Liriope Muscari Variegato or Variegated Lily Turf

Liriope Muscari Variegato (common name: Variegated Lily Turf) is a versatile semi-evergreen perennial with strap-like variegated foliage and purple summer flowers. It has a low-growing habit and it’s an excellent naturalising ground cover in low maintenance gardens.

Liriope are native to China but they’ve grown in the UK for decades and everyone recognises their ornamental multi-balled white or purple flower spikes emerging from a clump of thick green foliage. Liriope Muscari Variegato differs from the common variety with green leaves that have a thick cream strip on either edge. It’s evergreen in warmer areas and grows fresh new leaves from the centre each spring.

Often called Varigated Lily Turf this clump-forming perennial is a low-maintenance top performer. Its strappy two-tone leaves protect soil and the pretty purple flowers attract lots of pollinators. It’s best used beneath roses and leggy shrubs where it can be left to spread. 

Height And Spread of Liriope Muscari Variegato
Variegated Lily Turf is low growing. It’ll reach a maximum height and spread of about 50cms.

How Hardy Is Liriope Muscari Variegato
This is a really tough ground cover that will grow in the majority of well-drained spots with a little shelter from harsh winds. It copes with some drought, freezing winters, and pests are rarely a problem.

How to Use Liriope Muscari Variegato
Best left to spread via its gently spreading roots, Liriope Muscari Variegato is a good choice for dry shade beneath trees and shrubs or left to spread naturally in a wildlife garden. It protects soil, grows on slopes, and softens pathway edging.

How To Care For Liriope Muscari Variegato
Variegated Turf Lily needs little care once it’s established.
Plant it in partial shade to full sun and water it well until established. It will grow in the majority of soils but likes some shelter from harsh winds.
A quick cut back of its old foliage in spring will encourage fresh new strappy leaves and a layer of mulch in spring will bring out the best flower colour.