Liriope muscari Ingwersen

The Liriope muscari 'Ingwersen', very similar to Ophiopogons but hardier, is a perennial rhizomatous plant forming a persistent tuft of shiny dark green ribbon-like foliage, reminiscent of grasses. This particularly floriferous variety, offers from late summer until autumn, erect longer and more abundant clusters than other liriopes, adorned with small blue-violet bell-shaped flowers. This very resistant plant makes good ground cover and will elegantly adorn the base of trees, borders, pots, in well-drained soil, in the sun, in partial shade, and even in dry shade.

The Liriope muscari 'Ingwersen' is an improved form of Liriope muscari belonging to the family Asparagaceae (Liliaceae). This herbaceous perennial forms dense clumps, and its stems are almost non-existent. It forms a dense cluster of leaves, about 35 cm (14in) in all directions, slowly widening to form large dark patches in the long term. Its growth is quite slow, and it is never invasive. Its evergreen leaves are ribbon-like, lanceolate, measuring over 15 cm (6in) in length and about 1 cm (0in) in width. They are glossy and very dark green. The summer flowering lasts until October. The inflorescences are spikes that can reach 40 cm (16in) in height, bearing numerous intense blue-violet bell-shaped flowers that harmonize well with the dark foliage. The flowering is followed by the formation of black fruits.

It is a discreet but versatile and very useful plant in the garden. Its great resistance to cold, drought, and shade allows it to be used in many situations: in woodland, at the base of trees, as a border to highlight the design of a pathway, in rockeries in the company of heathers for example, or in Japanese-style gardens. It is also a plant that grows very well in pots, on a window or balcony. It is so accommodating that it will forgive watering neglect, thrive in gardens without gardeners or weekend gardens.