The long, ½ to ¾ inch-wide
green leaves of lilyturf (Liriope muscari)
have creamy white borders. This perennial ornamental grass is good choice for
edging as shown above growing the length of my brick sidewalk. Late summer into fall, lilyturf presents spears of blooms in blue,
white, or purple. After the blooms fade, pea-size black
berries display into winter. Lilyturf is cold hardy in USDA planting zone 5
through 10.
How to care for lilyturf
Plant lilyturf in full
sun to full shade. For a dense setting of lilyturf, set plants about 12 inches
apart. The first year after planting, water every seven to 10 days, spring to fall, if there is no rainfall. Following years, rainfall should provide sufficient moisture.
Fertilizer is not needed. Spreading about 2 inches of mulch around the plant
will help block weed growth and retain moisture.
In early spring as new
growth in noticed, cut the plant back to the top of the clump. I use the mower to cut the plant back, but hand clippers would work too.
About every three
years in early spring, dig up the root ball and divide it into three sections
(or more depending on how large the root ball gets) to create additional
plants.
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