Silver Dragon Lilyturf
Liriope spicata 'Silver Dragon'
A versatile evergreen perennial with dark green, narrow, grass-like foliage highlighted by silvery-white vertical striping. Pale purple flowers are followed by whitish-green berries. An effective accent as a groundcover or edging. Evergreen.
| Botanical Pronunciation: | lir-EYE-oh-pee spi-CAH-ta |
| Key feature: | Shade Loving |
| Plant types: | Groundcover, Perennial |
| Deciduous/evergreen: | Evergreen |
| Cold hardiness zones: | 6 - 11 |
| Light needs: | Partial sun |
| Water Needs: | Water regularly, when top 3 in. of soil is dry. |
| Average landscape size: | Grows to 10 inches high, spreads 15 to 18 in. wide. |
| Growth rate: | Moderate |
| Flower attributes: | Flowers for Cutting, Showy Flowers |
| Special features: | Deer Resistant, Dramatic Foliage Color, Easy Care, Ornamental Berries, Waterwise |
| Landscape uses: | Border, Container, Firescaping/Fire Wise, Houseplant, Rock Garden, Seacoast Exposure, Specimen, Woodland Garden |
| Flower color: | Purple |
| Blooms: | Late summer |
| Foliage color: | Green |
| Item no.: | 5892 |
| Retailers for this plant: |
Care Information
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. Pruning time: winter.
Design Ideas
This is a super highlight and edging plant for partially shaded beds. The bright variegated leaves also bring a sense of light into darker plantings or woodland gardens. Perfect in a glazed, cobalt-blue Chinese pot set on a porch, steps or pedestal. Works well in natural drifts or planted next to boulders and rock waterfalls. A reliable and attractive alternative to more invasive ornamental Grass or dwarf Bamboo.
Companion Plants
Pair Silver Dragon with large-leafed, shade loving varieties like Heuchera, Elephant Ear and Hydrangea to set off the narrow, grass-like foliage. The silver-white stripe pops with burgundy foliage and colorful blooming plants nearby.
History
Native to East Asia, this grass-like flowering plant is used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for yin deficiency. There is much debate over the correct pronounciation of Liriope and the use of its common name Lilyturf. In the Southeastern U.S. it is sometimes referred to as Monkey Grass or Spider Grass.
A versatile evergreen perennial with dark green, narrow, grass-like foliage highlighted by silvery-white vertical striping. Pale purple flowers are followed by whitish-green berries. An effective accent as a groundcover or edging. Evergreen.
Care Information
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. Pruning time: winter.
Design Ideas
This is a super highlight and edging plant for partially shaded beds. The bright variegated leaves also bring a sense of light into darker plantings or woodland gardens. Perfect in a glazed, cobalt-blue Chinese pot set on a porch, steps or pedestal. Works well in natural drifts or planted next to boulders and rock waterfalls. A reliable and attractive alternative to more invasive ornamental Grass or dwarf Bamboo.
Companion Plants
Pair Silver Dragon with large-leafed, shade loving varieties like Heuchera, Elephant Ear and Hydrangea to set off the narrow, grass-like foliage. The silver-white stripe pops with burgundy foliage and colorful blooming plants nearby.
History
Native to East Asia, this grass-like flowering plant is used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for yin deficiency. There is much debate over the correct pronounciation of Liriope and the use of its common name Lilyturf. In the Southeastern U.S. it is sometimes referred to as Monkey Grass or Spider Grass.
| Botanical Pronunciation: | lir-EYE-oh-pee spi-CAH-ta |
| Key feature: | Shade Loving |
| Plant types: | Groundcover, Perennial |
| Deciduous/evergreen: | Evergreen |
| Cold hardiness zones: | 6 - 11 |
| Light needs: | Partial sun |
| Water Needs: | Water regularly, when top 3 in. of soil is dry. |
| Average landscape size: | Grows to 10 inches high, spreads 15 to 18 in. wide. |
| Growth rate: | Moderate |
| Flower attributes: | Flowers for Cutting, Showy Flowers |
| Special features: | Deer Resistant, Dramatic Foliage Color, Easy Care, Ornamental Berries, Waterwise |
| Landscape uses: | Border, Container, Firescaping/Fire Wise, Houseplant, Rock Garden, Seacoast Exposure, Specimen, Woodland Garden |
| Flower color: | Purple |
| Blooms: | Late summer |
| Foliage color: | Green |
| Item no.: | 5892 |
