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Planting a liriope glade

18 years ago

I want to plant a glade under some trees, and was thinking of liriopes.

I was going to buy these on the cheap in bulk from a Sunday market.

I've read a bit about liriopes and discovered that there is the common old 'evergreen giant' and also a new dwarf one (doubt that I'd get this at a market).

I already have some liriopes and there seem to be different types - one seems to be huge (about 1 metre tall - I've not noticed any berries on this) and another is smaller and gets blue berries.

The big one is definitely too tall for my glade. Ideally I'd like something up to 30 cm tall. Are there many different sizes of liriopes? How can I tell when buying plugs at the market, what I am actually getting? Even the commercial ID tags give different dimensions, and the stall-holder may or may not know.

Am also interested in other dry shade loving plant ideas for glades.

Thanks to all.

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Comments (11)

femmeradsy
18 years ago
I recently found a website for an Australian company that sells grass-like plants in bulk, as trays of tubestock (10 or even 50 plants). They don't seem to have liriope listed, but lots of other plants that might be suitable. I've just ordered some Lomandra Tanika which has been recommended to me by lots of people as being great in drifts around the base of trees - it has worked out at about $2.40 per plant for a tray of 50. They also use it on Backyard Blitz quite a lot, including under native trees last week.

The good thing about this kind of site is that you are more confident in knowing what you are getting than markets.

Alternatively you could find out if there is a local plant society in your area. They often propogate their own plants which you can get cheap - but like markets, there is a risk you might not get what you thought. The best bet is to ask around until you find the person that actually propogated that plant, so they can tell you what it was like in their garden.

Here is a link that might be useful: Diversity Plants website
Amelie
Original Author
18 years ago
Thanks for that info and advice femmeradsy.
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sunshine_qld
18 years ago
Amelie
I have 4 big clumps I want to dig out and you a welcome to them. They are 30/50cm high .
Amelie
Original Author
18 years ago
Thank you for your very kind offer sunshine ... you are probably a little too far away from me for it to be feasible. But your offer is much appreciated.
PS. You'll probably be able to sell them through ebay or local paper.
User
18 years ago
There are smaller varieties I believe. I have just put in a variegated one called 'Munroes's white' which I was told is smaller. It has white flowers. I have mixed it with another variegated one that has pink flowers and a green that has purple flowers. I just hope the sizes are compatible because I didn't give it much thought....oh well, you live and learn lol.
Cheers,
Dee.
sunshine_qld
18 years ago
Amelie
I am at Caboolture.If it is too far for you anyone else is welcome to them
Sparaxis
18 years ago
Renga renga lily,(arthropodium) is excellent in dry shade and has lovely flowers too. Mine grow around 40 to 50 cm tall. It increases well and can be divided easily.

Here is a link that might be useful: Arthropodium
Amelie
Original Author
18 years ago
Thanks Sunshine - I'm on the south side of Brisbane. Hope someone else takes up your kind offer.
Dee, I will do some research on the liriopes you mentioned.
Sparaxis - that lily is lovely! What a wonderful effect.

Thank you everyone!
bobshinehams
17 years ago
Thats nice seeing the community coming together
:)

_____________
Visit us at www.menaisandsoil.com.au
popi_gw
17 years ago
I have lots of seed on my liriope, anyone know the success rate with germination of the seed ?

Liriope looks nice in a mass planting.

Popi
richardqld
17 years ago
Seed grown Liriope can look very ordinary,most liriope for sale in nurserys,has been tissue cultured and then split.
Try to contact a grower in your area and buy tubes or plugs.
Cheers

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