Lilyturf Liriope muscari 'Okina' (v)
ABOUT
The Liriope muscari 'Okina', also commonly known as lilyturf, is a distinctive and attractive perennial. It boasts a striking foliage display that changes with the seasons. During early spring, the leaves emerge with a frosty white color, presenting a unique and eye-catching look. As the season progresses, the foliage gradually transforms, with the tips retaining their white hue while the rest of the leaf changes to a vibrant green, creating a beautiful two-tone effect. In late summer, lilyturf produces petite, grape-like clusters of purple flowers that rise above the foliage on slender stalks. These blossoms add a subtle but delightful color to the plant's overall appearance. After the flowering period, the blooms give way to dark berries that may persist into winter, offering visual interest even in the colder months. Lilyturf has a grass-like, clumping habit with narrow, strap-shaped leaves that gracefully arch outwards, forming a textured and lush mound. This captivating transition of colors and the year-round appeal make the lilyturf 'Okina' a sought-after choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of elegance to their landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae
Synonyms
Lilyturf, Monkey Grass, Border Grass, Big Blue Lilyturf
Common names
Liriope muscari 'Okina' (v).
ToxicityTo humans
Liriope, also known as monkey grass or lilyturf, is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, if ingested, it may cause mild stomach upset or discomfort. Although not commonly known to have severe toxic effects, it is always advisable to avoid ingesting parts of ornamental plants due to potential individual sensitivities or allergic reactions that could lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
To pets
Liriope, often known as monkey grass or lilyturf, is not considered highly toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats. However, ingestion may result in gastrointestinal upset or discomfort. While not particularly toxic, some pets may experience vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain if they consume a significant amount of the plant. As with humans, it's generally best to keep pets from ingesting ornamental plants to prevent potential adverse effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
1 foot 10 inches (30 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
East Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Low Maintenance: Liriope, commonly known as Lilyturf, requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Lilyturf exhibits good drought tolerance, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Erosion Control: Its dense growth habit helps to prevent soil erosion on slopes and banks.
- Tolerance of Varying Light Conditions: Lilyturf can thrive in full sun to deep shade, offering flexibility in garden design.
- Adds Visual Interest: 'Okina' features foliage that changes color seasonally from white in spring to green in summer, adding visual interest to the landscape.
- Ground Cover: Its clumping growth habit makes it an effective ground cover, suppressing weeds and covering bare spots in the garden.
- Winter Hardiness: Lilyturf is hardy in many climates, surviving through winter when other plants may not.
- Redefines Garden Borders: Can be used to define edges of paths and garden borders with its neat clump-forming foliage.
- Attracts Wildlife: The plant produces flowers that can attract pollinators like bees to the garden.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Suitable for a wide range of landscape uses, including containers, borders, and as an underplanting for shrubs and trees.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Liriope muscari 'Okina', commonly known as Big Blue Lilyturf, can be utilized in floral arrangements for its grass-like foliage and subtle flower spikes, providing a unique texture contrast.
- Big Blue Lilyturf's dense foliage can be used as a natural erosion control method on slopes or areas prone to soil loss.
- The plant can serve as a groundcover in urban environments where tough, low-maintenance planting is needed to fill gaps between pavers or stepping stones.
- Liriope muscari 'Okina' can be used as a living mulch in garden beds, helping to retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.
- Its tufted form and evergreen nature can be incorporated into winter gardens to provide year-round greenery when other plants have died back.
- Used as a green roof plant, Big Blue Lilyturf can contribute to creating insulating layers and aiding in stormwater management.
- In containers, Liriope muscari 'Okina' is often used in mixed plantings to add texture and interest with its spiky foliage.
- This plant can also act as a border along walkways or garden edges, guiding pedestrians and creating visual structure.
- Dried Liriope leaves can be woven into small crafts or used in basketry for an interesting and natural touch.
