Lily Turf Grass

Liriope muscari is an evergreen, clump-forming perennial with narrow, arching green leaves and upright spikes of purple flowers in late summer and fall. It makes a neat edging or groundcover for partly shaded beds, while tolerating full sun when the soil does not dry excessively. ## Garden use Foliage forms dense basal clumps, and flowers are followed by round black berries that may persist into winter. The species profile from [North Carolina Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/liriope-muscari/) describes typical clumps about 1–1.5 feet tall and wide, use along paths and beneath shrubs, and USDA zones 5–10. Individual cultivars vary, so these measurements describe the species profile rather than every named selection. ## Growing conditions Use moist, well-drained soil in full sun to shade; growth may be slower and leaves longer in deeper shade. Water regularly through the first growing season, then reduce supplemental watering once plants are established. The species tolerates drought and deer browsing better than many groundcovers. ## Maintenance Cut old foliage back in late winter before fresh growth starts. Divide clumps in spring if they become crowded or if additional plants are needed. Leave enough spacing for clumps to knit together without confusing this clumping species with the more aggressively spreading creeping lilyturf.