Isabella® Liriope

Isabella Liriope (Liriope muscari 'LIRF') is a lawn alternative you mow once a year. This fine leaved, compact spreading liriope reaches about 40cm high and 50cm wide when left alone, or sits at 15cm to 20cm high after its yearly cut, and carries soft pink flower spikes in late summer. Bred by Ozbreed as a better border than mondo grass, it performs in full sun, drought and frost where mondo browns off, and recovers faster from damage.

Why you'll love it

• One mow a year. Cut or mow it once in July or August and new growth covers the old leaves by spring.
• Sun or deep shade. It grows in full sun and in up to 90 per cent shade, so one plant carries a bed from the open lawn edge to under the eaves.
• Tougher than mondo. It holds its colour through drought and frost and bounces back from foot traffic and the dog's favourite shortcut.
• Pink flowers. Short spikes of pink flowers rise above the foliage in late summer, a bonus most lawn substitutes do not offer.
• Safe for pets. Liriope is not toxic to cats or dogs, so it suits family gardens and play areas.

Where it works best

Lawn alternative. Plant 30cm apart, 12 plants per square metre, for full cover in 9 to 12 months, or 40cm apart, six per square metre, for cover in 18 to 24 months. It takes light foot traffic, not a cricket pitch.

Borders and stepping stones. A single row at 15cm to 25cm spacing, four to eight plants per metre, makes a neat green edge. Tucked between stepping stones it softens the path and copes with being stepped on.

Mass planting under trees. Where turf gives up in root filled shade, Isabella keeps going. Set plants 30cm to 40cm apart and mulch between them until they meet.

Growing Isabella Liriope in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to 90 per cent shade. It tolerates frost, drought and humidity and is recommended for every state and territory.

Soil. All soil types suit it. For a lawn, prepare the ground as you would for turf and plant straight into it; in a garden bed, mulch around the plants with a chunky mulch.

Water and feed. Water as required for the first 8 to 13 weeks until established, then only in long dry spells. A slow release fertiliser in spring is optional and speeds up cover.

Pruning. Mow or cut back once a year in July or August, after which it sits at 15cm to 20cm high through the year. It looks better for the annual mow, but if you miss one the spring and summer growth will hide the older discoloured leaves.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Isabella Liriope in 140mm pots in packs of 10 and in 200mm pots in packs of 6. The 140mm packs are the value choice for a lawn area; the 200mm plants give an instant border. Plants travel upright and start spreading within weeks in warm soil. Full lawn cover takes a season or two, so mulch the gaps.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Our Liriope muscari growing guide
• Browse the full liriope range
• See every Ozbreed plant we stock
• More groundcover plants

Common questions

Can I really walk on it?

Light, regular foot traffic is fine, and it recovers from damage better than mondo. Heavy daily wear, games and vehicles will still open it up, so use stepping stones on the main route.

How many plants do I need for a lawn?

Twelve per square metre at 30cm spacing covers in 9 to 12 months; six per square metre at 40cm takes 18 to 24 months. A pack of 10 covers just under one square metre at the faster rate.

Will it grow in heavy shade?

Yes, up to 90 per cent shade, which makes it one of the few lawn alternatives that works under established trees and along the south side of a house.