Liriope minor
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Frost limit
- −12.2 °C
Cultivation
Prefers a sandy soil. Not very hardy in Britain, it is best to give the plants some protection in the winter. Closely related to L. muscari. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.
Propagation
Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing it in a cold frame or greenhouse as soon as the seed is ripe if possible, if not then sowing the stored seed in early spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.
Edible uses
The following use is reported for L. graminifolia, but there is a lot of confusion between members of this genus (compare ) and it is quite possible that the root of this species is also used[K]. Root - cooked.
Medicinal uses
The root is aphrodisiac, pectoral and stimulant.
Material uses
A good drought tolerant evergreen ground cover plant.
Habitat
Lowland and foothills all over Japan.
Native range
E. Asia - China, Japan.