Liriope muscari ‘Okina'

Blue Lilyturf Asparagaceae

Okina’ is the lilyturf that decided green was simply too predictable. This exceptionally attractive evergreen perennial emerges in spring with foliage that is almost ghostly white, before gradually developing green speckles, streaks and margins. As the season progresses, the leaves become increasingly green, eventually maturing to deep green by autumn, giving the plant several foliage colours in a single season.

Selected in Japan by nurseryman Akira Shibamichi, ‘Okina’ was brought to Plant Delights Nursery in the USA in 1996 and introduced to American horticulture in 2002. Its remarkable juvenile foliage was the characteristic that made the selection particularly desirable: new leaves emerge almost entirely white before progressively developing their green markings.

From late summer into autumn, upright spikes of violet-blue to purple flowers rise above the strap-like foliage, providing a striking contrast to the pale new growth. Rounded black berries follow and may persist into autumn.

An excellent choice for illuminating a shady border, woodland garden or container. Grow in moist, humus-rich but well-drained soil in partial to full shade. Clump-forming and well behaved, it provides excellent evergreen structure while delivering considerably more seasonal theatre than the average lilyturf.

Height: 30–40cm
Spread: 40–50cm
Flowering: August–October
Hardiness: H5, approximately -15 to -10°C
Position: Partial shade to shade
Soil: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil