Liriope muscari 'Big Blue'

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance ground cover or edging plant that will tolerate a range of soil types and sun exposures while shrugging off heat and humidity, Liriope ‘Big Blue’ has a great deal to recommend it. Planted in moist, fertile soil, this Lilyturf produces sprays of arching, grasslike, shiny green foliage that in late summer and fall serve as a base for vertical spikes of violet-blue flowers whose form and color are reminiscent of Muscari. The flowers evolve into black berries that can persist for months. Clumps slowly expand by short stolons. Established plants can handle some drought. Plants are generally evergreen where winters are mild but may not be reliably hardy in Zone 5.

Liriope is a small genus of herbaceous, perennial plants native to parts of Asia, particularly China, Japan, and Korea. There are two primary species that are widely cultivated—L. muscari and L. spicata—both known for their grasslike foliage and spike-like clusters of purple to lavender flowers in late summer. While both species are tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions, they prefer partial to full shade and are especially useful in shaded areas and under trees where grass may struggle. Both species can also tolerate full sun with adequate moisture. Plants are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established. L. spicata, known as Creeping Liriope, spreads by underground rhizomes and can quickly form a dense mat of ground cover, making it useful as a lawn replacement and for erosion control on slopes. L. muscari, known as Lilyturf, has slightly broader leaves than L. spicata cultivars and forms dense clumps that expand slowly via above-ground stolons. Its tidy growth habit makes it useful in garden beds, as an edging plant, along pathways, and in rock gardens and containers. It can also be used for erosion control and to create a ground cover when planted en masse. L. muscari plants typically produce shiny, non-edible black berries, after flowering, that persist into winter, adding to their ornamental appeal. Both species are evergreen in Zones 7-10 and are semi-evergreen in Zones 5-6, where winter-damaged foliage may be cut back or mowed in late winter to early spring before new growth appears.

For more information on growing Liriope, click Growing Guide.

HOW PLANTS ARE SHIPPED

The size of the plants we ship has been selected to reduce the shock of transplanting. For some, this means a large, bareroot crown. Others cannot travel bareroot or transplant best if grown in containers. We ship these perennials and annuals in 1 pint pots, except as noted. We must point out that many perennials will not bloom the first year after planting, but will the following year, amply rewarding your patience. We ship bulbs as dormant, bare bulbs, sometimes with some wood shavings or moss. Shrubs, Roses, vines, and other woody plants may be shipped bareroot or in pots. The size of the pot is noted in the quick facts for each item.

WHEN WE SHIP

We ship our bulbs and plants at the right time for planting in your area, except as noted, with orders dispatched on a first-come, first-served basis by climate zone. We also ship a wide range of containers and planters, tools, supplies, fertilizers, garden wear, garden decor items, as well as indoor decorations like wreaths and dried bouquets when available. Estimated dates for shipping are indicated in the green Shipping Details box for each item. Please supply a street address for delivery. Kindly contact us with two weeks notice, if you'll be away at the expected time of delivery.

OUR GUARANTEE

We guarantee to ship plants that are in prime condition for growing. If your order is damaged or fails to meet your expectations, we will cheerfully replace or refund it. Please contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-503-9624 or email us at [email protected]. Please include your order number or customer number when contacting us.