Liriope,
or lilyturf, is a hardy perennial plant. This extremely popular evergreen is
perfect for use as a low maintenance groundcover or for use as a border plant
along sidewalks and pavers. It can also be used as an alternative to grass in lawns. Tolerant to both heat and humidity, lilyturf only requires
minimal maintenance to continue to thrive. So what about liriope plant
division? Does this plant need to be divided and, if so, how and when?
Does Liriope Need to Be Divided?
Beyond planting, liriope requires little care from
homeowners. Resistant to most diseases, these plants grow larger and may spread
from one season to the next. Consistent irrigation and fertilization will
further assist in the establishment of healthy plantings. Since liriope plantings
can become quite large, it may lead its growers to ask, “Does liriope need to
be divided?”
Opinions abound as to whether or not liriope needs division.
Like many perennial ornamental plants, mounding clumps of liriope will continue
to grow in each subsequent season. Unlike other plants, however, there has been
little evidence to suggest that the growth of liriope inhibits the plants’
ability to produce flowers. For this reason, most recommend that liriope plant
division is the choice of the gardener.
Liriope plants will continue to grow well for many years,
despite not being frequently divided.
How to Divide a Liriope
Although dividing liriope is not a mandatory part of its
care routine, there are reasons why a grower may want to do so. Splitting liriope
is an extremely easy and cost-effective way to increase the amount of plants in
the garden, or to begin the process of establishing new flower beds.
Dividing liriope plants is fairly straightforward. When splitting liriope, growers will first need to dig up the plant and remove the root ball from the garden. Once the plant has been removed, carefully cut through the root ball using a sharp, serrated knife or shovel for larger clumps. This process can then be repeated until the plant has been divided into the desired number.
Ideally, the process of dividing liriope should be done in
early spring before new growth has resumed. Due to the hardy nature of this
plant, however, it is possible to successfully divide this plant later in the
season.
After splitting liriope plants, find a location for the new
lilyturf transplants. Though liriope will tolerate a wide variety of growing
conditions, it will be important to select a planting site that receives ample
sunlight and one that is well draining. Water the newly planted liriope weekly
until the plants have become established.
Liriope,
or lilyturf, is a hardy perennial plant. This extremely popular evergreen is
perfect for use as a low maintenance groundcover or for use as a border plant
along sidewalks and pavers. It can also be used as an alternative to grass in lawns. Tolerant to both heat and humidity, lilyturf only requires
minimal maintenance to continue to thrive. So what about liriope plant
division? Does this plant need to be divided and, if so, how and when?
Does Liriope Need to Be Divided?
Beyond planting, liriope requires little care from
homeowners. Resistant to most diseases, these plants grow larger and may spread
from one season to the next. Consistent irrigation and fertilization will
further assist in the establishment of healthy plantings. Since liriope plantings
can become quite large, it may lead its growers to ask, “Does liriope need to
be divided?”
Opinions abound as to whether or not liriope needs division.
Like many perennial ornamental plants, mounding clumps of liriope will continue
to grow in each subsequent season. Unlike other plants, however, there has been
little evidence to suggest that the growth of liriope inhibits the plants’
ability to produce flowers. For this reason, most recommend that liriope plant
division is the choice of the gardener.
Liriope plants will continue to grow well for many years,
despite not being frequently divided.
How to Divide a Liriope
Although dividing liriope is not a mandatory part of its
care routine, there are reasons why a grower may want to do so. Splitting liriope
is an extremely easy and cost-effective way to increase the amount of plants in
the garden, or to begin the process of establishing new flower beds.
Dividing liriope plants is fairly straightforward. When splitting liriope, growers will first need to dig up the plant and remove the root ball from the garden. Once the plant has been removed, carefully cut through the root ball using a sharp, serrated knife or shovel for larger clumps. This process can then be repeated until the plant has been divided into the desired number.
Ideally, the process of dividing liriope should be done in
early spring before new growth has resumed. Due to the hardy nature of this
plant, however, it is possible to successfully divide this plant later in the
season.
After splitting liriope plants, find a location for the new
lilyturf transplants. Though liriope will tolerate a wide variety of growing
conditions, it will be important to select a planting site that receives ample
sunlight and one that is well draining. Water the newly planted liriope weekly
until the plants have become established.