Search
Close this search box.
Plant of the Month
thymus vulgaris flower
thymus vulgaris flower
thymus vulgaris flower
thymus vulgaris flower

Giant Lilyturf

Liriope gigantea, also known as giant liriope or giant lilyturf, is a clump-forming perennial native to East Asia.
Liriope gigantea, also known as giant liriope or giant lilyturf, is a clump-forming perennial native to East Asia. It features long, arching leaves and upright flower spikes adorned with clusters of small, lavender-blue blooms in late summer to early fall. This shade-tolerant 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 gigantea provides year-round interest with its attractive foliage and late-season blooms, adding texture and color to garden landscapes. With its low-maintenance nature and versatility, giant liriope is a popular choice for gardeners looking to add beauty and functionality to shady garden spaces.

Plant Features

Pollinator-Friendly Garden Addition
Liriope gigantea, also known as giant liriope or giant lilyturf, is a clump-forming perennial that captivates with its long, arching leaves and upright flower spikes. The spikes are adorned with clusters of small, lavender-blue blooms that appear in late summer to early fall, adding a splash of color to the garden landscape. This plant’s slender spikes of lilac-purple flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing garden biodiversity. Its attractive foliage and charming blooms provide year-round interest and beauty, contributing to the aesthetic appeal of garden spaces with their graceful foliage and elegant form.
Perfect as Ground Cover
Native to East Asia, Liriope gigantea thrives in partial to full shade and moist, well-draining soil, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens, borders, or as ground cover beneath trees and shrubs. It is ideal for shady garden areas or underplanting around larger plants where it can spread without overwhelming its neighbors. This shade-tolerant plant is well-suited for container planting on patios or balconies, adding greenery and texture to these spaces. Its tolerance to shade and dry conditions also makes it a versatile choice for various garden settings, where it enhances landscapes without requiring extensive care or watering.
Versatile Landscape Design Options
Liriope gigantea is not only ornamental but also functional, widely used to create low-maintenance ground covers in shady areas where other plants might not thrive. It is effective for erosion control on slopes or in areas of the garden where soil retention is necessary. Liriope can be planted as borders or edging along pathways, providing a neat and tidy appearance throughout the year. Its dense, grass-like foliage helps suppress weed growth, reducing garden maintenance needs. The adaptability of Liriope to different soil types and light conditions ensures that it can be incorporated into a wide range of landscape designs, making it a practical choice for both residential and commercial spaces.
Plant Care
Care Instructions and Tips
Prefers partial to full shade, especially in hot climates, though it can tolerate full sun in cooler areas.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. More drought tolerant than other Liriope species.
Prefers fertile, well-drained soil. Tolerant of a range of soil types, including clay.
Cut back foliage in late winter before new growth begins to remove any brown tips and encourage lush, new growth.
Produces spikes of purple flowers in late summer, followed by black berries in the fall.

Explore Similar Plants

Festuca glauca, commonly known as blue fescue, is a compact ornamental grass valued for its striking blue-gray foliage and fine texture.
Blue Fescue Grass
Liriope muscari, commonly known as lilyturf or border grass, is a versatile perennial plant native to East Asia.
Mondo Grass
Liriope muscari 'Silvery Sunproof' is a cultivar of lilyturf with variegated foliage and tolerance to sunnier conditions.
Silvery Sunproof Mondo Grass

Have an idea for a project?

We’re ready to guide you every step of the way. Schedule a FREE consultation with us to get started.