Variegated Lily Turf

A charming little grass-like plant for bringing light into a shady part of the garden, Liriope muscari Variegata is a small, evergreen, clump-forming, perennial, similar to big blue lily turf, but with a less vigorous habit and brightly variegated leaves. It will slowly spread by means of its underground tubers, forming good, solid ground-cover at the front of a border. The wide, strap-shaped leaves are bright green, with creamy, longitudinal stripes, and every one is different, giving an attractive appearance. From midsummer to autumn, grape hyacinth-like, violet-purple flowers appear, followed by black berries. Variegated lily turf can look a little scruffy by late winter, so remove damaged leaves and flowered stems – more will soon appear. If you prefer it as a clump, remove the little plants which rise from the tubers, and give them away.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Well-drained acid to neutral soil
Position: Best colour in partial or full shade
Season of interest: All year, midsummer to autumn in particular
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 16” (40cm) Spread: 20” (50cm)