How to Trim a Liriope Plant

Liriope, also known as a lilyturf or monkey grass, is a grass-like plant that grows in clumps and produces spikes of purple, lilac or white blooms in the summer, and later produces black fruits. The plant comes in a variety of cultivars. Gardeners often select it for its ability to grow in shady areas such as beneath trees or in any part of the garden with low levels of sunlight. In fact, it can grow in complete shade, although it does well in part-shade, too. However, it will flower best in full sun. This hardy, drought-resistant perennial needs little care, although it prefers well-drained soil.

Things You'll Need

• Garden shears
• Lawnmower (optional)

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Inspect the liriope in the late winter or early spring--the best time to trim it--to see if it has green shoots growing under last year’s growth. If it does, you will need to cut the plant cautiously to avoid damaging the new growth.

   • 2

     Cut the liriope down to about 4 inches high with sharp garden shears. Alternatively, run your lawn mower over the plant, set to its highest cutting height.

   • 3

     Rake out the cut leaves from the plant. Check for any damaged or withered leaves that remain and remove them with shears.