Variegated Liriope Grass

Among the different types of liriope plants, the variegated ones are preferred for their stripy leaves. These plants are often mistaken for grass or lilies, but do not come under those genera. Liriope is a genus that consists of flowering plants that may look like grass or lilies.

These plants are known by different names, like the lilyturf, monkey grass, or spider grass. Some species being invasive in nature, care must be taken to control overgrowth of these plants. Even though species like Liriope spicata with white flowers are grown in gardens, Liriope muscari with purple flowers, is among the most popular in the genus.

This liriope variety is a cultivar of the popular Liriope muscari plant. However, unlike the latter, this has variegated or stripy leaves, and hence the name. While Liriope muscari has dark green leaves that resemble grass blades, in case of variegated type (Liriope muscari variegata), the green leaves have creamy yellow to white, or silvery borders.

Some of the leaves may appear golden yellow to creamy yellow in color. As in Liriope muscari, the variegated versions too are low growing and clump forming. During late summer and fall, these plants produce spikes of purple flowers that transform to black berries. They are shade tolerant as well as drought resistant.

However, they may turn invasive and so, mowing this plant is advisable to control its unwanted growth. This will also revive the looks of the plant, that will produce fresh leaves within a short span.

Growing Liriope muscari variegata is not a difficult task, as they have minimal requirements only. For planting them, the soil has to be preferably acidic in nature and rich in organic material. It must be well draining too. Ideally, such soil must have average moisture content for the plant to grow well.

However, variegated liriope grass can tolerate poor soil and even dry conditions. Another advantage is that it can grow in partial to full shade and even in full sun. Usually, they are found to be fond of partial sun or full shade, rather than full sun.

While planting this liriope, make sure to keep a distance of at least four inches between them. Prepare the soil with organic material and once the planting is done, mulch the area around them. Mulching is good to prevent growth of weeds. Thorough watering once a week is found to be sufficient for liriope plants.

Even though feeding is not required, you may use any regular garden fertilizer that has to be applied during early spring and mid summer. It will be beneficial to mow these plants during February, in order to revive its appearance. Make sure that the crowns of the plants are not damaged during mowing.

In short, variegated liriope is an ideal plant for container gardening, for edging, or for ground cover. The biggest advantage of these plants is that they are non messy and easy to grow. If you want to grow this liriope grass in your garden, contact your local nursery.