Aztec Grass – Liriope muscari ‘Aztec Grass’ (Variegated Lilyturf, Live Starter Plants)

Aztec Grass (Liriope muscari ‘Aztec Grass’) is a radiant, grass-like evergreen perennial grown for its eye-catching variegated foliage. The arching, strappy leaves are green boldly edged and striped in creamy white to pale yellow, lighting up shady corners and adding crisp color contrast to beds and borders. In late summer, small flower spikes rise above the clump and are followed by little dark berries — but it’s the bright, fountain-like foliage that makes Aztec Grass a favorite for edging, mass plantings, and easy groundcover. Despite its name, it isn’t a true grass; it’s a tough, low-maintenance member of the lilyturf family.

Why Grow Aztec Grass?

• Brilliant variegated foliage – green leaves striped in creamy white brighten shade and add year-round contrast.
• Tough & low-maintenance – evergreen, drought- and salt-tolerant once established, and deer- and rabbit-resistant.
• Shade-friendly – thrives in part shade to shade where many plants struggle, and tolerates sun with enough moisture.
• Versatile – perfect for edging walkways, mass plantings, slopes, containers, and under trees.
• Tidy clumper – forms neat fountain-like tufts that fill in without taking over.

Looking for more groundcovers and edging plants? Browse our Groundcovers & Border Plants collection.

Plant Specifications at a Glance

• Botanical name: Liriope muscari ‘Aztec Grass’ (Aztec lilyturf, variegated lilyturf; sometimes listed under Ophiopogon)
• Plant type: Clumping, evergreen, grass-like perennial (not a true grass)
• Plant family: Asparagaceae (the asparagus family)
• Mature size: about 1–2 feet tall and 1–2 feet wide in tidy clumps
• Foliage: Arching, strappy green leaves boldly variegated with creamy-white to pale-yellow edges
• Flowers: Small late-summer flower spikes (white to pale lavender) followed by small dark berries
• Notable traits: Drought-, salt-, and shade-tolerant; deer- and rabbit-resistant; evergreen
• Cold Hardiness Zones: 7–10

Aztec Grass Care & Growing Guide

This is one of the easiest, most forgiving plants for shade. Follow these guidelines:

• Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade to shade; tolerates sun, especially with afternoon shade and steady moisture. Shade brings out the brightest variegation.
• Water: Water regularly to establish, then occasionally — it’s moderately drought-tolerant once mature. Keep it evenly moist for best looks, but never let it sit in standing water.
• Soil: Adaptable to most soils; prefers well-drained, slightly acidic ground.
• Cold Hardiness Zone: 7–10. In the coldest part of its range it may brown or die back in winter, then flush back out in spring.
• Grooming: Cut or mow old, tired foliage to the ground in late winter or early spring, before new growth emerges, to keep it fresh and tidy.

Good to know: the berries are mildly toxic if eaten, so it’s best to keep curious children and pets from snacking on them.

Ways to Use Aztec Grass in the Landscape

• Bright edging along walkways, beds, and patios
• Mass plantings and groundcover under trees
• Shade and woodland gardens
• Slopes and erosion control
• Containers and mixed plantings

It pairs beautifully with other shade-loving and tropical-look plants. Gardeners often combine it with Philodendron Xanadu, Podocarpus, compact Japanese Boxwood, or colorful Summer Sunset Jasmine.

What You’ll Receive

These are live Aztec Grass starter plants grown and shipped by Carlo’s Plant Farm. Plants are less than 12 inches tall when we ship them. The photos in this listing depict mature plants of the correct species so you can see how they will look as they grow. Choose your preferred plant bundle size using the options above.

Due to different state laws, we reserve the right to charge extra fees in order to comply with those laws if necessary.

Ordering, Shipping & Returns

Every order ships free and is insured against loss or damage in transit. For full details on how we pack and send your plants, processing and delivery times, and what to do in the rare case of a problem, please review our Shipping Policy and Terms & Conditions before purchasing. By placing an order you agree to those terms.

Aztec Grass FAQ