Planting Liriope
Liriope tolerates a wide range of soils and soil conditions, except for constantly soggy or wet soils. Be sure your area is well-drained.
Soil Preferences
Testing Soil Drainage
If you are uncertain about soil drainage in the area you intend to plant your Liriope, it’s well worth taking the time to test the drainage before planting.
To test soil drainage, dig a hole 12″ wide by 12″ deep. Fill the hole with water and let it drain. Then, after it drains, fill it with water again, but this time clock how long it takes to drain. In well-drained soil, the water level will go down at a rate of about 1 inch an hour. A faster rate, such as in loose, sandy soil, may signal potentially dry site conditions and possibly a need to add organic matter to help retain moisture. A slower rate indicates poor draining soil and is a caution you need to improve drainage or look for plants that are more tolerant of wet conditions.
Soil pH Preference
Liriope grows best in moderately acid to neutral soil ranging from 6.0 to 7.0 on the pH scale. Most average garden soils fall between a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. Most potting soil from packages is pH balanced. Be sure the water used is of the same balance or it will start to change the pH of the soil.
Testing Soil pH
Soil pH is a measurement of the alkalinity or acidity of soil and is measured on a scale of 1-14, with 7 as the neutral mark. Any measurement below 7 indicates acid soil conditions, and anything above 7 indicates alkaline. If you’re unsure about the pH of your soil, and whether or not it’s suitable for growing Liriope, it’s a good idea to test the soil pH in the planting area.
You can quickly test soil pH with an inexpensive soil pH tester probe. To raise the pH (make it more alkaline) you can add pelletized limestone to the soil. To lower the pH (make more acid) you can apply Soil Sulfur, Aluminum Sulfate, or Chelated Iron. Adding organic compost to the soil or using compost as mulch can also help to increase acidity and maintain acid soil conditions.
Other Preferences
Light Preferences
Liriope is remarkably tough. It will grow in deep shade or full sun. Flowers are produced most freely in a sunny location. With that in mind also consider the heat build-up from a container in full sun where the sides are not shaded. this will increase the need for watering. One strategy for large planters is to use cascading plants on the side to help shade the planter slightly.
Watering Needs
Liriope will tolerate dry conditions quite well. but a dry container is not the same as dry soil conditions. Remember in a container you are simulating the real-world conditions in a closed system, every variable is more important. Check to be sure the soil is moist often and water when needed. Once you establish a pattern you should be good, but remember to check and start a new pattern for each season.
Liriope Spacing
For containers, the spacing should be at least 10 inches apart to allow the grassiness of the plant’s shape to have adequate space to spread out. Make sure other plants are not planted too close in a container garden or they may get overshadowed by the liriope. The tall element of your container garden will pair well with the liriope. This can duplicate, on a smaller scale, one of the primary uses of liriope as a way to frame the base of a tree or palm.
Time Of Year To Plant
Liriope can survive through winter in temperate climates, meaning it is possible to plant any time between early spring and late summer. In warmer climates, it is also possible to plant in the fall, but planting in spring and summer will give your liriope the best chance of thriving.
