Liriope, commonly known as Lilyturf or Monkey Grass, is a popular groundcover prized for its grassy texture and ability to thrive in various light conditions. This perennial is often used for edging and mass plantings due to its clumping habit. Division is the primary method for propagation, allowing gardeners to multiply their stock and maintain the plant’s vigor and appearance over many seasons.
Recognizing the Need to Divide
Division is often done to control spread, rejuvenate older plants, or propagate new ones. The need for division becomes visually apparent when the plant’s growth slows and its overall health declines. An overcrowded clump exhibits reduced vigor, producing fewer new leaves and smaller flower spikes.
Look closely at the center of a mature plant; a classic sign of overcrowding is a dead or sparse area in the middle, giving the clump a doughnut-like appearance. The root mass becomes dense, making it difficult for water and nutrients to penetrate the core. Dividing the plant every three to five years is a common practice to prevent this decline and ensure consistent, lush growth.
The Best Time for Liriope Division
Optimal division of Liriope occurs during its dormant or semi-dormant period, when the plant is not actively putting energy into new leaf growth. Early spring is the optimal time, just before the plant breaks dormancy and begins its seasonal growth cycle. Dividing in early spring allows new divisions a full growing season to establish a strong root system before summer heat arrives.
Late fall is also acceptable, provided transplants have at least six to eight weeks to settle their roots before the first hard frost. This window is suitable for regions with mild winters, as cooler, moist soil encourages root healing. Avoid dividing Liriope during the peak of summer heat or the depth of winter, as these periods place too much stress on the plants and reduce the chances of successful establishment.
Step-by-Step Division and Replanting
Before digging, prune the foliage back, a process sometimes called “scalping,” to about two to three inches above the crown. This minimizes water loss through transpiration after replanting and makes the root ball easier to handle. Use a sharp spade to dig around the perimeter of the clump, capturing as much of the root mass as possible before lifting it out of the ground.
Once extracted, place the dense root ball on a solid surface to begin separation. For smaller clumps, you may be able to tease the crowns apart by hand. However, a sharp, sterilized knife or spade will be necessary for large, woody masses. For very tight root balls, insert two garden forks back-to-back into the center and pull the handles apart to gently pry the clump into smaller sections.
Each separated division should have a healthy cluster of roots and at least two or three individual crowns. Immediately replant these divisions into a prepared location to encourage new root growth. Plant the divisions at the same soil depth they were growing originally, making sure not to bury the crown, as this can lead to crown rot.
Space the divisions approximately 12 to 18 inches apart if you desire a dense, continuous groundcover. After replanting, water the new divisions thoroughly until the surrounding soil is saturated, which helps settle the soil and eliminate any air pockets around the roots. Consistent moisture is necessary for the first few weeks until the plants show clear signs of new growth, indicating successful establishment.