Creeping Lilyturf

Liriope spicata (Asparagaceae) is an evergreen, spreading perennial native to China and Vietnam. It grows less than 1 foot tall and spreads 1 to 2 feet via rhizomes, forming an increasingly dense groundcover over time. The foliage turns brown to copper in fall. Pale violet or off-white flowers appear in spike-like clusters, less showy than those of L. muscari.

Creeping lilyturf tolerates part shade on a range of well-drained soils (clay, loam, sand) with moderate water needs. It resists deer and drought. Unlike the clumping L. muscari, this species spreads aggressively by rhizomes and can become difficult to contain, making it best suited for large-scale groundcover where its spreading habit is an asset rather than a liability. No significant pest or disease problems are documented. Hardy in Zones 4a to 10b.