Big Blue Lilyturf is a workhorse perennial that brings late-summer color to gardens across zones 5 to 10. This tufted, grass-like plant grows 12 to 18 inches tall with glossy, dark green, strap-like leaves that form attractive clumps, topped in August and September by striking violet-purple flower spikes that rise above the foliage. It spreads slowly and respectably, never overtaking neighboring plants, while tolerating everything from full sun to partial shade, and even shrugs off drought, heat, humidity, and poor urban soils with ease. The flowers give way to blackish berries that often linger well into fall, extending the season's visual interest.
Partial Sun
Moderate
5-10
18in H x 12in W
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Moderate
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Violet-purple flower spikes emerge in late summer just when many perennials are fading, creating a reliable window of color from August through September. The evergreen foliage persists year-round in warm southern climates, and the plant handles neglect with remarkable grace, thriving in everything from moist, fertile shade to baked, dry, compacted soil. Deer and rabbits leave it alone, slugs and snails are the only real concern, and it needs virtually no pruning or fussing to earn its keep in the garden.
Lilyturf functions as a landscape perennial, prized for its role as a border plant, groundcover, or accent in mixed beds. Its clumping habit and restrained spread make it reliable for edging pathways or softening hardscape edges, while its tolerance for harsh urban conditions and poor soils opens doors to difficult site challenges that defeat flashier ornamentals.
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Cut back foliage in late winter or early spring to refresh the plant before new growth emerges. The clumping growth habit means minimal pruning is needed otherwise; simply remove any dead or damaged foliage as needed during the growing season.
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