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Overview
A clump-forming, grass-like evergreen perennial reaching 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) tall and 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) wide. Growth rate is moderate; individual clumps expand 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) per year by short stolons, forming dense tufts rather than the running mats produced by the related Liriope spicata. Leaves are strap-shaped, arching, 0.25-0.5 inches (6-13 mm) wide and 10-18 inches (25-45 cm) long, dark green, leathery, and semi-glossy. Foliage is evergreen in zones 7-10 but may become tattered and brown-tipped after severe winters in zones 5-6. Flower spikes emerge from the foliage in August to September on stems 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) tall, bearing dense racemes of small, rounded buds that open to lavender-purple to violet flowers, each approximately 0.2 inches (5 mm) across, arranged in whorls along the upper portion of the spike. Flowers resemble those of grape hyacinth (Muscari), which gives the species its name. Fruit is a glossy, black, berry-like drupe approximately 0.25 inches (6 mm) in diameter, ripening in October to November and persisting into winter. Roots are thick, fibrous, and somewhat fleshy, with occasional tuberous swellings. Crown rot (Phytophthora) can develop in waterlogged soils. Slugs and snails may damage foliage in wet conditions. Anthracnose leaf spot may cause brown streaks on foliage in humid climates.
Native Range
Native to eastern Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. Found in mixed woodlands, forest margins, and shaded hillsides at low to moderate elevations, typically in humus-rich, well-drained soils under deciduous canopy or at forest edges.Suggested Uses
Commonly used as an edging plant along walkways and beds, a groundcover under trees, or a border plant at 8-12 inch (20-30 cm) spacing. Frequently mass-planted on slopes for erosion control. Suitable for containers of at least 2 gallons (7.5 L). Tolerates competition from tree roots, urban pollution, and a wide range of light conditions from full sun to deep shade.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 1'6"
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Colors
Foliage Colors
Bloom Information
Flowers from August through September in USDA zones 5-10. Dense racemes of lavender-purple to violet flowers are borne on stems 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) tall, rising at or just above the foliage level. Bloom lasts 3-4 weeks. Glossy black berry-like drupes approximately 0.25 inches (6 mm) in diameter ripen in October to November and persist through winter. Bloom is heaviest in partial shade to part sun; plants in deep shade flower sparsely.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Lavender-purple to violetFoliage Description
Dark green, semi-glossyGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 1-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in well-drained soil in full sun to full shade; flowering is heaviest in sites receiving 3-6 hours of direct sun. Water regularly during establishment; established plants are moderately drought-tolerant, withstanding dry periods of 2-3 weeks, though foliage tips may brown during prolonged drought. Mulch lightly with 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of organic material. Mow or shear back old foliage to 3-4 inches (8-10 cm) in late winter before new growth begins to remove tattered leaves and improve spring appearance. Crown rot develops in waterlogged or poorly drained soils; ensure adequate drainage. Slugs and snails may chew foliage edges in wet conditions; use iron phosphate bait in spring. Divide congested clumps every 3-4 years in spring to maintain vigor.Pruning
Mow or shear back all foliage to 3-4 inches (8-10 cm) above ground level in late February to early March, before new growth emerges. This removes winter-damaged, tattered leaves and allows fresh foliage to emerge cleanly. Use a lawn mower set to the highest setting for large plantings, or hedge shears for individual clumps. Divide congested clumps every 3-4 years in spring by lifting and splitting the root mass with a sharp spade.Pruning Schedule
J
F
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A
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A
S
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winterearly spring
Maintenance Level
very lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons