Tips for Growing Lilyturf Lawns

A lush, green lawn sets off the rest of the landscape with its gentle texture. Keeping a great lawn might be difficult. Maintaining turf grass includes mowing, fertilizing, and watering. As a lawn, liriope is easy. Growing lilyturf lawns gives an easy-care, low-maintenance, prolific source of year-round turf.

Using Liriope as a Lawn

Liriope (monkey grass) is a clumping to spreading plant that is frequently called a border grass. It blocks garden turf grass. Several species make good groundcovers or turf grass substitutes. Liriope plants are adaptable to numerous types of growing circumstances, which is a plus for a lawn. Liriope lawn replacement quickly forms a green carpet.

Liriope prefers dry, sandy, clay, compact, nutrient-rich soils. It can tolerate the sun and shade. They are evergreen plants with exceptional hardiness, growing 11 to 18 inches (30–46 cm). They'll stay small and compact whether you mow or not.

The clumping type generates a patterned lawn, whereas the creeping type is denser. Either type can replace liriope lawn.

• Liriope muscari is the most frequent type of clumping lilyturf. 
• Liriope spicata spreads through rhizomes.

How to Grow a Liriope Lawn 

Sod removal is half the job. minimum of 6-inch soil tilling (15 cm.). Add 3 inches of dirt to the planting area (8 cm). 

Liriope divides easily, or you can buy plugs in nurseries. Make sure each area of larger plants has roots. Most species grow 12 to 18 inches (31-46 cm) wide at maturity, so plant them this far apart. 

To grow a liriope lawn faster, plant in the fall or winter. This helps plants build roots before spring and summer growth. Mulch and water first-year plants. Plants need sporadic watering afterwards.

Caring for Lilyturf Lawns 

In addition to watering, fertilize the plants and lawn in early spring. Mow the plants one year after planting. 

Liriope can be treated with a fungicide for fungal concerns. Lilyturf lawns are easier to care for than regular turf grass. They need no thatching, aerating, mowing, or edging. Start plants off appropriately and they'll produce a sea of green strappy leaves to texture the landscape.