Liriope - Ask Extension
I am trying to kill the Liriope growing on about a 2 to 3 foot wide and many yards long path leading to my front door. I put down black plastic severa...
Knowledgebase
Liriope #947193
Asked October 16, 2026, 1:06 PM EDT
I am trying to kill the Liriope growing on about a 2 to 3 foot wide and many yards long path leading to my front door. I put down black plastic several weeks ago to kill the liriope. I know I need to wait at least until spring before I pull up the plastic. I just purchased alum root plugs as a replacement. Can I cut holes in the plastic and insert the plugs now or do I need to wait till spring?
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
You may need longer than the winter to kill the liriope since it won't be actively photosynthesizing.
You should wait until there is no longer any liriope before planting the Heuchera. You could plant it in a protected container that's sunk into the ground or in another location to then relocate in the spring.
If you aren't opposed to using a targeted herbicide, you could mow the liriope down first, then carefully spray a systemic herbicide like glyphosate or triclopyr just on the crown of the plants, then cover for the winter. That may make it easier to remove them in the spring.
Emily
