Lilyturf and Monkey Grass.
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