Lilyturf is a broadleaf evergreen, clump-forming, perennial in the Asparagaceae (asparagus) family. The name liriope is derived from new Latin and is a nymph in Roman mythology. Though it may resemble an ornamental grass it is not a true grass. 'Silvery Sunproof' is a cultivar of lilyturf with brightly variegated silvery striped leaves and lavender flowers. It has narrow, grass-like leaves that can grow up to 15 to 18 inches tall and wide and are long-lasting. Its evergreen foliage provides year-round interest and the light variegation adds brightness to dark corners of the landscape. It does better in full sun than other members of the Liriope genus. Lilyturf requires acidic to neutral well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade. It will tolerate almost full shade but growth is slow and leaves are elongated. This low maintenance plant blooms in late summer with spikes of purple flowers that are followed by nearly black berries. In their first year they will need regular watering to keep soils moist but once they are established they require very little supplemental irrigation. They are light feeders and benefit from a slow-release or organic fertilizer applied in the early spring. To maintain an attractive appearance, cut back tops each February before new growth begins. Use lilyturf for edging, rock gardens, containers, in woodland settings, along walkways or as a ground cover. It is drought and deer tolerant, moderately salt-tolerant, and can be used as a lawn alternative for lawns that receive occasional light foot traffic. Quick ID Hints: Plant is acaulescent Berries are aborted before winter Linear leaves are about 0.5 to 1 inch wide Plant is rhizomatous Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: This cultivar is insect and disease-resistant. More information on Liriope muscari .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight) | Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Available space
Less than 12 inches; 12 inches-3 feet
Mature size
Height: 1 ft. 3 in. - 1 ft. 6 in. | Width: 1 ft. 3 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
Growth rate
Slow
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous (1-3 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Clumping; Spreading
Foliage
Semi-evergreen
Leaf color
Gold/Yellow; Green; Variegated; White
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf shape
Linear
Leaf value
Showy
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
leaves narrow and grass-like with yellow to white margins.
Flower color
Purple/Lavender
Flower value
Good Cut; Showy
Flower form
Raceme
Flower detail
Racemes of pale violet-purple flowers are produced in late summer.
Bloom time
Summer
Fruit color
Black; Blue
Fruit type
Berry
Fruit detail
fruit a blue-black berry
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Unknown
Food & Medicine
Fruit type
Berry
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Container; Slope/Bank; Walkways
Landscape theme
Asian Garden; Cottage Garden; Cutting Garden; Rock Garden