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Garden Column for the Salisbury Post

Darrell Blackwelder

March 11, 2004

"I've got all you want, come by and get all you want" is the phrase often associated when a conversation mentions liriope. Liriope, monkey grass or border grass one of the most misunderstood and misused landscape plant materials. Redefining its use may create a new attitude for home landscapers.

The plant is actually a lily with two distinctive growth patterns. Liriope muscarii grows in clumps and spreads very slowly, but it will eventually spread throughout a bed. Liriope spicata spreads rapidly by suckers covering an area quickly. Both cultivars have spiked flowers that begin to bloom in late summer or early fall. Purple seems to be the most prevalent color, but some cultivars have varying bloom color. For example, "Monroe" is a beautiful white blooming, fall variety.

Liriope with green foliage is the most commonly type usually outlining sidewalks or shrub borders. Newer, showy colors have been bred for added interest. Dark brown, silver and even a black variety are available for special interest or for use as a focal point.

The most beneficial aspect of liriope is its ability to survive. The ground cover survives in most any landscape situation and when established can withstands extreme neglect.

Landscapes plagued with steep banks and deep shade should consider mass plantings of liriope. Variegated liriope grows best in sunny locations, so be sure to avoid the shade with this variety.

Mass planting 18" apart provides good cover and aids in blending the transition from smooth lawns to trees or shrubs. Liriope spicata should be planted in contained areas, such as a sidewalk or a driveway. Be careful with this cultivar because it can quickly spread into lawns.

Traditionally homeowners have used the plant as a border plant. Consider massing liriope as a groundcover in lawn areas weakened by shade. Mass plantings are often used to replace bark or mulch that must be re-applied each year. Landscapes tend to flow easier with mass plantings. Traditional borders tend to make ones' eye focus only on the border and not the complete landscape.

Fall is an excellent time to divide liriope. Dig the plant and take an old ax or knife and divide the plant leaving 3-4 bibs per clump to reset the plant. The tops can be clipped back to facilitate planting. Water plants in and apply a complete fertilizer in the spring to get the groundcover established.

Now is the time to remove damaged liriope tops. Use a lawn mower with a sharp blade or string trimmer to cut the tops 4 inches tall.

This plant has few pests scale can be a problem. Keep an eye out for this pest. Weeds are few and have a difficult time competing with liriope.

Darrell Blackwelder is an agricultural agent in charge of horticulture with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in Rowan County. For archived garden columns or other information, visit the Rowan County Master Gardener web site at www.rowanmastergardener.com , e-mail Darrell_Blackwelder@ncsu.edu or phone at 704-633-0571.