If what you are after is a tall, grassy, evergreen with bloom and berries, Big Blue is the Liriope for you. Slender, high blades of mid-green foliage bow gracefully at maturity revealing heavenly hyacinth-like blooms on spikes from late summer through autumn.
Particularly delightful when in bloom, the tight clusters of lilac buds appear similar to lavender from a distance and are followed by ebony berries which drive birds crazy. Big Blue will reward your efforts handsomely if you give him medium shade in loose, light soil that is fertile and well drained, though he will also grow from full sun to deep shade.
Requiring virtually no care, this is a classic, iron-tough perennial for difficult sites including drought prone locales and deer hot-spots. Able to handle growing in conditions under large trees, Big Blue, when planted in a large circle or square beneath them, creates a simply stunning display.
In smaller quantities as patio accents, Big Blue is delightful in dark iron urns or clay containers. As a border, Big Blue offers a satisfying, swaying edging that seems to bow as you pass by.
The gallon plants are shipped de-potted and with most of the soil shaken off.
Interesting Facts Though grass-like in appearance and habit, it is not a grass at all, rather it is a member of the lily family native to Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan, and China.
Gardener Tips Big Blue is a runner and does not stay in clump form like other varieties of Liriope muscari. It does not spread as quickly as varieties of Liriope spicata, but it does send out rhizomes and slowlyspreads that way. Plan accordingly when choosing a planting location.
If you are considering purchasing this plant in bare root form, please read about bare root plants so you know what to expect.
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.
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.
Plants arrived in good condition. They appear to be doing very well at this time. Truly beautiful. Unfortunately I am unable to order more because shipping portion of the website does not have my state (NY)
The plants were very well packaged and suffered no damage at all. They were easy to take care of during the planting and the root systems were easy to separate.
Plants arrived in good shape, two days after they were shipped, well packed and still nicely damp. I set them out the next morning and they are all doing well. They will take some time to develop and fill in, of course, but they are healthy.
Excellent website with tons of helpful information. In addition, I was able to order and request a delayed shipment date so product would arrive when I need it and that worked like clock work. Our plant material arrived very well packed, fresh and healthy... Read full review >
In northern zones where winter snow will crush the foliage, consider shearing (or mowing on high) in late fall or very early spring to avoid a period of ratty-looking dead foliage in the spring that can impede new spring growth.
Shearing in southern zones is optional, you may elect to do it just to maintain the most attractive appearance.This plant can be susceptible to
Anthracnose, especially in southern zones.
If it develops brown spots in winter, cut the foliage back (to the ground is OK) in early spring.
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Bare roots plants are shipped without soil or pots, they are smaller than potted versions and must planted within a few days after delivery - click for details.
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This link shows you photographs comparing potted and bare root plants for some of our most popular plants. It will improve your understanding of what to expect from the various sizes.
See all plants with foliage that stays green all year (depending on where you are in the country).
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Look up their phone number here, then call them with questions about your local area. They can advise you more precisely than we can (we cannot advise you about this and cannot guarantee plant survivabililty - you must determine this on your own).
See our 1 gallon Liriope muscari (Lily Turf) 'Big Blue'.
A shoot that bends to the ground or that grows horizontally above the ground and produces roots and shoots at the nodes.
Forming a mound while growing out from the center, maintaining a compact shape.
See our Liriope muscari (Lily Turf).
See our Liriope spicata (Creeping Lily Turf).
Rhizomes are root-like stems that may either grow horizontally at the soil surface or in other orientations underground.
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Bare roots are plants that are shipped without soil or pots, they are smaller than potted versions - click for details.
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See our Liriope muscari 'Big Blue'.
See our Liriope spicata varieties.
See all plants that creep and spread to cover areas.
Forms a mound while growing out from the center, maintaining a compact shape.
Bare roots are plants that are shipped without soil or pots, they are smaller than potted versions - click for details.
Know your zone and choose plants that will thrive there.
Look up their phone number here, then call them with questions about your local area (such as: Will ___ grow where I am?). They can advise you more precisely than we can.
A zone at one end of this range
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Conifers are gymnosperms, woody cone-bearing trees and shrubs. Examples of the 600+ conifers include cedars, cypresses, firs, junipers, kauri, larches, pines, hemlocks, redwoods, spruces, and yews.
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