How big does Lilyturf grow?

About 45 cm × 45 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 30–45 cm × 30–45 cm.

What soil does Lilyturf grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, acidic.

Hardy down to -23 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H7). It gets through winter everywhere at lower altitudes, but may not survive unprotected in a mountain garden.

Is Lilyturf toxic to dogs?

No. Reliable sources list it as non-toxic to dogs.

Is Lilyturf toxic to cats?

No. Reliable sources list it as non-toxic to cats.

Is Lilyturf toxic to children?

Yes, it is mildly toxic to children.

When does Lilyturf flower?

Flowering: August–October, purple.

How much water does Lilyturf need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: high.

How much does Lilyturf cost?

It sells for roughly €5 to €16 in local shops, depending on size.

Lilyturf

Liriope muscari

Lilyturf (Liriope muscari) is a ground cover plant that reaches 45 cm × 45 cm after ten years. Light: part shade, shade. Hardy down to -23 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Non-toxic to dogs and cats, mildly toxic to children. Sold in local shops from about €5.

Illustration of Lilyturf — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A clump-forming perennial with dark green, grass-like leaves that copes with part shade and shade under trees and carries spikes of purple flowers in late summer and autumn. Once established it handles dry spells and root competition well, but not waterlogged soil. After a hard winter the foliage can turn brown; cut it back in early spring so it resprouts cleanly.

Watch out for

Winter hardiness is borderline in Central Europe: in hard frost without snow cover the foliage browns and in exposed spots the crown can be damaged, so plant it in a sheltered place and mulch it for the first winter. Slugs and snails feed on it, and leaf rot or crown rot can occur in waterlogged soil.

Key facts

Light: Part shade, Shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 45 cm × 45 cm
Hardiness: down to -23 °C
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D August–October, purple

Group	Ground cover
Light	Part shade, Shade
Size after 10 years	45 cm × 45 cm
Ultimate size	30–45 cm × 30–45 cm
Hardiness	down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Acidic
Foliage	Semi-evergreen
Flowering	August–October, purple
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	30 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic
For cats	Non-toxic
For children	Mildly toxic
Typical price	from about €5

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
15-25 cm	approx. €5
size not stated	approx. €16

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Ground cover plants for shade Ground cover plants Plants for shade Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant plants for sandy soil Plants that are non-toxic to dogs Plants that are non-toxic to cats Plants for containers

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