About Border Grass
The plant liriope, also known as border grass, can provide you with quick, flowering groundcover. This is a hearty plant, that is resistant to both overly dry and wet conditions, and that is easy to care for. You'll need to be careful where you plant it, however. Liriope is so successful at spreading and growing that it can overpower and take over your entire garden.
This border grass is technically not a member of the grass family at all. Liriope is a member of the lily family. It can grow from 8 to 10 inches tall, with smooth, grass-like fronds. In the summer, a strand of purple or white flowers sprouts from the center of the plant. These flowers dry to white or black berries in the autumn.
There are two varieties of liriope commonly available: liriope spicata and liriope muscari. Liriope spicata quickly puts down thick, fibrous roots in long strands. These runners can even go beneath walkways and sidewalks. Liriope muscari doesn't spread as aggressively, but it can be expensive. You'll need to buy many more plants to cover the same ground.
Planting
Since this plant is so hearty, you can plant it at nearly any time of year. You'll likely buy your border grass in one large clump. Separate the mass into smaller pieces with scissors or a knife. It should break apart easily. You can place the plants as close together or as far apart as you'd like. Liriope spicata will spread quickly in soil that is damp and soft. You don't need to follow specific requirements regarding sunlight and watering. This plant will get along without much fuss.
To reduce the risk of spreading by liriope spicata, choose a shady location for your plants. They are unlikely to grow quite so aggressively if they're out of bright locations. Liriope spicata is an excellent choice to cover shade-covered hills to prevent erosion. The thick roots will keep the soil in place, and you won't be required to mow or weed the bed. If you choose to plant your liriope in a sunny location, cut the foliage back close to the ground after the first freeze. This will keep your plants in check and ready to grow for next year.
If you decide to move your liriope to a new location, the process couldn't be simpler. Dig up a plant, of any size you choose, and plant it in a new flower bed with a little water. The liriope plants in your old flowerbed will quickly fill the space left behind, and the new plant will take hold and begin spreading. Removing liriope altogether is a much more difficult process, as the plant puts down such an intense root system and is accustomed to losing all leaves in the winter. You may have to use hard chemicals to completely eradicate liriope from your yard. Be sure to plant with care and make sure you want liriope before you plant it.
