Liriope

Tough evergreen perennials, from eastern Asia, which are happy to grow in tricky shady conditions. Foliage, is glossy and narrow, sometimes variegated. Flowering occurs in late summer to autumn, on a separate spike, with small, rounded flowers, often followed by black berries. In Greek mythology, Liriope is a nymph and mother of Narcissus (a hunter and great beauty!).

The dense spikes of flowers attract bees and flies in particular, while the berries are favoured by fruit-eating birds, from blackbirds to pheasants. The foliage can form dense patches and provide shelter for invertebrates and amphibians.