- It can serve as a habitat plant in gardens, providing cover and potential nesting material for small wildlife like birds and beneficial insects.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant name Lilyturf is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityLilyturf is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Perseverance - Liriope, also known as Lilyturf, is a tough and hardy plant, often symbolizing the ability to withstand difficult conditions and persevere through challenges.
- Adaptability - Lilyturf is adaptable to a variety of soil conditions and light levels, representing flexibility and the capacity to thrive in different environments.
- Humble beauty - With its subtle purple flowers, Lilyturf is a plant that doesn't demand attention but adds understated elegance to a garden, symbolizing modesty and unpretentious charm.
WaterLilyturf, commonly known as Liriope muscari 'Okina', prefers consistently moist soil but is intolerant of standing water. During the growing season, water the plant thoroughly once per week, ensuring that you apply about 1 inch of water each time so that the moisture penetrates deeply into the soil. If the weather is particularly hot or dry, you may need to water twice a week. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is not actively growing, providing just enough moisture to prevent the soil from drying out completely. Always check the top inch of the soil for dryness before watering to avoid overwatering.
LightLilyturf thrives best in partial to full shade conditions. It is ideally placed in a spot where it receives light shade throughout the day or dappled sunlight, such as under the canopy of open-branched trees. Avoid exposing it to direct afternoon sun, as this can scorch the leaves and stress the plant. A northern or eastern exposure typically provides the best light environment for this plant.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature range for Lilyturf is between 50°F and 85°F. It can tolerate a minimum temperature down to around 10°F, but preferably not for prolonged periods. Conversely, this plant can generally withstand high temperatures as long as it is not exposed to direct, hot sun and is kept well-watered during periods of intense heat. Providing mulch can help to insulate the roots and maintain a consistent root zone temperature.
PruningPruning Lilyturf is often done for aesthetic reasons and to remove dead or damaged foliage. It's best to prune this plant in late winter or early spring before new growth commences. Cutting back the foliage to a height of 3 inches will encourage fresh, new leaves to emerge. Pruning is only needed once a year, and the plant does not require regular shaping.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLilyturf prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a soil pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.0. A good mix might consist of garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand to improve drainage.
RepottingLilyturf, or Liriope muscari 'Okina', should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it becomes root-bound to encourage growth and vigor.
Humidity & MistingLilyturf thrives in average humidity levels but can tolerate a range of conditions. No specific humidity level is required, just avoid extremely dry air.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Lilyturf in bright indirect light and keep the soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant Lilyturf in partial shade and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
Lilyturf is suitable for USDA zones 5-10.
Life cycleLiriope muscari 'Okina', commonly known as "Lilyturf" or "Big Blue Lilyturf", begins its life as a dormant seed which germinates in spring to early summer when conditions are favorable—moist soil and warm temperatures. Seedlings develop into a clump-forming perennial with grass-like leaves, initially producing a basal rosette. During its vegetative stage, which lasts through the growing season, Lilyturf's foliage lengthens and may develop variegation, where 'Okina' in particular is known for its leaves that emerge white and gradually turn green. The reproductive phase starts in mid to late summer, with the plant producing tall, upright spikes of small, purple flowers, which then give way to dark berries. Once established, these plants can propagate vegetatively as well, by division of rhizomes or clumps, typically in the spring. As perennials, after flowering, the plants enter a phase of dormancy in the winter, although the foliage often remains evergreen, and they re-emerge the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Liriope muscari 'Okina', commonly known as Lilyturf or just Liriope, is most effectively propagated through division. The ideal time to divide Liriope is in early spring before new growth begins or in the fall after the growing season has ended. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established clump, ensuring a good amount of roots remain attached. Using a sharp knife or spade, divide the clump into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a healthy root system. These divisions can then be replanted directly into the garden or into pots with well-draining soil, spaced approximately 12 inches (about 30 centimeters) apart to allow for spreading. Water the new divisions thoroughly after planting to help establish them. This method of propagation is straightforward and ensures that the newly established plants will be true to the parent, maintaining the same characteristics.
