Landscape Showroom / RLC Selection Guide

Green Liriope for Tampa Landscapes

Liriope muscari

Also called: Big Blue lilyturf; border grass; sometimes monkey grass

Green liriope gives a bed a simple grasslike edge and contrasts with broad tropical leaves. It can make the transition from lawn to taller planting easier to read when the spacing and boundary are planned.

Plan this with RLC →

AI-generated illustration. Actual plants and materials vary; confirm the supplied selection with RLC.

At a glance

Where it fits

Repeat a consistent selection along a bed edge with enough room for clumps to widen. Keep it back from the mowing line and avoid burying the foliage in fresh mulch. Its fine texture can support a bold middle layer without competing with it.

Sizes and varieties

Big Blue, Evergreen Giant and creeping liriope are not identical in size or spread. ‘Monkey grass’ can also refer to mondo grass. Specify the botanical name and cultivar rather than relying on the common name alone.

Care through the seasons

Remove tired foliage at an appropriate season and avoid scalping newly emerging growth. Monitor spread: UF/IFAS currently identifies liriope as a moderate invasion risk under evaluation. Keep it contained and consider an alternative where escape into natural areas is a concern.

Placement mistakes to avoid

Do not treat it as maintenance-free or plant an aggressive spreading form where a tidy clump is required. Repeated foot traffic is not its intended use.

Buying size is not finished size

Small pots and 1-gallon; larger clumps may be available. These are nursery formats to ask about, not a live stock list or a guaranteed height. Compare the actual canopy, root ball, cultivar and overall condition. Leave room for the mature plant, even when a new installation initially looks open.

Planning the installation

Measure the usable bed, including space around windows, paths, utilities and irrigation. Show RLC both a wide view and the details of the existing ground. Discuss removals, preparation, access and watering before choosing a quantity. A larger plant may give more presence on day one, but the right location and establishment care still determine the result.

What affects cost?

Relative starting plant tier: $$. A tier compares material categories; it is not an installed price. Nursery size, fullness, quantity, delivery access, removals and irrigation changes can alter the quote. Compare the whole scope, including the selected variety and size.

Common question

Is liriope the same as mondo grass?

No. The plants can look similar and share confusing common names. Check the botanical identity so the finished height and spread fit the design.

Reference: Plant or product information. Planning guidance reviewed September 2026. Availability and installed prices are confirmed by quote.