How to Transplant Liriope

A tough, evergreen ground cover, liriope (Liriope spicata or L. muscari) is also called Lilyturf. L. spicata is a ground cover that spreads quickly by underground stems and L. muscari grows in a clump that spreads about 12 to 18 inches across. Both types have a grasslike appearance and produce numerous flower spikes with tiny white, lavender or purple flowers. Bluish-black berries form when the flowers fade in late summer.

Things You'll Need

• Garden trowel
• Watering can

Instructions

1. Dig up mature liriope plants to divide and transplant, using a garden trowel.

2. Break apart the dug-up plants into two or more individual plants, ensuring each has a portion of roots and a portion of top growth.

3. Dig a small hole with your garden trowel. Insert the root portion of the newly divided liriope transplant into the hole and add soil, firming it around the roots so the plant stands up by itself. Space new transplants approximately 12 inches apart in all directions.

4. Water each plant with about 1 cup of water as you finish transplanting it.

References

• Clemson University Extension; Liriope; Karen Russ, et al.; June 1999