Liriope

Liriope (commonly referred to as monkey grass) is a clumping to spreading plant that is sometimes called a border grass. It is useful in barricading regular turf grasses from garden. There are several species, any of which would be excellent groundcover or substitute for traditional turf grass.

Terrific as edging along a sidewalk, the front of a flower bed or massed as a ground cover under a shady tree, liriope proves to be a durable, low-maintenance perennial. Sometimes called lilyturf, border grass or monkey grass, it is not a grass at all but a member of the lily family.

The tufted to spreading clusters of thin leaves look attractive, but in late summer to early autumn lavender to white flowers poke upwards, adding to the textural interest. Grow liriope successfully in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 6 through 10.

Site SelectionCommon species of liriope available at nurseries and grown in home gardens include Liriope muscari, the big blue lilyturf and spreading lilyturf, Liriope spicata. Both prosper in locations where soil is crumbly and moist but drains well and is not alkaline in pH.

They grow nicely in full-sun to nearly full-shade light exposures, allowing them to grow as an edging to the lawn or under the wide-reaching branches of deciduous shade trees. In regions where plants are marginally hardy, consider planting liriope, sheltered from hot or cold drying winds. Soil QualitySoil quality involves moisture retention and fertility issues.

While a loam rich in organic matter is an ideal soil for growing liriope, both sand and clay soils can be improved simply by incorporating lots of organic matter. Compost and well-cured manures used as a mulch or top dressing around liriope plants improves soil quality, fertility and water drainage. Application of man-made fertilizers isn't necessary if the soil is continually layered with organic materials to naturally break down and sustain plants. An occasional scattering of slow-release granular fertilizer such as 10-10-10 in spring certainly does not hinder lush growth. WateringLiriope falters in both excessively dry and waterlogged, soggy soils.

Once the root systems of these perennials establish, liriope is drought tolerant. In the growing season, plants need 1 inch of rainfall or irrigation weekly, less during the cool weather of the winter dormancy. Overly humid conditions and over-watering promotes fungal rot of roots and leaf bases, and favors a habitat for hungry slugs and snails. Plants in lots of sun may need more watering than those in shady situations, but be aware that liriope grown under trees may need more water since tree roots also compete for the same resources. Plant DivisionAfter three to five years of growth, clumps of liriope may become massive, spread into undesirable areas or lose vigor in the center of the leaf tufts.

Digging up plants and dividing the mass of roots and replanting them is best conducted in spring before new leafy growth gets underway. Slice root balls with a garden shovel into smaller-sized clumps that are easy to handle, then immediately replant them, taking care to plant them at the same depth as before. Bloons supermonkey 2 apk. Match the top of the root ball with that of the planting hole so you don't plant liriope too deeply, which will lead to fungal rot and future death. TrimmingAfter a severe drought or brutally cold winter, the evergreen foliage of liriope often looks tattered and unkempt. In early to mid-spring, give liriope plants a 'haircut' by shearing off all foliage with pruners or a weed-cutter to a height of 2 inches. Soon the new spring growth emerges and rejuvenates the clumps with exceptionally good-looking, vibrantly colored leaves.

Don't do trimming past midsummer or in the middle of a severe drought. Gardeners sometimes choose to trim their liriope plants every year each spring to create the most beautiful foliage plants. ConcernsSpreading liriope, Liriope spicata, can have their sprawling roots sliced anytime of year to pull out young plants.

Place the garden shovel blade near the clump base and slice the roots to sever the spreading young plants from the mother. Pull out the little plants and compost them and smooth and tamp the soil back around the mother plant to keep it looking tidy. Occasionally little seedlings of liriope may pop up around the garden, thanks to the black fruits produced after the flowers.

Creeping lilyturf is a, grass-like perennial which forms clusters of narrow, arching, glossy, dark green leaves (to 1⁄ 4 inch (0.64 cm) wide) typically growing 9 to 15 inches (23 to 38 centimetres) high. Erect flower spikes with small, white to pale lavender flowers arise, somewhat hidden, among the leaves in late summer. Blackish berries develop in fall and often persist through winter.

Roots have prominent rhizomes and frequent tubers. A cultivar exists with variegated leaves.Creeping lilyturf looks very similar to another common species in the genus—lilyturf ( ). Creeping lilyturf can be distinguished by its rhizomatous root system (in contrast to the diffused root system of lilyturf), its less prominent flower spike being partially within leaves (lilyturf has a longer spike extending well above leaves), and its generally narrower and shorter leaves when compared those of lilyturf. Cultivation Creeping lilyturf is easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade.

Moist, fertile soils with partial shade are ideal, but it also tolerates wide range of light and soil conditions. Creeping lilyturf also tolerates heat, humidity, and drought. The evergreen foliage often turns brown in late winter; old foliage can be cut back or mowed at a high setting before new shoots appear early spring. Creeping lilyturf is suitable for USDA zones 4 to 10. Propagation Germination characteristics of the seeds of creeping lilyturf are probably similar to those of Liriope muscari, which have been investigated more thoroughly; its should be followed.Creeping lilyturf is easily reproduced by dividing the root mass and rhizomes. The optimum time to do this is during the dormant season before onset of new growth. Plants produced by division are identical to the mother plant, and thus, cultivar traits are retained.Uses Creeping lilyturf is mainly used in mass plantings as a groundcover.

Its tendency of aggressive spreading makes it generally unsuitable as a border plant. The species has been observed to establish rhizomes beneath concrete borders. Creeping lilyturf is an excellent plant to establish on steep slopes where erosion control is needed. Minimal maintenance is required.Liriope spicata is used as a substitute for mondo grass ( ) in as an herb for yin deficiency. Air quality According to research (See: ), Liriope spicata filters, and from the air.Problems No serious diseases or pests occur for creeping lilyturf. Root rot ( ) has been reported. Fungus sometimes causes reddish steaks in the leaves.

Have been reported to cause unsightly reddish spots on leaves during late summer. Slugs and snails are occasional pests.Some people feel that creeping lilyturf has been overused as a landscaping plant and that suitable native plants can be used in its place. Lilyturf is reported to have little wildlife value.Like most other non-grass groundcovers, creeping lilyturf does not hold up to traffic well. References.