Big Blue Lilyturf
Liriope muscari 'Big Blue'
Nursery-grown Big Blue Lilyturf, ready to plant
This size is not in the online store yet. Ask about availability and we will reply with current stock.
- Evergreen year-round in zones 7-10; dense groundcover with high deer resistance
- Thrives in shade and tolerates clay soils; drought tolerant once established
- Mid-summer violet-purple blooms; works as edging, mass planting, or container accent
About this plant
Big Blue Lilyturf is an evergreen herbaceous perennial groundcover with fine, grass-like foliage and violet-purple flower spikes in mid to late summer. Hardy zones 5-10, it thrives in part shade where foliage color is densest, though it tolerates full sun to full shade. Drought tolerant once established and adaptable to clay soils, it excels as a border edger, mass planting, or groundcover under trees. Poison severity is low and no cases are known, though caution is advised because it is related to known toxic plants.
Your 1 gallon container plant arrives nursery-grown and ready to plant into the garden or a larger container. Plant on arrival or within a few days, in average to well-drained soil. Water regularly through the first growing season to help establish roots. Space clumps 12-18 inches apart for faster coverage, or wider for individual specimens.
Big Blue Lilyturf as Edger and Cover
Arching evergreen clumps work as a border line or a low carpet.
Path lining
Plant 12 to 18 inches apart along a walkway for a tidy evergreen line.
Tree skirt
Part shade gives the densest foliage color beneath trees.
Dry bank
It helps hold a slope and handles dry spells once established.
Pot edging
Use it as the edging in a mixed container.
Not ideal for: It spreads slowly in clumps, so it will not fill a bare area fast.
Good to know: Poison severity is low, yet caution is advised because relatives are toxic.
Big Blue Lilyturf at a glance
| Botanical name | Liriope muscari 'Big Blue' |
|---|---|
| Plant type | evergreen (semi-evergreen in colder zones) herbaceous perennial, grass-like groundcover |
| USDA zones | 5-10, evergreen year-round in zones 7-10, more likely to die back or brown in zones 5-6 |
| Mature height | 12-18 in. foliage; bloom spikes rise slightly above to about 18-24 in. |
| Mature width | 12-18 in. per clump |
| Sun | full sun to full shade; best foliage color and density in part shade |
| Water | moderate/average water; drought tolerant once established (roughly 1 growing season to establish) |
| Bloom time | mid to late summer, roughly July-August (varies by region) |
| Bloom color | violet-purple spikes; occasional white-flowered plants |
| Growth rate | slow to moderate; clumps spread a few inches per year via short rhizomes |
| Deer resistance | high |
| Best planting time | spring or fall (avoid planting in peak summer heat) |
Container sizes explained
| #1 / 1 Gallon | A trade one gallon pot (about 6.5 inches). One to two seasons older than a quart, with an established root system. |
|---|---|
| #2 / 2 Gallon | A trade two gallon pot. Common for peonies and perennials that need root room; usually blooms the first or second year. |
| #3 / 3 Gallon | A trade three gallon pot (about 10 inches). A well-developed shrub or small tree, often 2 to 4 feet tall on arrival. |
Questions before you buy
What does the 1 gallon size mean, and how much coverage will I get?
The 1 gallon container holds a young, nursery-grown clump. For full coverage in a given area, space clumps 12-18 inches apart; if planted further apart, plants will gradually spread via short rhizomes and fill in over a few years.
When should I plant after it arrives?
Plant on arrival or within a few days. Big Blue Lilyturf establishes best when planted in spring or early fall, though it can be planted during the growing season if watered regularly. Avoid planting in peak summer heat.
How large does Big Blue Lilyturf get?
Mature foliage reaches 12-18 inches tall and spreads 12-18 inches wide per clump. Flower spikes rise slightly above the foliage to about 18-24 inches. Clumps spread slowly via short rhizomes, advancing a few inches per year, reaching full mature size in about 2-3 years.
Does it need full sun?
Big Blue Lilyturf is highly adaptable and tolerates full sun to full shade. Best foliage color and density develop in part shade, making it ideal for under trees and shade gardens. Too much direct sun can scorch or bleach the leaves, so part shade is the safer choice.
What are the hardiness zones, and will it survive my winter?
Hardy zones 5-10. In zones 7-10, foliage remains evergreen year-round. In zones 5-6, foliage may brown or die back in harsh winters.
What care does it need in its first year?
Water regularly through the first growing season to help it establish. Once established, it is drought tolerant. Mulch lightly around the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds during establishment.
Growing guides for Big Blue Lilyturf
Big Blue Lilyturf Buying Guide: Pots, Sizes and What to Look For
Plugs versus pots, container sizes, and the best time to buy
Big Blue Lilyturf vs Royal Purple and Other Liriope Cultivars
Compares bloom color, size, hardiness, shade, and upkeep with Royal Purple and Super Blue
How to Plant Big Blue Lilyturf for a Thriving Groundcover
Builds a groundcover that thrives, starting with timing and spacing
Big Blue Lilyturf Care Guide: Sun, Soil, Water and More
Sun, soil, fertilizer, pruning, and fixes for zones 5 to 10
How Big Does Big Blue Lilyturf Get? Size and Growth Rate
Reaches 12 to 18 inches tall and wide, with spread rate and timeline
Big Blue Lilyturf Hardiness Zones: Where Does It Grow Best?
Whether it stays evergreen in your zone and how cold it tolerates
12 Best Landscape Uses for Big Blue Lilyturf in Your Yard
Twelve uses from borders to groundcover for a hardy perennial
Big Blue Lilyturf Sun Requirements: Full Sun or Shade?
Foliage color and density peak in part shade, though sun and shade both work