How to Grow Liriope in Containers

Pick a container with a diameter of 8 to 12 inches for a single planting of liriope, or add several plantings to a larger container. Wood, plastic, metal and pottery pots all work. Just make sure the planter has holes in the bottom so water can drain out.

Put a few shards of broken pottery or a 1-inch layer of coarse gravel over the bottom of the pot. The pottery or gravel covers the drainage holes to keep soil in and let water out.

Spread a layer of potting soil over the rocks. Mix 2 parts commercial potting mix with 1 part compost to create a light, nutritious soil environment.

Remove the liriope from the nursery pot by holding the base of the plant in one hand and wiggling the pot free with the other. Squeeze the pot slightly to encourage the root ball to slide free.

Place the liriope plant in the center of the container when planting individual plants. Space multiple plants 8 to 12 inches apart. Hold the liriope plant by the root ball with the base of the stems 1-inch below the the rim of the pot while adjusting the soil under the roots until the plants sit on the soil at the correct height.

Add soil a few handfuls at a time around the root ball until the soil line is level with the base of the plant. Pat it down and soak the pot with water. Add more potting soil mix if the soil level sinks after the first watering.

Place the pots in a spot that gets shade or sun. Liriope plants grow well in a range of light conditions from shade to full sun. In full or part sun, liriope blooms more abundantly. As a foliage plant, part to full shade is suitable.

Water the containers when the top of the soil feels dry. Check the pots every two to three days during hot weather. If you have your liriope in full sun, check the pots daily during summer. Plants in containers, particularly clay and wood, dry out faster than plants in the soil.

Leave container-grown liriope outdoors in winter in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 and higher. In colder climates, bring the plants indoors and keep them in a protected area where the temperature is 32 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Clip off the dead foliage in late winter or early spring. New growth emerges from the soil in spring. so be careful to avoid damaging the green shoots. Use garden shears or scissors to cut off the dead leaves and flower stalks.

Fertilize once every one to two months between spring and late summer using a 5-10-5 slow-release fertilizer. Follow the directions on the fertilizer container to determine the amount and application method for the specific fertilizer brand.