Growing Liriope in Pots

Which varieties of Liriope to choose?

Slow-growing, liriope forms small, low, compact clumps measuring 30 to 60 cm in all directions, making it an elegant choice for pots, planters, or bowls. It produces stunning, colourful clumps that are refined and bright until the first frosts! However, we recommend favouring the more compact varieties, including:

• The Liriope muscari, which showcases beautiful purple spikes in summer above green foliage (reaching a maximum height of 40 cm with the same spread)
• The Liriope ‘Majestic’, which forms a more upright bouquet than other varieties, reaching 40 cm in height and 45 cm in width, topped with violet spikes
• The Liriope muscari ‘Monroe White’, which displays upright clusters of white flowers until October, reaching heights of up to 40 cm
• The Liriope ‘Royal Purple’, which captivates with its more colourful flowering, a purplish hue, as well as its beautiful, very dark green foliage (40-45 cm in height)
• The Liriope ‘Silvery Sunproof’, which is particularly bright with its variegated foliage and blue-violet flowering at the end of the season (30 cm in all directions)

Liriope ‘Royal Purple’ (top), Liriope ‘Majestic’ and Liriope ‘Monroe White’

When to plant liriope in pots?

Prefer a spring planting, from March to April in the cooler regions. Pot planting of liriope is done in autumn, from September to November in areas with mild winters. Always outside of frost and drought periods.

What type of pot?

For planting your liriope in a pot, choose a container that is large enough, approximately 40 cm in diameter or width and of equal depth, which will allow the plant to develop comfortably. You may also opt for a deep planter rather than a pot. A plastic container is a good choice, as it is lightweight and economical. Ensure that there are drainage holes at the bottom of the pot, allowing watering or rainwater to drain away properly without risking the root system rotting.

What substrate?

Drain the soil well to prevent moisture from stagnating around the roots, as liriope does not tolerate waterlogged substrates. Its development is optimal in a humus-bearing substrate, rather cool and slightly acidic.

We recommend creating a mix of potting soil or potting soil for containers, good garden soil, heather soil, and 1/3 coarse sand (for drainage).

Prepare a sufficiently draining substrate for your pot planting

Planting Liriope in Pots

How to Plant a Liriope in a Pot?

• To start, spread gravel, pumice, or clay balls at the bottom of the pot to ensure good drainage.
• Add the substrate mix until the pot is about half full.
• Remove your liriope from its original pot and place it in the centre of the pot.
• Fill in around the root ball with substrate.
• Water generously.

Exposure

Liriope is a perennial plant that thrives in shade and partial shade. In its natural state, it grows in damp woods and clearings. It particularly enjoys a semi-shaded position but can also tolerate filtered sunlight, as long as the substrate remains moist throughout the warm season. In the most exposed regions of southern France, position it out of the scorching sun’s rays. In the East, be cautious of cold winds; in this case, a larger pot providing protection or a small bush beside it will be effective in sheltering it.

Liriope enjoys shaded exposures or filtered sunlight

Caring for potted Liriope

Liriope requires very little maintenance.

Watering

While it tolerates some missed waterings when grown in the ground, the situation is different in pots. Preferring rather cool soils but without excess in its natural medium, you should provide regular watering. Water once or twice a week on average, as soon as the substrate begins to dry out on the surface. Increase water supply during prolonged dry spells. Allow the root ball to dry well on the surface between waterings and nearly stop watering in winter. Prefer rainwater, as it is not particularly fond of lime.

Fertilisation

In pots, the plant depletes the nutrients in its substrate more quickly. It develops better and will flower more profusely in soil rich in organic matter. Each year, in autumn, consider adding a handful of decomposed compost by scratching it into the base of the clumps.

Pruning

Liriope does not require pruning; it is more about simple cleaning to maintain an elegant appearance for the clumps:

1. remove the faded spikes after they have withered
2. at the beginning of spring, cut off the yellowed, dry, and damaged leaves using pruning shears

Wintering

Liriope is very hardy; it withstands cold well and can easily spend the winter outdoors. However, in pots, the roots are more exposed to frost: in very cold regions, it is advisable to place the container out of the winter rains to avoid any water stagnation around the roots during the cold season.

Repotting

After 2-3 years, when the plant begins to show signs of fatigue, you may consider repotting. Do not hesitate to carry out a top dressing to renew the old potting soil with fresh each year.

Your potted liriope requires some care, particularly an addition of organic matter to compensate for substrate wear, and regular watering.

For further reading

Find all our tips for growing Liriope in our file “Liriope: planting, growing, propagating”