Liriope, often known as lilyturf, is a versatile, grass-like ornamental plant valued for its evergreen foliage and spikes of purple or white flowers. Its resilience and adaptability make it a popular choice for various landscape applications, from groundcover to edging. While generally low-maintenance, transplanting becomes beneficial to refresh existing beds or expand plantings. This guide details how to successfully transplant liriope, ensuring its continued health.
Why and When to Transplant Liriope
Liriope is transplanted for several reasons. Over time, established clumps can become dense and overcrowded, reducing vigor, flowering, or overall plant health. Transplanting allows division of overgrown specimens, rejuvenating the parent plant and propagating new ones. Additionally, gardeners may relocate liriope for new landscape designs or if plants are no longer thriving due to light changes or competition.
The optimal time for transplanting is during moderate temperatures, minimizing plant stress and promoting root establishment. Early spring, as new growth emerges, is ideal. This allows the plant to recover during the active growing season. Alternatively, early fall, several weeks before the first hard frost, also provides favorable conditions for root establishment before winter dormancy.
Preparing for Transplanting
Successful transplanting requires preparing both the plant and its new environment. Gather tools before starting:
A sturdy spade or garden fork for digging
A sharp knife or pruners for dividing clumps
A wheelbarrow or tarp for moving soil and plants
A watering can or hose
The new planting site needs careful consideration for liriope to thrive. Select a location with full sun to partial shade and good drainage. If soil is heavy clay or very sandy, amend it with organic matter like compost to improve structure and nutrient retention. Dig new planting holes to comfortably accommodate the liriope’s root ball, ensuring the plant sits at its original level.
Preparing the liriope plant itself reduces transplant shock. Water the plant thoroughly a day or two before transplanting. Moist soil helps the root ball stay intact during removal, minimizing root disruption and transplant shock.
The Transplanting Process
Begin by digging around the liriope clump. Use a spade or garden fork to create a circle 6-12 inches from the plant’s base, depending on its size. Dig deeply to get beneath the root system, gently prying the clump from the soil while keeping the root ball intact. Lift the entire clump onto a tarp or into a wheelbarrow for transport or division.
If the liriope clump is overgrown or you wish to propagate, division is straightforward. Place the lifted clump on a flat, stable surface. Using a sharp spade or sturdy knife, cut through the root ball, dividing it into smaller sections. Each division needs a healthy portion of roots and at least a few shoots of foliage for successful establishment. Aim for divisions around 4-6 inches in diameter.
When replanting, place the liriope division or clump into the prepared hole, ensuring the root ball top is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with excavated soil, gently firming it around the roots to eliminate air pockets. Avoid planting too deeply, which can smother the plant’s crown. After backfilling, create a small soil berm around the planting hole to retain water.
Immediately after planting, water the newly transplanted liriope thoroughly. This initial watering settles soil around roots, removing air pockets and providing moisture. Continue watering until the soil is saturated, allowing it to percolate down to the root zone. This minimizes transplant shock and encourages new root growth.
Post-Transplant Care
Consistent watering is important during the establishment phase. For the first few weeks to several months, especially during dry periods, ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Check soil moisture by inserting a finger about 2 inches deep; if it feels dry, water. Adequate moisture supports new feeder roots, important for the plant’s long-term health.
Regularly observe the transplanted liriope for any signs of stress, such as wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth. While some initial wilting is common due to transplant shock, prolonged or severe symptoms may indicate a need for adjusted watering or protection from intense sun. Ensuring proper moisture levels is usually the primary corrective action for these symptoms.
Applying a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the transplanted liriope can offer several benefits. Mulch helps to conserve soil moisture by reducing evaporation, regulates soil temperature fluctuations, and suppresses weed growth that could compete for water and nutrients. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the plant’s crown to prevent moisture buildup and potential rot.
Avoid fertilizing newly transplanted liriope immediately after planting. Focus on root establishment, not new top growth, which can further stress the plant. Once the plant shows clear signs of new, healthy growth (typically after several weeks or months), a light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer can support its continued development.