Digging up liriope can be a challenging task, especially if you have the more aggressive variety known as liriope spicata. This particular type of liriope has a strong root system and spreads vigorously, making it difficult to remove from the ground.
I have personally experienced the struggle of digging up liriope spicata. A few years ago, I decided to remove a patch of this plant from my garden to make room for new plantings. Little did I know the battle I was about to face.
Firstly, liriope spicata sends out underground rhizomes, which are thick, fleshy roots that can extend quite far from the main plant. These rhizomes can be a few inches to several feet long, making it challenging to completely eradicate the plant. When trying to dig up liriope spicata, you may find yourself encountering a tangled mess of these stubborn rhizomes, making the task frustrating and time-consuming.
Additionally, liriope spicata has a dense mat of foliage, which further complicates the digging process. The leaves and stems intertwine, creating a solid mass that is resistant to being pulled or dug up. This can require a significant amount of effort and strength to break through and remove.
One method I found helpful when trying to dig up liriope spicata is to use a sharp spade or shovel to cut through the root system. By starting at the outer edges of the plant and working your way inward, you can gradually loosen the soil and sever the rhizomes. This method requires patience and persistence, as you may need to make multiple passes to completely remove all the roots.
Another technique that can be effective is to wet the soil before attempting to dig. Moist soil is easier to work with and can help loosen the root system. However, be cautious not to overwater, as this can make the soil too muddy and difficult to work with.
If you find that digging alone is not sufficient to remove liriope spicata, you may need to resort to other methods such as tilling or using a garden fork. Tilling can help break up the soil and expose the rhizomes, making them easier to remove. However, be aware that tilling can also spread the plant further if any small rhizome fragments are left behind.
In my own experience, I ended up using a combination of digging, tilling, and hand-pulling to remove liriope spicata from my garden. It was a labor-intensive process that required several hours of work over several days. However, with perseverance and determination, I was eventually able to eradicate the plant.
To summarize, digging up liriope, particularly the more aggressive liriope spicata, can be a challenging and time-consuming task. The strong root system and dense foliage make it resistant to removal, requiring patience, persistence, and potentially additional methods such as tilling. If you find yourself faced with the task of removing liriope spicata, be prepared for a tough battle, but know that with the right techniques and determination, it can be accomplished.
