Liriope 'Purple Explosion' is a vibrant cultivar of lilyturf that produces dense clumps of glossy green foliage topped with upright spikes of rich purple flowers. Its vivid flower color and compact form make it ideal in edging paths or massing in borders.
Height & Spread: 12 - 16 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Late summer to early fall
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Tolerant of a wide range of well drained soils; prefers fertile, organic soils
Watering Needs: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Deer and rabbit resistant
Native Status
This plant is a cultivated selection of Liriope muscari, a species native to East Asia and commonly used in gardens across the southeastern United States.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Flower spikes attract late season pollinators, especially small native bees and sweat bees gathering nectar into fall.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 12 - 18 in apart to form a lush border or mass planting that maintains definition without overcrowding.
Landscape Placement
- Ideal for edging walkways, planting under trees, or filling mixed perennial beds where vibrant late season flowers and evergreen foliage can shine. Also excellent in containers and slopes.
Companion Plants
- Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) - Echoes flower color and adds height and pollinator value in sunny pairings.
- Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop' - Provides bold foliage contrast and shares tolerance for dry shade conditions.
- Salvia nemorosa 'May Night' - Offers dark purple floral spikes and foliage that contrast beautifully in full sun areas.
- Carex 'Evergold' - Adds fine, arching blades with creamy margins for year round color in mixed borders.
- Hosta 'June' - Brings textured, variegated foliage to shaded combinations with Liriope’s purple flowers.