Lily turf (Liriope spicata ‘Gin-ryu’ SILVER DRAGON)

Lily turf

Features and Characteristics

Liriope spicata is a rhizomatous, grass-like perennial which forms a clump of narrow, arching, glossy, dark green leaves (to 1/4″ wide) typically growing 9-15″ high. Erect flower spikes with pale lavender to white flowers arise, somewhat hidden, among the leaves in late summer. Flowers often give way to blackish berries in fall. Evergreen in the South, but can turn brown considerably in areas with cold winters such as St. Louis.

Genus name honors a Greek woodland nymph, Liriope, the mother of Narcissus.

Specific epithet means spike-bearing.

Common name of lily turf acknowledges the plant’s turf-like growing habit. It is not a grass and was previously place in the lily family but is now placed in the asparagus family.

SILVER DRAGON has leaves striped with white and pale lavender flowers.

Care and Maintenance

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers moist, fertile soils in part shade. Spreads quickly by underground rhizomes to form colonies, and can be quite aggressive. Mow in early spring to remove old foliage.

Lily turf (Liriope spicata ‘Gin-ryu’ SILVER DRAGON) Requirements

Hardiness zone	4 - 10
Sun light	Full sun to part shade
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Medium

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Watch for slugs or snails.

Uses

Best as a dense ground cover. Effective planted under shallow-rooted trees and along streams or ponds. Can help stabilize soil on banks or slopes.

Lily turf (Liriope spicata ‘Gin-ryu’ SILVER DRAGON) Details

Common name	Lily turf
Botanical name	Liriope spicata 'Gin-ryu' SILVER DRAGON
Plant type	Herbaceous perennial
Family	Asparagaceae
Hardiness zone	4 - 10
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Medium
Flower color	Pale lavender
Flowering period	August - September
Height	0.75 to 1.50 feet
Width	0.75 to 1.50 feet