Giant Lilyturf

Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. For a neat appearance, remove old foliage before new leaves emerge. Divide clumps every 2 to 3 years in early spring.

Lilyturf is the workhorse of warmer shade gardens. Its strap-leaf foliage never grows beyond its designated size, which is perfect for city gardens or condominium communities. Thrives in courtyards and atriums, where soils remain perpetually moist. Uniform size makes it ideal for edging plants. Remarkably beautiful in dry streambeds or beside water gardens and fountains. Fits well into Asian-inspired schemes and as a texture contrast in Fern dells. Begs to be planted where its attractive flowers can be viewed up close.

This big plant is a great alternative if you have had little success with Hosta. Plant this dark-green variety with the bright Golden Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola') and the vivid greens of giant Tasmanian Tree Fern (Dicksonia antarctica). Use as an edging for a mass of fragrant Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides). Also works very well in informal drifts with contrasting texture of Heartleaf Bergenia (Bergenia x 'Evening Glow').

These natives of China were first described by Kaempher in 1712. The genus was later given by Portuguese Jesuit botanist missionary working in China, Juan Loureiro. The genus is named after the mother of Narcissos, Liriope. The species, named by Bailey refers to the Greek worked muschos, meaning fragrant. This group is closely related to genus Ophiopogon. Liriopes and Ophiopogons have been extensively cultivated in the deep south, particularly coastal regions where they substitute for lawn. They can be found on the grounds of many old estates, parks and plantation homes.

In China, these plants are known as "book tape herb" and grown in every scholar's garden to use as book marks when paper was a once a very rare commodity.