Plant Description

Liriope spicata

Liriope spicata Silver Dragon

This is a species of Liriope, a tough little perennial (ht 30-60 cm) that grows as an arching clump of shiny, slim, evergreen leaves and is happy to grow in dry, shady spots, although will also cope with some sun. It is classified as belonging to the family Asparagaceae. It flowers in February and March, sending up little spikes of tightly clustered bell-like blooms. It is known colloquially as lilyturf. One popular cultivar is 'Silver Dragon' (or more correctly 'Gin-ryu', which I have never seen it actually sold as), with greyish-green leaves with a white stripe. It has pale lilac flowers. This looks effective growing with silver foliage plants such as Plectranthus argentatus, or with white-flowered specimens such as white hellebores or snowflakes to echo its white leaf stripes. This species is more inclined to spread, as it has a rhizomatous growth habit, and is sometimes referred to as the creeping turf lily. Note that this species is now regarded as a weed by the authorities as it can escape into bushland.

All Liriope plants may produce black berries in autumn after the flowers fade. The foliage can become a bit shabby over winter, especially in colder regions, and apparently can be cut off (or even mown over!) in late August and new leaves will grow to replace the old. Just be careful not to damage the plant's dormant crown. Propagation is by division of the clumps. The plants are frost hardy.

 

Liriope spicata
Out now in my Sydney garden.
Flowers February and March.
Plant Family: Asparagaceae

Other Liriope

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