[Image: super blue liriope photo]Over the last few years we have seen a number of new liriopes being released in the nursery industry. Most are just now finding their way to the landscape market and retail garden centers. These new cultivars are being evaluated in landscape performance trials at the Hammond Research Station. Marc Anthony, Cleopatra, New Blue and Supergreen are releases from PDSI in Loxley, Ala. Mayan Blue and Super Blue are from KPS Sales in Apopka, Fla. Emerald Goddess is a release from Rode Groundcovers in Florida. Here are brief descriptions of some of the new cultivars.
New Liriope muscari cultivars:
Marc Anthony -- The only one of its kind to have three color hues, the new leaves on this cultivar originate as golden yellow and green and become white and green as they mature. Its graceful lavender blooms peak in mid-summer. 16 inches tall. USDA hardiness zones 5-9. Full sun to partial shade.
Cleopatra -- This cultivar is a clumping liriope with foliage spreading up to 15 inches, and in mid-summer, lovely lavender spikes rise from the dark green foliage to create a wonderful accent. 24 inches tall. USDA hardiness zones 5-9. Full sun to partial shade.
New Blue -- An improvement on traditional liriopes, New Blue sports a truly clumping growth habit and deeper foliage (dark green) and bloom (lavender) colors. The refined leaf texture and outstanding quantity of beautiful flower spikes will convert the most reluctant landscapers into liriope fans. 15 inches tall. USDA hardiness zones 5-10. Full sun to partial shade.
Emerald Goddess -- Lavender flowers. Mature height is 12inches to 15 inches. Faster growing than most other cultivars. Superior resistance to common fungal and bacterial plant pathogens. Dark green foliage retained in winter. Floral display has better intensity, height, uniformity and duration than other liriope cultivars. USDA hardiness zones 5-10.
Super Blue – no specific description available. New selection from Big Blue. More vigor than other Big Blue selections.
Mayan Blue – no description available.
New Liriope gigantea cultivar:
Supergreen -- An improved variety of traditional Evergreen Giant, offering foliage that is darker green and coarse in nature. Its vigorous growth habit and lavender blooms offer additional benefits to the landscape. 18 inches tall. Full sun to partial shade. USDA hardiness zones 7-10.