Liriope Muscari ‘Evergreen Giant’ Plant Care Tips

Liriope Muscari Evergreen Giant Introduction

The Liriope muscari Evergreen Giant is a beautiful plant with strappy, lush dark green/bluish foliage with small towering lilac flowers. It is renowned for its hardiness and grows well in most environments, including under trees and along paths. The Liriope muscari also known as Big Blue Lilyturf, Lily Turf, Border Grass, or Monkey Grass is Native to China, Taiwan and Japan and commonly found all over East Asia. Liriopes are considered an invasive species of concern in North America and are considered a threat to local wildlife. Liriope spicata (Creeping Lilyturf) is considered a bigger problem but muscari also shares some of its potentially weedy attributes. It is not yet a registered weed in Australia but its potentially weedy attributes should be considered, especially if you live nearby shaded riparian forests, and if a better Native alternative cannot be chosen – grow it responsibly. These Evergreen tuberous perennial plants produce a clump of narrow strap-shaped glossy leaves that arch forward. Liriope Muscari Evergreen Giant is a large hybrid of the family and can grow up to 50 cm wide and tall. Liriope blooms can be seen during Summer and Autumn and shiny black berries persist through to Winter. The UK’s Royal Horticultural Society has presented Liriope muscari with the prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM) for being the best all-around garden value variety.

Liriope Muscari Planting

Liriope is an apt edging plant for walkways, pools and even for narrow spaces. This beauty creates a magnificent sea of purple when planted as an understorey or in masses, where it perhaps shines best. Planting Liriopes in containers can be done any time during the year, but avoid waterlogging soils. Leave about 30-45cm between individual plants.

Liriope Muscari Lighting & Position

Liriope Evergreen Giant is a shade-loving plant; thus, planting should be done in partial shade where it will get some sun for half of the day. Liriopes positioned in total shade may survive but it will inhibit their ability to grow large and bloom.

Liriope Muscari Watering

To help new Liriopes establish, water the soil well during dry spells. Mature and clumped Liriopes require less water although will benefit from additional watering during dry Summer months.

Liriope Muscari Fertiliser

General fertilizer can be applied if Liriope Evergreen Giants show stunted growth during Spring. Mulching with manure or garden compost will help with better performance and more flowering.

We recommend using our Plant Food available here. 

Liriope Muscari Propagation

As Liriope is a clumped grower, it can be easily propagated by dividing the plants in Spring. The fibrous roots of Liriope establish well in rich and well-drained soil.

During dormant periods (Winter season) Liriopes can be easily propagated by dividing the root mass. Seed propagation isn’t as simple as some other species as they produce phenolic compounds that inhibit germination. Place the seeds in dark conditions for 8 weeks at (25C) for promoting germination and plant them after frost.

Liriope Muscari Vulnerability to pests and diseases

TLiriopes don’t suffer terribly from pests or diseases. Root rotting fungus (Pythium) has been reported in severely disturbed and overwatered roots. At times the Anthracnose fungus causes reddish streaks in the leaves. Slugs and snails are rare pests. Young leaves of Liriope Evergreen Giant may show slug attacks.

For more information on how to manage common plant pests, head to our blog here.

Liriope Muscari Reducing its risks of Becoming a Weed

Some authorities such as hear.org have rated the Liriope muscari as a fairly low-risk weed but if surrounded by shaded riparian areas with fertile soil the risks will increase. To reduce the risks of spreading cut flower heads before seeding, bag them and dispose of them by deep burial at a waste management centre.

Liriope Muscari Pruning

Dried and curled leaves of Liriopes should be removed from the plant to promote the establishment of new leaves. Cutaway dried-out floral spikes, to add more beauty.

Liriope Muscari Varieties

‘Majestic’ is a strong grower with large and showy lilac-coloured flowers, but if you wish for a white alternative Monroe’s white is the one. Shade-loving ‘Christmas tree’ bears unusually light lavender blooms. If you prefer to have some deep purple spikes, then ‘Royal purple’ is the perfect candidate. These are just some of the varieties in the long list of Liriope muscari varieties.

Liriope Muscari Evergreen Giant Design Tips

The Liriope Evergreen Giant with its stunning strappy foliage looks fantastic aligned and slightly overhanging paths, such as over stone or paving. They also look great along pools or around ponds where their hardiness can be a great asset. They look brilliant when grown en-masse, especially under trees with interesting or undulating trunks. Their rich dark foliage can be used to great effect contrasted against lighter-coloured foliage like ferns or their purple blooms can be striking against yellows, oranges or reds.

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