Liriope muscari ‘Big Blue’

Liriope muscari ‘Big Blue’ is a perennial ground cover with arching grass-like foliage that remains green year round, producing spikes of lilac flowers in the fall.

Known in English as Lilyturf, it is frequently used as a border plant in landscaping as it is tolerant of heat, humidity, and drought.

The leaves are like dark green ribbons, lanceolate and glossy.

The flowers appear on tall dark spikes in late fall that can reach up to 40 cm in height, bearing small, bright light purple, bell-shaped flowers that stand out beautifully against the dark foliage.

After the flowering period, small black fruits form, adding yet another decorative touch to the Liriope ensemble.

Liriope muscari’s growth is quite slow, so it is not considered invasive in France.

She prefers a shady spot in the garden though she is capable of withstanding both heat and drought.

The Tale

Lilyturf can be established on steep slopes where erosion control is needed as its root systems are quite efficient in retaining soil.

L. muscari is distinguished from Liriope spicata , the other most common species in the genus, by its fibrous rather than rhizomatous root system,

The roots of the plant are used in Chinese medicine – though I cannot quite tell for what purpose yet.

Other Names

Big blue lilyturf

Lilyturf

Border grass

Monkey grass.

Origin

China