Liriope muscari Variegata

The Liriope muscari 'Variegata' is a variety that stands out with its evergreen foliage, dark green and glossy, marginated with cream and its long summer flowering in dense spikes of lavender flowers. This perennial presents a trailing clump of evergreen leaves that eventually forms a lovely carpet that is resistant to diseases, parasites, and the driest and darkest conditions. Its hardiness and versatility in the garden makes up for its slow growth. It is particularly useful for filling in the most difficult areas to plant such as the base of trees, the understory, and north-facing corners of the garden. The liriope also allows for creating beautiful borders and accompanying flowering perennials in flowerbeds. Plant it in well-drained, moist to dry soil, in both sun and shade!

The Liriope muscari 'Variegata' belongs to the Liliaceae family (Asparagaceae), just like its native ancestor from temperate Southeast Asia (China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam). This herbaceous perennial with short and fibrous rhizomes forms dense clumps, so it is not invasive, and its stems are almost non-existent. It forms a dense bouquet of leaves, 30 cm (12in) tall and 45 cm (18in) wide, slowly expanding to eventually form lush carpets, attractive throughout the year. Its leaves are quite flexible, slightly trailing, ribbon-like, and lanceolate. They are glossy and a particularly dark green. Flowering occurs from July to October, depending on the climate, on beautifully purplish floral stems that rise above its foliage. It takes the form of inflorescences in tall spikes where numerous small round bells are tightly packed, similar to muscari flowers. The flowering, nectar-rich and visited by butterflies, is followed by the formation of black fruits.

The Liriope muscari is a discreet yet elegant, accommodating, versatile, and very useful plant in a garden. Its great resistance to cold, drought, and shade allows it to be used in many situations: in light woodland, at the base of trees, as a border to emphasize the design of a pathway, in a rock garden alongside heathers for example, or in Japanese-style gardens around the base of a Japanese maple. Combine this lovely variety with Heuchera Chantilly in moist soil, with small spring bulbs (snowdrops, muscari, botanical narcissus), or with lilies in a border or rock garden exposed to morning sun. It is also a plant that thrives very well in pots, on a window sill or balcony. It is so accommodating that it will forgive forgotten watering, thrive in gardens without gardeners or weekend gardens. Consider pairing it with other understory species such as ferns, hostas, and geraniums.