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Plant of the Month
thymus vulgaris flower
thymus vulgaris flower
thymus vulgaris flower
thymus vulgaris flower

Mondo Grass

Liriope muscari, commonly known as lilyturf or border grass, is a versatile perennial plant native to East Asia.
Liriope muscari, commonly known as lilyturf or border grass, is a versatile perennial plant native to East Asia. It forms clumps of arching, grass-like foliage and produces upright spikes of tiny, lavender-purple flowers in late summer to early fall. This adaptable plant thrives in partial to full shade and moist, well-draining soil, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens, borders, or as a ground cover beneath trees and shrubs. Liriope muscari adds texture and color to garden landscapes, providing year-round interest with its attractive foliage and late-season blooms.

Plant Features

Pollinator-Friendly Garden Addition
Liriope muscari, commonly known as lilyturf or border grass, is celebrated for its clumps of arching, grass-like foliage and the beauty it brings to garden landscapes. It produces upright spikes of tiny, lavender-purple flowers in late summer to early fall, adding a splash of color. With its dense tufts of grass-like leaves and slender spikes of flowers, available in lavender or white, Liriope muscari not only adds texture but also interest to garden settings. This perennial’s attractive foliage and late-season blooms provide year-round visual interest, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of any garden area.
Perfect as Ground Cover
Native to East Asia, Liriope muscari thrives in partial to full shade and moist, well-draining soil, making it a versatile plant for various garden applications. It is an excellent choice for woodland gardens, borders, or as a ground cover beneath trees and shrubs. This plant’s adaptability also extends to its use as a ground cover, border plant, or edging along pathways, where it maintains a neat and tidy appearance all year round. Its tolerance to shade and relatively drought-tolerant nature once established make it suitable for shady gardens, underplanting around trees, or even in container plantings on patios or balconies.
Versatile Landscape Design Options
Liriope muscari’s dense, grass-like foliage allows it to be used effectively as low-maintenance ground cover in shady areas, ideal for spots where other plants might not thrive. Its ability to suppress weed growth and control erosion makes it invaluable for maintaining slopes or garden beds. Liriope is commonly used as borders or edging in garden landscapes, contributing to a well-organized and visually appealing environment. Additionally, its adaptability to various soil types and light conditions ensures that Liriope muscari can be integrated into a wide range of garden designs, proving its usefulness and versatility in landscape planning and implementation.
Plant Care
Care Instructions and Tips
Performs well in part shade to full sun. Shade is preferable in areas with hot summers.
Water regularly to keep the soil moist, especially during dry periods. Drought-tolerant once established.
Grows in a wide range of soils but prefers moist, well-drained conditions.
Prune back in late winter or early spring to remove old foliage. Divide clumps every 3-5 years to rejuvenate and increase air circulation.
Blooms in late summer with dense spikes of purple or white flowers, resembling miniature grape hyacinths.

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Liriope gigantea, also known as giant liriope or giant lilyturf, is a clump-forming perennial native to East Asia.
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Liriope muscari 'Silvery Sunproof' is a cultivar of lilyturf with variegated foliage and tolerance to sunnier conditions.
Silvery Sunproof Mondo Grass

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