Species

Liriope muscariLilyturf

16 other cultivars

perennial

Giant Lilyturf

Liriope muscari 'Evergreen Giant'

The Story

Plant Bio

Liriope muscari is a robust, clump-forming evergreen perennial native to East Asia, widely utilized as a durable groundcover in woodland borders and shaded landscapes. The species features dense tufts of arching, grass-like foliage and produces erect spikes of small, bell-shaped flowers in late summer, followed by dark, spherical berries.

'Evergreen Giant' is distinguished by its exceptionally large stature, reaching up to thirty inches in height, and its broad, glossy dark green leaves that maintain color through winter. This unpatented cultivar exhibits greater cold-hardiness and less winter dormancy than the standard species, though it must be propagated vegetatively to maintain its uniform size.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a clean, architectural border with glossy, deep green foliage and pale purple summer flower spikes.

Functions as an exceptionally tough, drought-tolerant groundcover that stabilizes soil on slopes and thrives in deep shade.

Offers low-growing shelter for ground-dwelling beneficial insects, and the autumn berries provide food for local birds.

SpeciesLiriope muscariLilyturf

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

30"

Width

30"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

East Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to pets and humans if ingested

Bloom period

Late summer – Early fall

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to deep shade with well-draining soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and set the plant so the crown sits level with the surrounding soil.
Water thoroughly at planting and maintain consistent moisture until the root system is established.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once in early spring to support new foliage growth.

Pro Tip

Shear the foliage cleanly to the ground in late winter using sharp hand shears rather than a line trimmer, which shreds the leaf tips and leaves ragged, brown edges on spring growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Cut back the entire clump to five inches above the ground in late winter before new shoots emerge.
Divide congested clumps in early spring by slicing through the tough crown with a sharp spade.
Ensure the planting site drains freely to prevent root rot in heavy clay soils.

Don't

Do not use a string trimmer to cut back foliage, as this tears the leaves and causes permanent tip browning.
Do not plant the crown too deep, which traps moisture and invites fungal decay.
Do not rely on seed propagation, as seedlings show high genetic variability in height and form.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Mass GroundcoverShaded BordersErosion ControlUnderstory PlantingPath Edging

Companion Plants

Hosta Astilbe Heuchera Carex

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Giant Lilyturf questions

What zones can Giant Lilyturf grow in?

Giant Lilyturf is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Giant Lilyturf deer resistant?

Yes — Giant Lilyturf is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Giant Lilyturf bloom?

Giant Lilyturf typically blooms in late summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Giant Lilyturf need full sun?

Giant Lilyturf does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Giant Lilyturf drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Giant Lilyturf handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.