Blue Lily Turf
Blue Lily Turf (Liriope muscari) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant, native to Asia. It has dark green, upright spikes that turn up slightly at the edges. The 'Blue Lily Turf' cultivar has vibrant purple flowers and is known for its moderate to slow growth rate. At maturity, the small, grass-like tufts of blades of Blue Lily Turf will spread to a diameter of around 1’. The plant will reach a maximum of 30 cm high and maintain a consistent height of 6 cm tall during full maturity. In addition, this perennial plant adds a colorful and unique element to your garden.
Blue Lily Turf needs regular watering to keep it looking its best. The soil should be kept somewhat moist, not soggy, and watered deeply and evenly but not excessively saturated. When the top 1-2 inches of soil begin to dry, it is time to water the turf again. When there is no rainfall, it may need to be watered up to twice a week in the warmer months.
Blue Lily Turf prefers partial to full sun, depending on the area and climate. If you live in a warmer zone, it should be largely protected in shaded areas to ensure the colors stay vibrant. In cooler climates, the plant is able to thrive in full sun as long as it is given sufficient water. If this plant is exposed to excessively bright light or full sun, the leaves may begin to fade or turn yellow.
Blue Lily Turf prefers temperatures ranging from 50 to 85°F (10 to 30°C). It will survive cool to freezing conditions as low as 10° F (-12° C) as long as the roots are kept from freezing. During winter, the turf is less tolerant of cold, so it should be wrapped or heavily mulched to protect it to make sure it can survive through winter.
Blue Lily Turf is generally happy in average to low humidity levels, but does appreciate some humidity during the summer months. It should be kept away from excessively humid conditions as this can cause the plant to develop leaf spot diseases and other diseases. To ensure adequate humidity for the Blue Lily Turf, it should be placed in partial shade during the hottest parts of summer.
Blue Lily Turf prefers soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. It should be planted in well-drained, loamy soil with good organic content. The soil should be amended to ensure adequate aeration and water retention; Sphagnum peat moss and compost can be added to the soil to improve fertility. It can also benefit from the addition of bone meal and an all-purpose fertilizer.
Blue Lily Turf does not require frequent fertilization, but a balanced fertilizer should be applied in early spring and at regular intervals throughout the growing season. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer rich in nitrogen should be applied, as too much nitrogen can be detrimental to the plant. A slow release fertilizer should be used if the turf is set in an area with limited sunlight. Organic fertilizers such as compost and bone meal are great choices for Blue Lily Turf.
Blue Lily Turf is mostly pest free, but on occasion can be affected by aphids, spider mites, caterpillars, thrips and scale insects. A simple way to get rid of aphids is to spray the plant with a combination of liquid soap and water. Spider mites can be removed by spraying the turf with a fine mist of water at least twice a day for up to two weeks. Caterpillars, thrips and scale insects can be removed with insecticidal soap or a citrus based spray. If these methods are not successful, a pesticide may be needed to eradicate the pest.
Blue Lily Turf should be repotted at least every two years as the soil can become compact and inhibit growth. When it is time to repot, a quality soil mix should be used that is designed for container-planted plants. When repotting, make sure to keep the crown of the plant just above the soil to promote drainage. An optimal planting height is when the bottom of the pot is 2 to 4 inches below the soil level.
Blue Lily Turf should be pruned regularly to maintain its healthy growth and size. Dead or diseased leaves and stems should be removed and may be replaced with new foliage. Pruning the turf should be done during the spring or early summer months as this is when the new growth begins to emerge. The turf should be pruned to a desired shape and size, taking care not to over-prune it.
Mulching is not necessary for Blue Lily Turf, but it can be beneficial for keeping the soil cool and inhibiting weed growth. It can be mulched with organic material such as bark, grass clippings, compost or shredded leaves. Be sure to keep mulch at least 6 inches away from the base of the plant. Keep mulch around 2 to 4 inches deep for optimal water retention and weed prevention.
Blue Lily Turf can be easily propagated through division of marginal shoots or through cuttings. Division of marginal shoots can be done when the turf is in the early growth stage or dormant season. This can be done by digging up the turf and cutting off sections with about two to three shoots. Be sure to discard any shoots that are damaged or diseased. For propagating through cuttings, select healthy shoots with at least one node of growth and cut below the node. Place the cuttings in moist soil and keep lightly watered until roots have developed. Once roots have grown, the cuttings can be planted to their desired location.
Blue Lily Turf is a very hardy and tolerant plant. It does not usually require support and can be grown in containers or in the ground.
Blue Lily Turf does not require a rest period, though its growth will slow during winter. This is a good time to prune in order to keep the turf maintained and to eliminate any dead growth or disease. When temperatures are too cold, the top of the turf may wilt, but the fibrous root system will survive till spring.
Blue Lily Turf is not toxic to pets and is generally safe to humans.
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