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Liriope spicata Creeping Lilyturf, Border-grass, Creeping Liriope, Liriope, Monkey-grass

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen


Release Date: 11/26/2023

Reviewed At: 10/25/2023

DOI: 10.32473/edis-fp350-1999

Agriculture

Abstract

This document provides an overview of Liriope spicata, commonly known as creeping lilyturf, border-grass, or monkey-grass. It describes the plant’s characteristics, including its dense, uniform cover, violet-blue flowers, and blue-black fruits. The plant is noted for its rapid spread by rhizomes, making it suitable for confined planting areas. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 6 through 10 and prefers partial to full shade with well-drained soils. The document also highlights its moderate drought tolerance, minimal pest issues, and propagation methods. However, it cautions against using creeping lilyturf as an edging plant due to its invasive nature. Original publication date October 1999.

About this Publication

This document is FPS-350, one of a series of the Department of Environmental Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date October 1999. Revised October 2023. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication.

About the Authors

Edward F. Gilman, professor emeritus; Ryan W. Klein, assistant professor, arboriculture; and Gail Hansen, professor, sustainable landscape design; Department of Environmental Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.

How to Cite

Gilman, E. (2007). Liriope spicata Creeping Lilyturf, Border-grass, Creeping Liriope, Liriope, Monkey-grass. EDIS, 2007(15). https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-fp350-1999

Authors

Edward F. Gilman
Edward F. Gilman

professor emeritus, Department of Environmental Horticulture

Ryan Klein
Ryan Klein
Specialist
University of Florida

assistant professor, arboriculture, UF/IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences

Gail Hansen
Gail Hansen
Specialist
University of Florida

professor, sustainable landscape design, UF/IFAS Department of Horticultural Sciences

Contacts

Keighly Graves
Keighly Graves
staff
University of Florida

horticultural science specialist, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program

Claire Lewis
Claire Lewis
Specialist
University of Florida

state specialized agent II and director Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program, UF/IFAS Center for Land Use Efficiency

Wendy Wilber
Wendy Wilber
Specialist
University of Florida

state program coordinator and Extension agent IV, UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program

Publication #FPS-350

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