Liriope or lily sod is an excellent dry land binding or edging plant life that can survive in difficult - to - grow locations . Each pas seul of liriope will tolerate difficult conditions . However , there are still conflict between each one .
You ’re in the right place if you ’re curious about the differences and similarities between the big blue lily greensward and variegated lily turf . We ’ve done the research and can order you more about these two ground covers !
Variegated Liriope muscari is a variety of big dreary Liriope muscari . They are stout for USDA zone 5 through 10 and can tolerate a wide of the mark range of condition , including deep shadiness , rabbits , cervid , and drought . Liriope plant grow from 1 to 1.5 foot tall and 1 to 2 foot broad .
One of the biggest difference between these plants is the foliage . Variegated lilyturf has medium immature leafage with milky white edges .
In comparison , the big blue lilyturf has smooth , sorry dark-green farewell . In addition , the giving dark cultivars can develop up to six inches taller than variegated 1 .
These plant life share many similarities . However , the differences in appearance can make it well-to-do to distinguish each plant life . Keep learn to find out more about each type of genus Liriope , how to care for them , and more !
Big Blue Lilyturf and Variegated Lilyturf
Both the big blue and variegate lilyturf are cultivars of lilyturf . cultivar are industrial plant that have been propagated to keep the skilful potential traits .
Since both grownup depressed and variegated lilyturf are so closely related , they apportion many of the same physical characteristic and can grow in similar condition .
Appearance and Uses
genus Liriope is ofttimes called lilyturf because of the low , clumping , and grass - like habit that it forms . However , these plant are not true grasses and are considered to be a part of the asparagus class .
Lilyturf is a herbaceous perennial and has evergreen foliage . You may need to protect these plant life from cold winds and frost in cool regions .
In summer and former fall , you may find purple flowers that resemblehyacinths . After the prime , you ’ll see black - one-sided berries , sometimes all the way into the wintertime months .
The most rough-cut uses for Liriope muscari are as a earth cover or to mark boundary and nerve tract . In areas that do n’t receive a lot of foot traffic , you could also use genus Liriope as a alternate for grass .
Big patrician ( Liriope muscari’Big Blue ' ) and variegated lilyturf ( L. muscari’Variegata ' ) are considered invasive in some parts of the United States . While these cultivars are less aggressive than creeping lilyturf ( L.spicata),L. muscarican still spread and can bedifficultto remove once prove .
Growing Conditions
Lilyturf and its cultivars arehardyfor USDA Zones 5a through 10b . For better solution , you should plant lilyturf in expanse that get full sunlight to partial shade . These plants do tolerate recondite shade . However , if planted in these areas , lilyturf will arise more slowly and with longer leaves .
genus Liriope choose well - drain and fat stain with a indifferent to slightly acidic pH degree . For the first year , you should frequently water to keep the soil moist . After lilyturf is established , it will be able-bodied to withstand some drought .
One dandy affair about lilyturf is how easy it is to grow . This plant will thrive in various conditions and dirt type despite doing better in certain soils . Some challenge that lilyturf isresistantto let in deer , erosion , heat , humidity , salt , and pollution .
Big Blue and Variegated Lilyturf Differences
There are a couple of remainder between these two cultivar . The first difference is their leaves . motley lilyturf has average green leaf with milklike bloodless sharpness , and big blue lilyturf has dark green leave .
Another remainder is in the size of the cultivar . Big blue lilyturf can raise between one and two foot tall . In comparison , variegated Liriope muscari typically only grows up to 18 inches improbable .
Finally , there are some slight differences between these two plants ' flower . fully grown blue lilyturf blooms can commonly be get wind from August until September .
They are more of a lilac-colored color than typical liriope plant . In comparison , motley lilyturf blooms from August until October . These flowers are more of a purple color than magnanimous aristocratic diversity .
How To Grow Liriope
First , plan the country you want your liriope . Keep your lily turf close to one infantry away from the places you need to abut . Break up the dirt where you ’ll be plant . you’re able to also work in compost to help oneself with drainage .
For live plants , dig up a hole that will allow the crown of your genus Liriope to stay above the malicious gossip . Fill in the gap and water deeply . You ’ll need to keep the soil moist for the first year . Be deliberate not to overwater during this time , as genus Liriope does n’t like boggy filth .
After the first grow season , your liriope will be more tolerant of drouth and postulate less maintenance .
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Can You Grow Liriope From Seed?
The easiest way to get liriope is by dividing an existing plant . However , you could grow lilyturf from germ if you ’re patient .
First , you should soak liriope seeds in warm body of water for 24 hour . take any flesh from the seeds at the goal of this period .
Next , prepare a resolution that is one part bleach and nine part water . douse the ejaculate in this result for 10 minutes . This footfall is essential because it will help withdraw phenolic compound that can forestall liriope seed from germinating .
After soaking , remove the seeds and dry out them with a report towel .
Now you ’re liriope seed are ready to be planted . Fill a starter tray with pot soil , leaving approximately 2 centimeters of space at the top . place your seeds and take the remaining space with soil — mist with pee .
For good results , liriope seeds should be stash away in a dark area at temperatures no less than77 degrees . You should see seedling in one to two month .
Move your plant outside in the spring or declination . Liriope seedling are more raw than full - spring up plants . You ’ll call for to protect young plant from too much sunlight and keep the surface area gratis from skunk .
You should irrigate every week until the plants become stronger . Then , you could space watering out for two or three weeks .
Should You Prune Liriope?
Since liriope spreads via stolons unaired to the ground , pruning does n’t help control this plant ’s spread . However , pruning your lilyturf can aid keep it free from pests , make it look nice , and can help it grow back when damaged by cold .
Ideally , you should prune genus Liriope either in the spring or gloaming . Be certain to prune betimes enough , so you do n’t murder new and sometime maturation .
You should rationalise your liriope with garden scissors grip , shear , or trimmers . If you have a declamatory orbit of lilyturf , you’re able to also take using a lawn mower .
Put your lawn lawn mower in the high setting before reduce . You should also control that the blades you ’re cutting with are sharp .
you’re able to cut these plants down to three column inch . If the plant life was healthy when you lop it , you could add the firearm to your compost pile .
At this degree , you’re able to make any amendment to the soil . you may also put down a layer of mulch to keep weeds aside until your liriope grows back .
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In Conclusion
As you’re able to see , big blue and motley liriope plant are incredibly similar . Both of these cultivars involve similar soil types and light condition . The dispute between these plant life is their appearance .
Variegated liriope is smaller and has majestic flowers with green and white leaves . The heavy blue genus Liriope is larger and has glowering green foliage with lilac flowers .
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