Liriope

Liriope ( /lɪˈraɪ.əpiː/)^[1] is a genus of low, grass-like, flowering plants from East Asia. Some species are often used in landscaping in temperate latitudes. They may be called lilyturf in North America although neither a true grass (family Poaceae) nor lily (genus Lilium). In the APG III classification system, it is placed in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Nolinoideae (formerly the family Ruscaceae^[2]). Like many lilioid monocots, it was once classified with lilies in the family Liliaceae; it was also been placed in Convallariaceae. The genus was named for Liriope in Greek mythology.

Background

Liriope are usually used in the garden for their evergreen foliage as a groundcover. Some species, e.g., L. spicata, grow aggressively in the right conditions, spreading by runners; hence their nickname, "creeping lilyturf".

In the southeastern United States Liriope is sometimes referred to by the nickname monkey grass or spider grass.

The pronunciation of "Liriope" varies. The expected pronunciation is /ləˈraɪ.əpiː/ lə-ry-ə-pee,^[3] but there are many regional variations. In the southern United States, for example, it may be pronounced /ˈlaɪrɵpiː/ ly-ro-pee, /lɪərˈaɪ.ɵpiː/ leer-ry-o-pee, or /ˈlɪəri.oʊp/ leer-ee-ohp.

Cultivation

Liriope muscari is perhaps most widespread in cultivation and is considered appropriate for USDA Hardiness Zones 6-10.^[4]

Spikes of tiny violet-blue flowers appear in late summer, and will be more prolific with a dose or two of fertilizer early in the season. A number of variegated varieties are now available to add golden or silver flashes of color to shady situations.

Species

• Lirope exifolia
• L. graminifolia (rhizomatous species)
• L. kansuensis
• L. longipedicellata
• L. minor
• L. muscari
• L. spicata (rhizomatous species)

References