Big blue lilyturf - Liriope muscari (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Big blue lilyturf

Also known as: Border grass, Lilyturf

Big blue lilyturf is an evergreen perennial endemic to East Asia. Comparable to grape hyacinths, this plant has velvety, lush foliage and abundant lavender-blue spikes with black berries blooming next to it. It is a famous, enticing plant that looks especially good at sloping waterways. This low-maintenance plant is excellent for ground cover and edging.

Scientific classification

Species

Big blue lilyturf (Liriope muscari)

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Perennial, Annual

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Summer

Bloom Time

Fall

Harvest Time

30 cm to 45 cm

Plant Height

30 cm

Spread

Green, White, Yellow

Leaf Color

3 mm to 4 mm

Flower Size

Black, Blue

Fruit Color

Purple, White, Blue, Lavender, Violet

Flower Color

Green, Black, Purple

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Big blue lilyturf

Distribution of Big blue lilyturf

Distribution Map

Big blue lilyturf is native to East Asia, where it grows in forests, scrub areas, and along slopes. This plant is planted in temperate areas as an ornamental. It has escaped cultivation in the southeastern United States, South Africa, and Belgium, where it is listed as invasive.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Forests, bamboo forests, scrub, shady, on slopes

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Big blue lilyturf is a popular garden perennial prized for its tufted foliage and multiple blue flower spikes. It is commonly used as a border plant around hedges and is an essential plant in flower gardens when a low-growing natural hedge is needed. Plant it with coneflowers or hostas to add texture and contrast.

Symbolism

Joyfulness and intelligence

Name Story

Big blue lilyturf: The common name of lilyturf acknowledges the plant's turf-like growing habit. The plant generally grows wider and longer leaves when compared to creeping lilyturf, so it is commonly called big blue lilyturf.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Big blue lilyturf, including the following common varieties :

Big blue lilyturf 'Gold Band'Big blue lilyturf 'Big Blue'Big blue lilyturf 'Monroe White'Big blue lilyturf 'Variegata'Big blue lilyturf 'Royal Purple'

Quickly Identify Big blue lilyturf

Linear-ligulate leaves, dark green, 1 inch wide, 1-1.5 feet long.

Purple, densely clustered flowers on 6-8 inch spike-like raceme.

Small, spherical fruit, transitions from green to shiny black.

Acaulescent stems emerge from fleshy rhizome, grass-like appearance.

Shiny black berries post-bloom, distinctive of the fruiting phase.

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Care Guide for Big blue lilyturf

Every week

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Big blue lilyturf thrives in humid woodlands, requiring consistently damp, well-drained soil. It prefers weekly watering to support its lush foliage. As an ornamental ground cover, it benefits from natural rainfall and microclimate conditions, enhancing its resilience in varying weather.

Fertilize: For big blue lilyturf, use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) at 0.23 kg per 9.3 m² in spring and early fall. Avoid over-fertilization and stop during winter dormancy. Young big blue lilyturfs require lighter, frequent feedings, and always water thoroughly after fertilization to prevent root burn.

Pruning: Big blue lilyturf is a low-maintenance evergreen groundcover featuring grass-like foliage and purple flower spikes. Prune in early spring to 2-3 inches to enhance growth and prevent fungal issues. Use clean, sharp tools for pruning to avoid damage and disease.

Propagation: Big blue lilyturf is an ornamental perennial that propagates easily through division. Select healthy clumps, separate with care, and replant quickly in well-prepared soil. Maintain moisture and avoid deep planting for optimal growth.

Repotting: Repot big blue lilyturf every 2-3 years, ideally in spring, using a pot 2-4 inches larger to support growth. Ensure the new pot has good drainage, water thoroughly after repotting, and position big blue lilyturf in indirect light to aid acclimatization.

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