Lilyturf (liriope) Liriope muscari
Lilyturf (liriope) (Liriope muscari) is an evergreen perennial groundcover in the Asparagaceae family, native to China, Taiwan and Japan. It grows 25–45 cm (10–18 in) tall and 30–50 cm (12–20 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -23 °C (-9 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
Plan Lilyturf (liriope) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Lilyturf (liriope) at a glance
| Type | Perennial groundcover, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Mature height | 25–45 cm (10–18 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -23 °C (-9 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about August for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | China, Taiwan and Japan |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Lilyturf (liriope) toxic?
- People: not well documented
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
No clear toxicity documented in standard references; the black berries are not meant to be eaten.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Lilyturf (liriope)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Lilyturf (liriope)
- How far apart should I plant Lilyturf (liriope)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–50 cm (12–20 in).
- Does Lilyturf (liriope) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Lilyturf (liriope) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Lilyturf (liriope)?
- It tolerates about -23 °C (-9 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Lilyturf (liriope) flower?
- From about August for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Lilyturf (liriope) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not well documented. No clear toxicity documented in standard references; the black berries are not meant to be eaten.
- What grows well with Lilyturf (liriope)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Lilyturf (liriope). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, NC State Extension
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Clumping Liriope muscari is far less aggressive than the running Liriope spicata.
- Foliage is usually sheared to the ground in late winter.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Asparagus Asparagus officinalis
- Lily of the valley Convallaria majalis
- Hosta Hosta spp.
- Hyacinth Hyacinthus orientalis
- Grape hyacinth Muscari armeniacum
- Common bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta
- Tuberose Agave amica (Polianthes tuberosa)
- Century plant (agave) Agave americana