Lilyturf is a genus of broadleaf evergreen, clump-forming, perennials in the Asparagaceae or asparagus family. The name liriope is derived from new Latin and is a nymph in Roman mythology. Though it may resemble an ornamental grass it is not a true grass. Some species of lilyturf grow more aggressively than others so it is important to choose your plants wisely. They require acidic to neutral well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade. It will tolerate almost full shade but growth is slow and leaves are elongated. There are many species and cultivars out with variegated foliage that adds interest to shady areas of the landscape. Lilyturf is used in a variety of landscape settings, along slopes to prevent erosion, for edging, rock gardens, containers, in woodland settings, or as a ground cover. It is drought and deer tolerant, moderately salt-tolerant, and some species can be used as a lawn alternative for lawns that receive occasional light foot traffic. It is normally not necessary to propagate liriope plants as they are aggressive growers. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Anthracnose, leaf and crown rot, slugs, and snails are occasional problems.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight) | Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage
Available space
Less than 12 inches; 12 inches-3 feet
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 0 ft. 9 in. - 1 ft. 6 in. | Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous (1-3 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Clumping; Dense; Mounding
Foliage
Broadleaf Evergreen
Leaf color
Green; Variegated
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf shape
Linear
Leaf margin
Entire
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Narrow and grass-like can be green, variegated, or another color.
Flower color
Pink; Purple/Lavender; White
Flower value
Showy
Flower size
< 1 inch
Flower detail
Small, white to violet, 6-parted, on an elongated stem