Big Blue

Liriope muscari (Asparagaceae) is an evergreen, clump-forming perennial native to China, Taiwan, and Japan. It grows at a medium rate to about 1 foot tall and 1 foot wide, spreading slowly via short stolons (about 12 inches). Narrow, arching, dark green leaves (about 0.5 inches wide) form dense basal clumps. Dense spike-like racemes of small purple to lavender flowers (6 to 8 inches tall) appear in late summer, followed by round, shiny black berries that persist into winter.

Big blue lilyturf adapts to sun or part shade on acidic to neutral, well-drained soil (pH 6.0 to 8.0) across clay, loam, sand, or rocky substrates. It tolerates drought, erosion, deer, rabbits, and urban conditions with low maintenance requirements. Propagation is by division or seed. The cultivar 'Royal Purple' features deeper purple flowers. The species works well for borders along sidewalks and driveways, mass plantings, and slope stabilization. Fruits have low toxicity. Hardy in Zones 5a to 10b.