Guide to growing Lilyturf - Liriope

Liriope are hardy perennials that reach a height of 30 to 45cm.

They have grass like leaves and spiky purple or white flowers that bloom from late summer until early autumn.

Liriope makes a great edging plant and can also be used in borders. One of the common names for Liriope is Lily turf.

Quick Liriope Growing Guide and Facts

Common Names: Lilyturf.
Life Cycle: Hardy perennial.
Height: 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm).
Native: Asia.
Growing Region: Zones 5 to 10.
Flowers: Late summer through autumn.
Flower Details: White, violet. purple. Tiered whorls. Tiny. Spikes. Upright grape-like.
Foliage: Evergreen. Strap-like. Glossy. Dark-green.
Sow Outside: 1/4 inch (6 mm). Start of spring - before the last frost, or towards the end of autumn. Spacing 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm).
Sow Inside: Germination time: one month. Temperature: 70 to 75°F (24 to 27°C). Seeds should be soaked for one day in warm water so they can complete maturation. Seven or eight weeks in advance. Transplant outdoors following the last frost.
Requirements and care: Partial shade; can tolerate full sunlight if growing in very moist soil. Good drainage. Rich soil, moist soil. Provide a feed in the spring. Can survive dry soils. Regular watering during dry periods. Remove inflorescence following blooming to prevent seed spread and to maintain tidiness. Cut back to about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) in the winter and discard any dead leaves. Propagate: Self-seeds; or by dividing.
Miscellaneous: The roots of Liriope are used in traditional Chinese medicine.

How to grow Lily Turf

Lily turf should be sown at a depth of about 6mm either at the end of autumn or just before the last frost spring. Lily turf likes to grow in a partially shaded part of the garden that has a moist and fertile soil with good drainage.

If starting off Lily turf and other Liriope indoors then start to grow about 7 or 8 weeks before they are due to be transplanted. The seeds should first be soaked in warm water for a day and germinated st 18 to 21 degrees Celsius; this should take about a month. Once establish transplant Lily turf seedlings after the last frost of spring about 30 to 40cm apart.

Caring for Lily Turf

Lily turf are fairly easy plants to look after; water regularly in dry periods to keep the ground moist for best results. After flowering has occurred remove the flowering stems before the seed has chance to set;, this will prevent Lily turf from spreading in the garden. In the winter dead leaves should be removed from the plant and the Lily turf cut back to about 10cm in height.