Liriope is a clumping plant that’s most often used as a border along paths, walkways, and flower beds. Also known as Monkey Grass, it’s also useful for controlling erosion. This drought tolerant perennial thrives in sun and shade. In summer it sprouts spikes of lavender blooms which remind me of grape hyacinths. I have Liriope with variegated leaves as well as green.
This rugged plant is easy to divide so after a few years, you’ll have plenty for other spots. There were several clumps along my walkway which I divided to make a border around the crabapple tree. Beware, because there are two types of Liriope—the clumping type (Liriope muscari) and the spreading type (Liriope spicata). Stick with the clumping Liriope because the other spreads with runners and can be very invasive.
The only maintenance necessary is fertilizer and a good pruning in late winter. Trim it down to about three inches with hedge clippers to keep it from getting too unkempt and shaggy.
I don’t pay too much attention to Liriope until it blooms, but now that I see how well it frames more showy plants, I’m going to add a border of the variegated type around my large flower bed.
During the festival, which has taken place in late winter or early spring for the past four years, volunteer writers, composers, directors and performers are put into groups and produce four separate twenty minute plays within the span of a day. And you thought your job was stressful!
Posted by: Coach outlet | October 24, 2011 at 11:31 PM