| Lilyturf | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Young variegated Liriope spicata | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Ruscaceae |
| Genus: | Liriope Herb. |
Liriope (pronounced /lɪˈraɪ.əpiː/)[1] is a genus of low, grass-like, flowering plants from East Asia. Some species are often used in landscaping in temperate latitudes. They may be called lilyturf in North America although neither a true grass (family Poaceae) nor lily (genus Lilium). Once classified with lilies in the family Liliaceae, the genus is included in Ruscaceae in the APG II system. The genus was named for Liriope in Greek mythology.
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Background
Liriope are usually used in the garden for their evergreen foliage as a groundcover. Some species, e.g., L. spicata, grow aggressively in the right conditions, spreading by runners; hence their nickname, "creeping lilyturf".
In the southeastern United States Liriope is sometimes referred to by the nickname monkey grass or spider grass.
The correct pronunciation of "Liriope" is subject to debate. It is frequently pronounced luh-RYE-oh-pee or lə-ˈrī-ə-(ˌ)pē,[2] but there are many regional variations. In the southern United States, for example, it is often referred to as LYE-roh-pee, leer-EYE-oh-pee, or LEERY-ope.
Cultivation
Liriope muscari is perhaps most widespread in cultivation and is considered appropriate for USDA Hardiness Zones 6-10[3].
Spikes of tiny violet-blue flowers appear in late summer, and will be more prolific with a dose or two of fertilizer early in the season. A number of variegated varieties are now available to add golden or silver flashes of color to shady situations.
Species
- Lirope exifolia
- L. graminifolia (rhizomatous species)
- L. kansuensis
- L. longipedicellata
- L. minor
- L. muscari
- L. spicata (rhizomatous species)
References
This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)
