Liriope muscari, lily turf
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Grasses & Grass-like

Liriope muscari

lily turf

Asparagaceae

Eastern Asia including China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan

At a Glance

TypePerennial
HabitClumping
FoliageEvergreen
Height12-18 inches (30-45 cm)
Width12-18 inches (30-45 cm)
Maturity3 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 10
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
Zone 10
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Container Friendly
Maintenancevery low

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

Identified by dark green, strap-shaped, arching leaves 0.25-0.5 inches (6-13 mm) wide and 10-18 inches (25-45 cm) long, forming dense clumps rather than running mats. Distinguished from the related Liriope spicata (creeping lilyturf) by its clump-forming habit (L. spicata spreads aggressively by stolons) and denser, showier flower spikes. Flower spikes bear lavender-purple flowers in whorled clusters, resembling grape hyacinth. Distinguished from Ophiopogon japonicus (mondo grass) by wider leaves, taller stature, and the lavender-purple (vs. pale lilac to white) flowers.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 1'6"
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

lavender
purple
violet

Foliage Colors

dark green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks
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SummerFall
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 violet

Foliage Description

Dark green, semi-glossy

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Full Shade
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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysand
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

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

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winterearly spring

Maintenance Level

very low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 2 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic