I think you are expecting too much too fast :-) A fall planting of liriope is not going to spread very much, if at all, over winter......it may not even spread very much after its first full year. "Conquering the planet" may take 2-3 seasons, perhaps more, depending on soil conditions and watering. Liriope spicata is very sun tolerant if it recieves sufficient irrigation.

Hi - Yes, gardengal48 is right. I have lots of the
l. spicata and it has taken a couple years to really
take off. I am in z- 8 Texas. I have it planted in
full sun and shade. Both have grown and taken off
wonderfully! Goodluck - tina_2

Thank you so much for the responses! It makes me feel much better.

I didn't expect that they'd grow during the winter (lol...they have been covered with snow most of the winter here). My confusing reference to them in the winter was intended to convey that they appear to be alive. I had read some things that lead me to believe that they could take over in a matter of a few months. I'm so glad to hear that it can take some time. I am definitely willing to wait.

Should I consider planting something else with the liriope that the liriope will eventually choke out? I am thinking of the inevitable and unconquerable weeds this year. Or is a pre-emergent advisable or would that harm the liriope?

Thanks so much again.

Lisa

I've got another question, if someone could help. I'm in zone 5. This is the first spring for my liriope and now that spring is trying to stay here permanently, I'm wondering if I should cut my liriope back? Right now, it's looking a bit scraggly and brown although there is quite a bit of green to each plant.

Cut back or not?

Thanks.

I've read that you can either trim it back in spring or mow hard. Your choice.

I'm the OP and also have a follow-up question. My liriope is showing new growth--about one to two inches coming from the center of each. How hard should I battle the weeds that are filling in around it? Will the liriope win out without my intervention? The area is quickly filling in with low-growing weeds, which I've been working on pulling, but the little liriope plugs are easy to pull out accidentally.

Thanks in advance!

Lisa

I planted liriope in clay soil last year. It grew quite strong this summer even though I did have to pull weeds from around it. Just be patient and try to keep it watered and weeded. It is well worth the wait.