Lily turf (Liriope muscari 'Big Blue')
Liriope muscari 'Big Blue' (Lily turf) is a durable, grass-like perennial offering lavender spikes in late summer. Ideal low-maintenance ground cover for zones 5-10.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Liriope muscari ‘Big Blue’, commonly known as lily turf, is an exceptionally valued, grass-like perennial prized for its tough constitution and neat, clumping habit. Featuring glossy, dark green, strap-like foliage, this cultivar provides excellent texture year-round, particularly in warmer regions where it remains evergreen. Gardeners rely on this plant for its reliability and minimal needs, making it a cornerstone for low-maintenance landscapes.
The primary aesthetic appeal comes from striking flower spikes of dense, violet-purple or lavender flowers that rise above the leaves in late summer, typically from August to September. These blooms are followed by persistent blackish berries, adding winter interest. Unlike some aggressive spreading varieties, Liriope muscari ‘Big Blue’ expands slowly via short stolons, making its spread predictable.
This versatile herbaceous perennial thrives across a wide light spectrum, establishing well in full sun but preferring partial shade, demonstrating good tolerance for heat, humidity, and drought once established. Its dense, low growth ensures that lily turf functions superbly as an attractive, durable ground cover or border accent, requiring very little intervention from the gardener.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Asparagaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-10
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-2 ft
- Spread: 1-2 ft
- Bloom Time: August to September
- Bloom Description: Lavender
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting Liriope muscari ‘Big Blue’ should occur when conditions are favorable, typically spring or fall, ensuring the clumps establish before extreme weather hits. Choose locations with average, medium moisture, well-drained soil, though this plant is famously tolerant of various soil types. While it handles full sun, providing part shade is ideal, especially in hotter climates, as extremely bright light can sometimes stress the foliage.
Water the newly planted lily turf consistently at a medium schedule until the root system is fully developed. Established clumps of Liriope muscari ‘Big Blue’ exhibit good drought tolerance due to their tuberous roots, reducing the need for frequent irrigation unless prolonged dry spells occur. Fertilization is rarely necessary; this plant thrives on neglect rather than rich feeding schedules.
A crucial mid-season maintenance task for lily turf in colder zones (like St. Louis) is the late winter or early spring cleanup. Cut the existing foliage down to the ground to make way for fresh growth. In the northern limits of Zone 5, ensure plants sited in exposed areas receive protective winter measures, as full hardiness is not guaranteed there.
Landscape Uses
The primary strength of Liriope muscari ‘Big Blue’ lies in its functionality as an outstanding grassy ground cover, especially effective in shaded areas where turfgrass struggles. Use the plant massed in large drifts beneath deciduous trees or along woodland borders to create a lush, uniform carpet effect. Its orderly, non-aggressive clumping habit makes it an excellent choice for neat edging along pathways, driveways, or formal garden beds.
Consider using this variety for textural contrast within rock gardens or mixed borders; the fine, arching leaves offer a soft counterpoint to broadleaf perennials or bold shrubs. Small groups can be strategically placed for accent, or plant several in containers to provide evergreen structure that softens the hard lines of patios and decks throughout the year. While it offers a turf-like appearance, remember that Liriope muscari ‘Big Blue’ has low tolerance for foot traffic.
If planting in mass, consider the maturity spread of 1 to 2 feet when spacing plants to minimize the time needed before the area is fully covered by the handsome foliage of lily turf.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Fruit Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Liriope muscari, commonly called lilyturf or blue lily turf, is a tufted, tuberous-rooted, grass-like perennial which typically grows 12-18” tall and features clumps of strap-like, arching, glossy, dark green leaves (to 1” wide). Clumps slowly expand by short stolons, but do not spread aggressively like Liriope spicata. Erect, showy flower spikes with tiered whorls of dense, violet-purple flowers rise above the leaves in late summer. ‘Big Blue’ typically grows 12-18” high (sometimes to 2’) and features lavender flowers.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Deer
- Drought
- Erosion
- Air Pollution
Potential Problems
Liriope muscari ‘Big Blue’ is generally resilient, boasting no serious insect or disease problems that typically plague other landscape plants. The most common concerns involve mollusks, so gardeners should watch actively for slugs and snails, which may chew unsightly holes in the foliage. In soils that remain consistently too wet or poorly draining, the plant can be susceptible to root and crown rot, necessitating proper site preparation during planting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Lily turf suitable for?
This dependable, low-maintenance plant is suitable for USDA Zones 5 through 10, offering great versatility across many home landscapes.
How large does Liriope muscari ‘Big Blue’ grow?
In ideal conditions, this herbaceous perennial typically reaches a height of 1 to 2 feet and spreads to a width of 1 to 2 feet as the clumps slowly expand.
What sun exposure does Liriope muscari ‘Big Blue’ need?
Liriope muscari ‘Big Blue’ adapts well, thriving in everything from full sun to part shade, although slightly more shade encourages loose growth.
When does Lily turf bloom?
The distinctive bloom time for lily turf is late summer, specifically from August to September, featuring attractive lavender flower spikes.
Conclusion
The enduring appeal of Liriope muscari ‘Big Blue’ comes from its robust nature, attractive dark green foliage, and reliable late-season color from its lavender flowers. This lily turf cultivar simplifies landscape management due to its low maintenance requirements and high tolerance for environmental stress. Before purchasing, confirm that USDA Zone 5-10 matches your local climate, and plan your spring cleanup routine to welcome the best growth from your new planting.
Companion Planting
When designing beds featuring Liriope muscari ‘Big Blue’, select companions that match its medium water and part-shade requirements. Hostas are excellent partners, providing contrasting broad leaf texture against the fine, grass-like blades of lily turf. Hellebores also complement this plant well, benefiting from similar shade conditions and offering earlier spring color before the Liriope muscari ‘Big Blue’ truly begins its summer show. For evergreen structure in containers or woodland settings, consider pairing it with various ferns or low-growing evergreen shrubs.
Design Ideas: Edging and Mass Planting
The compact, uniform habit of Liriope muscari ‘Big Blue’ makes it perfect for using as a formal edge where the structure needs to be clean and predictable. Use a single row along a walkway or patio to define the boundary without obscuring views. For a more naturalized or woodland effect, mass planting in large, irregular swathes creates a flowing tapestry of green that softens hard architectural lines in the landscape. Avoid planting in areas where it will compete directly with aggressive spreading species like Liriope spicata, as this Liriope variety is best displayed within its defined space.
