Royal Purple Lilyturf

Name: Royal Purple Lilyturf
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
SKU: 20215
Price: 28.17 USD
Availability: InStock

Liriope muscari 'Royal Purple'

Nature Hills Nursery

$28¹⁷

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In Stock

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Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Plant in full sun to partial shade. While it handles shade well, six hours of direct sunlight produces the deepest purple flower spikes and the densest foliage.
Soil: This plant thrives in well drained soil rich in organic matter but adapts to most conditions. If you have heavy clay, mix in a few handfuls of compost at planting to help the roots breathe and prevent rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water twice a week to ensure the root system reaches deep into the soil. Once established, this plant is remarkably drought tolerant and only needs supplemental water during long dry spells. Inconsistent moisture during the peak of summer can lead to brown leaf tips, so a deep soak every two weeks during a drought keeps the foliage looking crisp.

Pruning Tips

In late winter or very early spring before new growth starts, mow or shear the foliage back to about three inches tall. This acts like a fresh haircut, removing winter damaged leaves and clearing the way for bright new blades to emerge from the center. Since the flowers bloom on new growth, this annual cleanup ensures you get the best floral display possible.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring as you see new green shoots appearing. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this encourages tender new growth that can be easily damaged by the first frost. A single application in spring provides all the fuel needed for a full season of color.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Purple Magic Wands! The graceful arching blades of dark green leaves on the Royal Purple Lilyturf (Liriope muscari 'Royal Purple') provide colorful evergreen foliage with purple tinges!

Purple flower spikes look reminiscent of Grape Hyacinth blooms and rise above the strappy foliage on dark purple stems.

The deep purple blooms add unique beauty to your landscape. Butterflies and bees will seek out your flowers as they bloom throughout the later parts of the growing season.

How to Use Royal Purple Lilyturf In The Landscape

Lilyturf is a wonderful groundcover and border plant! Adding depth and dramatic colors throughout your full and part-shaded areas. Royal Purple Liriope is often used for colorful lawn replacement!

Mass plantings colonize and add mysterious color on hard-to-mow slopes or let cascade gracefully over your Rock garden or as facer plants around larger shrubs and trees.

Edge garden beds and borders with colorful structures and use them as a spiller and filler in your containers, planters, and window boxes.

Spikes of Deep-Purple Flowers
Darker Purple Stems
Strappy Grass-Like Leaves
Easy Care & Low Maintenance
Evergreen Clumping Arching Groundcover

#ProPlantTips For Care

Royal Purple is hardy, compact beauty that loves full sun, partial shade, or even full shade! Especially in hot climates, Lilyturf appreciates some shade in the hot sun of zones 5-10. In warmer zones, this plant will be evergreen. In colder zones like 5 and 6, you may need to plant in protected locations and not in exposed locations. In late winter or very early spring, these plants can be cut back to the ground eliminating all of the old foliage to make room for all new foliage that will develop from the roots.

Best in moderately rich, acidic soil types, especially well-drained soils. Easy care, they're deer and rabbits, heat, humidity, and drought tolerant, Lilyturf are also disease and pest-free!

Full Sun & Partial Shade
Moderate Moisture Needs
Easy-Care & Deer/Rabbit Resistant
Can Be Evergreen In Warmer Climates
Prune Very Early Spring

For gorgeous color, versatility, and dramatic texture in the garden, order your own Royal Purple Lilyturf from Nature Hills today!

Botanical Name

Liriope muscari 'Royal Purple'
Class
- Asparagales
Species

muscari
Cultivar

Royal Purple
Growing Zones

5-10
Height

1-2 ft
Width

1-2 ft
Sunlight
- Full sun
- Partial shade
- Shade
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color
- Purple
Leaf Color
- Green
Fall Color

Evergreen
Bloom Period

Late Summer, Early Fall
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Growing Zones 5-10

Find Your Growing Zone!

Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is Royal Purple Lilyturf suitable for?

Royal Purple Lilyturf thrives in USDA zones 5-10. In warmer zones it stays evergreen year-round, while in colder zones 5-6 it needs protection from harsh winter exposure. Plant in sheltered locations if you're in the northern range.

How often should I water Royal Purple Lilyturf, especially in the first year?

Water newly planted Royal Purple Lilyturf weekly for the first growing season to establish roots. Once established, this drought-tolerant perennial needs only moderate moisture and can handle dry spells in zones 5-10. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry between waterings.

Is the foliage of Royal Purple Lilyturf evergreen, or does it die back in cold climates?

Royal Purple Lilyturf is evergreen in warmer zones but may die back in colder areas. In zones 5-6, plant in protected locations rather than exposed sites. Cut foliage to the ground in late winter to make room for fresh spring growth.

Is Royal Purple Lilyturf deer-resistant or rabbit-proof?

Royal Purple Lilyturf is both deer and rabbit resistant, making it an excellent choice for areas where these pests are problematic. This hardy perennial thrives in zones 5-10 and maintains its pest-free qualities year-round. Plant it as a natural barrier around more vulnerable plants or use it in mass plantings where wildlife browse is common.

Does Royal Purple Lilyturf spread aggressively, or does it stay in clumps?

Royal Purple Lilyturf forms clumps rather than spreading aggressively like some groundcovers. This clumping habit makes it perfect for defined borders and mass plantings in zones 5-10. Plant multiple clumps close together for fuller coverage, available at naturehills.com.

How is Royal Purple Lilyturf shipped, bare root or potted, and what about shipping guarantees?

Royal Purple Lilyturf ships as potted plants, not bare root, which gives you established root systems ready to transplant. Live plant guarantees typically cover arrival condition and early establishment. Plant in spring or fall for best results in zones 5-10.

What size plants are shipped, like quart pots or 3-inch pots, and how mature are they?

Royal Purple Lilyturf typically ships in 2.5-3 inch pots as young but established plants. These starter plants will fill out into mature clumps within 1-2 growing seasons in zones 5-10. Plant them 12-18 inches apart for groundcover or use individually as accent plants.