Liriope is an evergreen plant with grasslike leaves, commonly planted beneath trees and along walks in U.S. landscapes. Purple flower spikes rise above its leaves, followed by shiny black seeds. It is also called lilyturf or monkey grass.
Appearance
Appearance
Dark green, straplike leaves form dense s about 1–1.5 ft (30–46 cm) tall and wide. Upright purple flower spikes rise above the foliage.
Growth form
This grows as a clump and expands less aggressively than creeping lilyturf.
Flowers
Small, six-parted purple flowers crowd along upright spikes about 6–8 in (15–20 cm) long.
Flowering time
In much of the United States, it blooms in late summer, commonly August through September.
Fruit
Round, shiny black seeds follow the flowers in fall and can remain visible into winter.
Liriope forms broad clumps with larger, darker flowers that usually stand above the leaves. Creeping lilyturf runs quickly underground and often has paler flower spikes partly hidden in the foliage.
Why they get mixed up · Both are sold as grasslike evergreen ground covers with lavender flowers.
Mondo grass has finer leaves, nodding flower stalks, and bright blue seeds hidden low in the foliage. Liriope has upright flower spikes and black seeds.
Why they get mixed up · Both are used as low edging plants in shaded landscapes.
Where it lives
Typical habitats
shaded borders
woodland gardens
walkway edges
Range
It is native to East Asia and widely grown in U.S. landscapes.
Preferred conditions
It grows from full sun to deep shade but usually looks best in moist, well-drained soil with some shade. Established plants tolerate heat, humidity, and short dry periods.
Flowering
Flowers Aug–Sep
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Flowers
Flowers Aug–Sep
Growing it
Care
It works well as edging or ground cover under trees. New plants need regular moisture, while established clumps need little extra water in suitable soil.
Propagation
Garden clumps can be divided, and plants can also be grown from cleaned seed.
Name and classification
About the name
This plant has also been called Liriope platyphylla.
Varieties and forms
Common garden forms include the white-edged 'Variegata', white-flowered 'Monroe's White', and large-flowered 'Big Blue'.
Conservation
IUCN Red List
NENot Evaluated·Not yet assessed
Status
In Georgia, it is listed as a Category 3 invasive plant, meaning it causes minor problems in natural areas or may become one.
Culture and stories
Culture and stories
Despite the name monkey grass, it is not a true grass.