The lily cluster is still little known in Germany, but it is a real eye-catcher and is well suited for shady beds.
The lily cluster (Liriope muscari) is also known as Liriope and is an insider tip for the garden. If you are looking for a beautiful planting for your shade beds, you should get your money's worth here. The lily cluster is often used as ground cover or for borders. But it also cuts a fine figure in discounts.
Origin of the lily cluster
The lily cluster belongs to the Liriope genus and is also often referred to as the bell cluster. Their origin goes back to China. Here the lily cluster is very common, especially in shady areas. As part of the asparagus family, it often spreads unnoticed and slowly unfolds its beauty. The clumpy perennials are evergreen and reach a height of up to one metre.
| Lily cluster (Liriope muscari) | |
|---|---|
| Growth: | Perennial / Tuber |
| Growth: | up to 100 cm |
| Growth: | up to 60cm |
| Flower: | August to October |
| Location: | partially shaded, shady |
| Floor: | gravelly, loamy |
Location and environment for the lily cluster
The origins of the lily cluster tend to be exotic, so it is important to find the right location for them. She likes it warm, but doesn't want to be in direct sunlight. The lily clusters, for example, thrive very well in areas that are partially shaded to shaded. If the lily cluster is to be used in a sunny area, the leaves need protection. Otherwise the sun can dry them out and reduce growth and flowers.
It is important to ensure that the plants are placed where they will not get too wet when it rains. They can't handle strong winds either. Damage to the plants will result in them dying or not developing the desired amount of buds.
The soil should be as rich in nutrients as possible. The lily clusters grow particularly well where the soil is more loamy to gravelly.
This is forthe planting important
It is best if the lily clusters are planted in the ground between March and April. If it is planted later, it is possible that not enough roots will develop by autumn and the plant will not survive the winter. When planting, the following points are important:
- Loosen the soil well
- Plant spacing of around 20 to 30 cm so that they can spread
- Place perennials in suitable holes in the ground and cover with soil
- working with a compost mixture to give the plants strength
» Note: The lily cluster is particularly impressive when up to ten perennials are planted in one area. This creates pleasantly bushy areas that also look very impressive in bloom.
Proper care of the lily cluster
The Liriope is not often found in German gardens, but this is not due to the fact that it needs a lot of care. In fact, it is a fairly low-maintenance plant. The soil should not be wet, but needs a comfortable humidity. If it is very dry over a longer period of time, then the lily cluster needs to be watered more frequently.
Pruning back in spring is necessary to achieve even growth. Regular division at intervals of two to three years is also recommended. This is where the weak roots are taken.
Propagating clusters of lilies
Propagation usually takes place via the seeds. Autumn is ideal for this. The seeds on the plants are removed. In order to be able to remove the seeds, the seed heads are simply shaken slightly. Over the winter period the seeds are now drying and should not be given too much light to prevent them from germinating. As soon as no more frost is to be expected, the seeds can be planted directly in the beds and watered.
Possible pests and diseases
Basically, the lily cluster is very robust. However, it can be susceptible to fungus. Anthracnose occurs particularly frequently. It can be recognized by the fact that spots form on the leaves and the leaves then slowly turn brown and fall off. Once spots appear on individual leaves, the leaves should be cut off directly to reduce further spread.
Especially in spring there is often an increased infestation by snails. Effective protection is recommended here so that the plants are not damaged too muchtake.