Big Blue liriope is the workhorse edging plant of Southern landscapes: neat, grass-like evergreen clumps about a foot tall, topped with violet flower spikes in late summer. Use it to line walks and beds, ring trees, or blanket dry shade where lawn gives up.

It grows in nearly any light, from full sun to deep shade, and in nearly any soil. Deer, rabbits, and drought don't bother it. The one job it asks: mow or shear the old foliage in late winter so fresh leaves come up clean.