Bountiful Gardens

The Evergreen Border: Liriope spp.

The Snapshot

• Common Name: Lilyturf, Monkey Grass, Border Grass

• Scientific Name: Liriope muscari (Clumping) or Liriope spicata (Spreading)

• Hardiness: Zones 5 – 10 (Bulletproof in NJ winters).

• The "Vibe": Clean, uniform, and indestructible; the "Finish Line" of any garden bed.

Why It’s a Jersey "Standard"

• The "Tough-as-Nails" Carpet: Liriope handles everything NJ throws at it: salt spray at the Shore, heavy clay in the Piedmont, and the brutal "heat island" effect of urban sidewalks.

• The Purple Spike: In late summer (August/September), when many perennials are fading, Liriope sends up 8-to-12-inch spikes of purple (or white) flowers that look like tiny grape hyacinths.

• Evergreen Structure: Unlike most grasses, Liriope stays green all winter. Even under a layer of snow, it maintains the "outline" of your garden beds.

• The Ultimate Deer Shield: While almost nothing is 100% deer-proof, Liriope is very high on the "No-Fly List" for NJ deer. They generally find the leathery leaves unappetizing.

Stories from the Garden

"I have a steep, shady bank under a massive Oak tree in Morristown where nothing—not even moss—would grow. I planted a mass of Liriope spicata, and within two years, the whole area was a lush green carpet. It stopped the soil from washing onto my driveway and it looks neat 365 days a year. I just run the mower over it once in the spring to freshen it up, and that's it for the year!"

— Anthony D., Zone 6 Gardener (Morristown, NJ)

Designer Tips: Where to Plant

• The "Cleanup" Edge: Plant 'Big Blue' 10 inches apart along the edge of a driveway or walkway. It creates a "living curb" that keeps mulch in the bed and looks incredibly professional.

• The Tree-Ring Savior: If you have a large tree where the grass keeps dying because of the shade and roots, replace the grass with a ring of Liriope. It won't compete with the tree's roots and will thrive in the shade.

• The Variegated Pop: Use 'Variegata' in front of dark evergreens like Boxwood or Plum Yew. The yellow-and-green stripes provide an instant "light" in dark corners.

Designer Pro-Tip: The "Spring Buzz Cut." To keep Liriope looking its best, you must cut it back in early spring (late February/early March) before the new shoots emerge. For large areas of groundcover, you can literally set your lawnmower to its highest setting and mow right over it!