Liriope muscari Monroe White

Liriope muscari 'Monroe White', very similar to Ophiopogons but hardier, is a rhizomatous perennial plant forming an evergreen clump of foliage with shiny dark green ribbon-like leaves, reminiscent of grasses. From late summer to autumn, upright clusters of bell-shaped white flowers appear. This very resistant plant makes a good ground cover and will elegantly adorn the base of trees, borders, and pots, in well-drained soil, in the sun, in partial shade, and even in dry shade.

Liriope muscari 'Monroe White' is a white form of Liriope muscari belonging to the family Asparagaceae (formerly Liliaceae). This herbaceous perennial forms dense clumps and has almost non-existent stems. It forms a dense bouquet of leaves, measuring 40 cm (16in) in all directions, slowly spreading to form large dark patches. Its growth is quite slow, and it never becomes invasive. Its evergreen leaves are ribbon-like and 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 continues until October with flower spikes that can reach 40 cm (16in) in height, bearing numerous small white bell-shaped flowers that contrast 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 a 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 rock gardens alongside heathers for example, or in Japanese-style gardens. It is also a plant that thrives well in pots, on a windowsill or balcony. It is so accommodating that it will forgive watering lapses and thrive in gardens without gardeners or weekend gardens.