How to Care for Blue Liriope

Blue liriope, also known as lily turf, is a perennial with tender, grass-like foliage and purplish-blue flower spikes. The blooms appear during late summer and are replaced by deep purple berries in early fall. The plants grow from 1 to 2 feet tall and form dense clumps as they mature. The foliage of blue liriope often remains green year-round in regions with mild winter weather. The plants do well in full sun or partial shade and fertile well-drained soil. They survive under a variety of adverse conditions, including drought, extreme humidity and high temperatures.

Things You'll Need

Spade
Mulch

10-10-10 granular fertilizer
Lawn mower

Instructions

- 1
  Create a hole deep enough to plant blue liriope at its original level and wide enough to accommodate its root ball without bunching.
- 2
  Position the roots in the hole and cover them with the loosened soil. Water until the soil is moist enough to stick to your fingertips.
- 3
  Apply 2 inches of mulch beneath the plant, beginning approximately 3 inches from the stems and extending outward over the root zone.
- 4
  Feed each spring with 10-10-10 granular fertilizer. Broadcast the fertilizer around the plants and use a spade to work it into the top layer of soil. Water deeply right after feeding.
- 5
  Mow blue liriope in very early spring to eliminate unsightly foliage and stimulate new growth.
- 6
  Examine the plant's foliage regularly for snails and slugs, which tend to gather on the underside of leaves. Place snail baits around the plants if snails or slugs become a problem.

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