Creeping lilyturf
Liriope spicata
Creeping lilyturf (Liriope spicata) is a groundcover suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 8–12 in tall and 12–24 in wide, needs medium water, and prefers partial shade to dappled sun to deep shade. Marginally hardy in Zone 5, winter burn common above 6,500 ft elevation. Site in protected shade against a north foundation for best results.
On the CSU listmedium water8–12 in tall and 12–24 in wideZones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)Deer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: (c) Rob John, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 2: no rights reserved, uploaded by 葉子
- Photo 3: (c) portioid, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by portioid
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 5–10
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in partial shade; tolerates dappled sun, deep shade. Flowers best with more sun.
- Soil
- loam, clay
- Soil pH
- 6.0–7.5
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Site uses
- Dry shade under conifers, Cool north foundations
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 8–12 in tall and 12–24 in wide
- Growth habit
- Spreading
- Planting spacing
- ~17–24 in apart
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- late summer, early fall
- Bloom color
- purple
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Winter cover
- Strong winter cover
What it will do to your yard
- Foot traffic
- Light foot traffic
- Lawn alternative
- No-mow lawn alternative
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Things to know before you plant
- Spreads aggressivelyCreeping liriope, aggressive runners, distinct from L. muscari
Using Creeping lilyturf as a groundcover
Creeping lilyturf spreads steadily. It fills in densely, crowding out most weeds. It takes light foot traffic, fine to step across occasionally, but not a play-lawn. It holds strong cover through Front Range winters, so the ground doesn't go bare. It tolerates the dry shade and root competition under established trees, where many groundcovers struggle.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Creeping lilyturf good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Creeping lilyturf is a well-suited groundcover for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Creeping lilyturf?
- The main things to know: Creeping liriope, aggressive runners, distinct from L. muscari
- How big does Creeping lilyturf get?
- It matures to about 8–12 in tall and 12–24 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Creeping lilyturf?
- Space Creeping lilyturf about 17 in apart for a faster, fuller cover, or up to 24 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Creeping lilyturf hardy on the Front Range?
- Creeping lilyturf is hardy in USDA 5–10. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is at its cold edge here. Site it in a warm microclimate and protect young plants.
- How much water does Creeping lilyturf need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- Is Creeping lilyturf native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Creeping lilyturf deer-resistant?
- Creeping lilyturf is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Creeping lilyturf a good firewise plant near the house?
- Creeping lilyturf is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- Can you walk on Creeping lilyturf?
- Creeping lilyturf takes light foot traffic. You can step across it occasionally, but it won't hold up as a play-lawn.
- Can Creeping lilyturf replace a lawn?
- Yes, Creeping lilyturf works as a no-mow lawn alternative on the Front Range. Expect a season or two of weeding and watering while it fills in before it reads as a lawn replacement.
- Will Creeping lilyturf spread or stay put?
- Creeping lilyturf is spreading. Creeping liriope, aggressive runners, distinct from L. muscari Give it room to fill in and edit the edges to keep it where you want it.
- Can you plant Creeping lilyturf under trees?
- Yes. Creeping lilyturf tolerates the dry shade and root competition under established trees, where many groundcovers struggle. Water it well through its first year while it establishes among the roots.
- Does Creeping lilyturf stay green in winter?
- Creeping lilyturf holds strong cover through Front Range winters, so the ground stays protected rather than going bare.
