Big Blue Lilyturf

Big Blue Lilyturf (Liriope muscari 'Big Blue')

Big Blue Lilyturf, Liriope muscari 'Big Blue', is a tough, grass like perennial that delivers deep green foliage, showy blue violet flower spikes, and glossy berries in an easy, low growing package. Arching, strap shaped leaves form dense clumps that read as a neat edging or low carpet, giving beds, paths, and slopes a finished look without demanding much attention. In late summer, sturdy flower stalks rise above the foliage with tight spikes of lavender blue blooms, followed by dark berries that add quiet interest into fall. Whether you tuck it along a walkway, under shrubs, or across a problem strip where grass struggles, Big Blue Lilyturf works hard as a neat groundcover and can even act as a subtle low focal point at the front of a border.

Distinctive Features

Big Blue Lilyturf typically forms rounded clumps about 12 to 18 inches tall, with the flower spikes often standing just a bit higher, and can spread 18 to 24 inches wide over time. The foliage is dark, glossy green, with arching, strap like leaves that hold their color well through the growing season and may remain evergreen or semi evergreen in milder climates. Flower spikes appear in late summer to early fall, carrying tight clusters of small, blue violet blossoms that read as colorful candles above the foliage. After flowering, shiny dark berries develop and can persist into cooler weather, providing extra texture at ankle level. The clumping habit slowly expands, filling gaps between stepping stones, shrubs, or path edges without becoming unruly when spaced correctly.

Growing Conditions

• Light: Performs well in full sun to partial shade, and is especially useful in bright dappled shade under trees or along east and north facing foundations.
• Soil: Prefers well drained, moderately fertile soil but is adaptable to many garden soils, including heavier clay, as long as water does not stand for long periods.
• Water: Water regularly the first season to establish a strong root system; once established, Big Blue tolerates short dry spells but looks best with occasional deep watering during extended heat.
• Hardiness: Suited to many temperate regions where lilyturf is commonly grown; in colder areas, foliage may burn back in winter and re emerge fresh in spring.
• Size: Generally grows about 12 to 18 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide at maturity, depending on spacing, soil, and light.
• Growth Rate: Moderate grower that slowly thickens into a dense clump or band, creating a continuous edging or groundcover with time.

Ideal Uses

• Edging and Borders: Plant in a single or double row along walks, patios, and planting beds to create a clean, low edge that softens hard lines.
• Groundcover Under Trees: Use in the dry shade beneath trees and large shrubs where turf and fussier perennials often struggle, creating a durable, leafy carpet.
• Slopes and Problem Areas: Stabilize gentle banks and tough strips along drives or paths where a low, rooted in cover helps control erosion and suppress weeds.
• Low Border Focal Point: Place at the front of mixed borders or around specimen shrubs so the dark green foliage and blue flower spikes frame taller focal point plants and tie the planting together.
• Containers and Courtyards: Combine with shrubs, grasses, or seasonal color in planters where its fine texture and toughness help anchor the design.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: After establishment, water during extended hot, dry weather with deep, occasional soakings; in average seasons, natural rainfall is often enough once plants are settled in.
• Pruning: In late winter or very early spring, shear or cut back tired foliage to a few inches above the crown before new leaves emerge so the fresh growth is clean and unmarked.
• Fertilizing: Feed lightly in early spring with a balanced, slow release fertilizer or a thin layer of compost if soil is poor; heavy feeding is rarely necessary.
• Mulching: Apply a light layer of organic mulch around clumps to help conserve moisture and reduce weeds, keeping mulch just away from the plant crowns to prevent rot.
• Seasonal Care: Remove any damaged or discolored leaves as needed, and divide mature clumps every few years in early spring or fall if they become crowded or you want to spread Big Blue to new areas.

Why Choose Big Blue Lilyturf?

• Dependable Groundcover: Forms dense, weed suppressing clumps that perform in spots where many other plants struggle, including dry shade and tough edges.
• Season Long Texture: Arching, grass like foliage provides a fine textured green base that looks good from spring through fall and pairs well with shrubs and perennials.
• Late Season Color: Blue violet flower spikes and dark berries add welcome interest at a time when many low plants are winding down.
• Adaptable and Tough: Handles a variety of light and soil conditions with minimal fuss once established, making it a practical choice for busy gardeners.
• Reliable Design Tool: With its neat habit, durable foliage, and ability to frame taller plantings, Big Blue Lilyturf is a reliable, low maintenance way to define edges, tie plantings together, and support more dramatic focal point shrubs and trees in the landscape.

With its dark green foliage, blue violet flower spikes, and easy, adaptable nature, Big Blue Lilyturf is an excellent choice for edging beds, covering problem spots, and adding durable low level structure to sunny and lightly shaded gardens.