If you are a green lawn fan, there is no way you haven’t considered the super adaptive Liriope varieties as ground covers for once.
You can have any species of Liriope in your garden as long as you get their basics right. So follow along for the same.
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Top 5 Liriope Varieties
Liriope, aka Lily Turf, is a low-growing perennial plant belonging to the Asparagaceae family, just like the Yucca Plant.
These are one of the popular ground covers given their easy maintenance and drought-tolerant nature.
Generally, you’ll not have a problem growing any variety of Lily Turf once they establish in your garden, as long as you provide them with weekly watering.
Also, you have a number of Liriope species to choose from depending on your choice and garden suitability.
Here are some of the common types of Liriope.
1. Liriope muscari ‘Big Blue’
The Big Blue is one of the most popular cultivars of Lily Turf, used to suppress weed growth and cover bare ground.
Most of it is due to the wide arching foliage of the plant that has intense green coloration. Further, the leaf blades are slightly wider than its fellow Liriope.
Adding to it is the attractive violet-blue flower that brings a sense of freshness to your simple garden, especially in Zone 6, zone 7, to Zone 10.
2. Liriope spicata (Creeping Lily Turf)
If you are looking for a low-growing border plant, Creeping Lily Turf is the one.
Generally, the Creeping Liriope or Lily Turf is slightly lower in height, usually 8 to 10 inches.
However, they can spread up to 18 inches wide, more than the other Liriope varieties due to the spreading habit.
The narrow strip-like leaves form a dense, low-growing clump just like the Creeping Charlie and Jenny.
Creeping Lily Turf is the only variety in the list that is suitable from zone 4 to all the way till zone 10.
3. Liriope muscari ‘Silvery Sunproof’
Another on the list of Liriope types is the Silvery Sunproof, prized for its silvery-green foliage.
Generally, they are more sun-tolerant than the other Liriope varieties, so the name Silvery Sunproof.
You may try growing them up until zone 5 with proper winter protection, like a burlap.
4. Liriope muscari ‘Royal Pruple’
The Royal Purple is a zone 7 to 10 hardy variety, preferring milder climate, with leaves slightly narrower than the Big Blue.
Just like the name, the Royal Purple flaunts rich purple flower spikes that stand out against the dark green foliage.
The vibrant bloom is best to elevate the aesthetic of a shaded part in your garden or even in a container right at the entrance.
Moreover, these 12 to 18-inch plants spread up to 12 inches wide in optimal condition,
5. Liriope muscari ‘Variegata’
Most people confuse the Variegated Lily Turf with the Variegated Monkey Grass, given the same family and appearance.
But Liriope muscari ‘Variegated’ has deep green leaves with contrasting creamy-white margins, unlike the narrow dark green Monkey Grass.
The violet-blue flower spikes of the plant in late summer add to the visual aesthetic of your garden or lawn.
However, the variegated types of Liriope cannot withstand the winter below zone 6.
5+ Additional Liriope Varieties
| Varitey Name | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Liriope muscari 'Monroe's' | Compact, clump-forming with dark green foliage |
| Liriope muscari 'Super Blue' | Resembles the Big blue but more intense in color |
| Liriope muscari 'White' | Produce white flower spikes in late summer |
| Liriope muscari 'Evergreen Giant' | A large vigorous variety with evergreen foliage |
| Liriope spicata 'Silver Mist' | Silver-edged green leaves and a dwarf type |
| Liriope spicata 'Okina' | Dwarf from with white-edged green leaves |
| Liriope platyphylla | Large foliage with lavender blooms |
From Editorial Team
Avoid Mushy Soil!
One thing that any Liriope variety cannot tolerate is excess moisture in the root zone.
As a drought-tolerant plant, soggy soil causes root rot, hindering the entire plant’s growth and appearance.
Ensure the plant has proper drainage, and do not water it regularly to help them grow their best.
