Lilyturf
This is a stout, tufted, evergreen tuberous perennial. The plant grows as a dense clump of strap-shaped or linear dark green leaves 9-12in in length. They are therefore favoured in gardens as groundcover or formal edging plants with a neat appearance. You often see them grown in association with Ophiopogon nigrescens which has a similar habit and a similar type of flowers.
L. muscari produces dense spikes of bright violet-mauve flowers in early or late autumn when not much else is performing in the border. They are quite similar to grape hyacinths (Muscari) in the appearance of their flowers and hence the name.
L. muscari ‘Monroe White’ is a form with attractive white flower stalks.
These plants are completely hardy but prefer to be grown in partial or dappled shade to get them to flower at their best and to avoid scorching of their leaves. Protection from cold winds will also avoid similar damage but these plants are perfectly hardy and will tolerate drought conditions well.
Division of clumps in spring or after flowering is over is straightforward.
