Does it need to be cut back?

You can trim the foliage in late winter to encourage fresh spring growth.

No, it is a perennial herb in the Asparagaceae family.

Plant guide

Variegated Lilyturf.

Liriope muscari

Pronounced li-RYE-oh-pee mus-KAR-ee

Also known as Big Blue Lilyturf, Big blue lilyturf', Liriope, monkey grass

Liriope muscari — Photo by Rick Field (CC BY) via gbif

Variegated Lilyturf is a tough, grass-like perennial that adds bright color to shady spots. It forms dense clumps of arching leaves with creamy yellow margins. This plant is a reliable choice for borders or ground cover.

Another photo of Variegated Lilyturf — Photo by Jacob Saucier (CC BY) via iNaturalist

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Indoor light: Medium light
Water: Every 5 to 10 days
Mature size: 30 to 45 cm
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 5 to 10
Bloom time: Late summer to early autumn

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Watch for browning leaf tips, which often indicate the soil is drying out too much or the air is too dry. Trim back old foliage in late winter to make room for fresh spring growth.

Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once during the spring growth spurt.
Pruning: Cut back foliage to the ground in late winter before new growth emerges.
Repotting: Repot when the plant becomes root-bound or needs division.
Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.0
Temperature: -15 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 10 to 20 years.
Deer and rabbits: High

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water sitting on the surface instead of soaking in.
The plant looks crowded and stops producing new shoots.

Safety

People: All parts of the plant can cause mild stomach upset if eaten.
Pets: This plant is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, although eating large amounts of the leaves may cause mild stomach upset.
Children: The small black berries may look like fruit to a child and pose a choking or ingestion risk.
Contact allergens: The foliage can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: There are no significant reports of airborne allergens for this plant.
Edibility: The berries are not considered toxic, but they are not edible and should not be consumed.

How to identify it

Arching grass-like leaves
Creamy yellow leaf margins
Spikes of violet flowers
Dark blue berry-like fruit

Height: 0.3 to 0.45m
Spread: 0.3 to 0.6m
Leaves: dark green, evergreen
Flowers: purple, lavender, 0.5 to 1cm
Fruit: black, Autumn

Problems to watch for

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: division
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: In colder regions, the foliage may brown slightly but will remain intact. Simply clear away any dead leaves in late winter to tidy the plant for the new season.
In containers: It grows very well in containers, provided the pot has excellent drainage and is at least 25 centimeters wide.

Division

Dig up a mature clump in early spring.
Use a sharp spade or knife to separate the clump into smaller sections.
Ensure each section has healthy roots and foliage.
Replant the divisions at the same depth as the original plant.
Water thoroughly to establish the new roots.

Plant in groups to create a dense mat that effectively blocks out competing weeds.

Grows well with

Hosta · They share similar light and moisture needs in shaded garden beds.
Coral Bells · The contrasting foliage colors create a beautiful texture in the landscape.

Similar species

Ophiopogon · It has a similar growth habit but features smaller, more grass like leaves.

Science

Family: Asparagaceae
Genus: Liriope
Order: Asparagales
Class: Liliopsida
Native range: East Asia, including China, Japan, and Vietnam.
Conservation: This plant is not of conservation concern and is widely cultivated.

It thrives in woodland understories where it spreads slowly through underground rhizomes.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees
Uses: ground cover, border edging, container plant

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Light: 4/9
Moisture: 5/9
Soil reaction: 5/9
Temperature: 5/9
Nutrients: 4/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need to be cut back?: You can trim the foliage in late winter to encourage fresh spring growth.
Is it a true grass?: No, it is a perennial herb in the Asparagaceae family.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Liriope comes from Greek mythology, referring to a water nymph, while muscari describes the grape hyacinth like flower spikes.

Good to know

It is often called lilyturf.
It is incredibly tough, although it does not hold up well to regular foot traffic.
The name muscari refers to its resemblance to grape hyacinth flowers.
It grows in dense clumps that help suppress weeds.

Also in

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.