Liriope ( Liriope spp . ) , sometimes known as lily sward , is a knotty , grass - like perennial that expand in U.S. Department of Agriculture flora hardiness zones 4 through 10 . If you need a problematic basis cover , genus Liriope just might be the result . It grows 12 to 18 in grandiloquent and has a dissemination , clumping physique . The leave are strap - comparable and come in bluish , green or variegated forms . Liriope forms bunch of lily - like blooms in lavender or lily-white in late summer . The bloom are followed by bluish black berry .
Planting Liriope
Liriope is the sort of plant life that grows almost anywhere . It blossom best in full sun , but it stick out partial shade . It ’s not picky about filth type either . Once established , the plant grows well in clay or Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin soils and tolerates some drouth . It tolerates salt and is often used in coastal areas . It does n’t produce well in sloughy , wet soils , though , so amend intemperate dirt with compost or peat moss to improve drainage .
genus Liriope is propagated from division or nursery graft . implant it in spring to fall . Water the planting as often as needed to keep the grunge softly moist , peculiarly during the first year after planting . Mulch the earth with 2 inches of Grant Wood chips to conserve wet and keep sess growth down .
Liriope is evergreen in mild clime . In northern climate , it sometimes dies back . Mow evergreen liriope back in spring to advance hard new growth . Set your lawn mower to its highest scope so you do n’t damage the roots . Cut back and remove any drained foliage .
Liriope does n’t ask a pot of fertiliser . A light applications programme of 10 - 10 - 10 – around ¼ cup per plant – applied in the spring is sufficient , especially if you have prolific soil . In fact , too much fertiliser can make this plant more prostrate to disease and dirt ball problem . Liriope spreads quickly and can become invasive in moist , warm clime . It work advantageously set as a primer coat cover , rather than in mixed beds . delve it up and dissever it every three to four eld to control its growth .
Pests and Problems
genus Liriope suffers few pesterer and disease problems . polish off the mulch if snail and slugs are a job . Handpick and destroy slugs and snails or set escargot traps . Use these with care though because they ’re toxic to animals .
genus Liriope sometimes develops browned spots along the folio margins because of anthracnose . The disease is rarely serious . Remove the infected leaves and discard them . Water liriope early in the morning and use dribble irrigation alternatively of boozer hose , because wet farewell broadcast the disease .
Varieties
There are two main type of liriope – Big Blue Lilyturf ( Liriope muscari ) and Creeping Lilyturf ( Liriope Spicata ) . The first type has a marvellous , clumping form and tends to abide in one stead . It is appropriate for edging and for use in miscellaneous beds . Its leaves and flower are more or less larger than creeping lilyturf .
Creeping lilyturf has an invasive , spreading quality . It should be used as a groundcover and perform as a tall Gunter Grass .
Big Blue Lilyturf Varieties :
‘ Silvery Sunproof ’ grows 9 to 15 inches marvellous , with yellow and ashen variegated foliage . This works abide Sunday in hot mood .
‘ Evergreen Giant ’ grows 18 to 24 inch tall and has smashed , green leave-taking and white flowers .
‘ Gold Band ’ has widely , gullible leaves edged in gold and lavender flush . This industrial plant grow 15 inches tall .
‘ Samantha ’ has light-green leaf and pinkish blossom , and reaches 15 in tall .
Creeping Lilyturf Varieties :
‘ Silver Dragon ’ produces lilac flowers and white and green variegated folio . It grows 12 inches tall .
‘ Franklin Mint ’ has green leaves and pale lavender flowers . It also grows about 12 to 15 inches tall .
For more entropy visit the take after links :
Liriope spicatafrom the Missouri Botanical Garden
Plant of the Week : Liriopefrom the University of Arkansas .
Julie Christensen get wind about gardening on her gramps ’s farm and mother ’s vegetable garden in southern Idaho . Today , she lives and garden on the eminent plains of Colorado . When she ’s not labour in the dirt , Julie write about solid food , education , parenting and gardening .
