How To Use Monkey Grass For A Low-Maintenance Landscape

Monkey grass is the South's favorite ground cover. It's easy to find, simple to care for, usually evergreen, and tolerates heat. Throw in the fact that many types boast showy flowers, and you have a keeper.

It's tough too. Tolerant of shallow soil, drought, dogs, and deer, these Asian natives can survive the occasional crushing by car tires, bicycles, and the disoriented FedEx guy. Because it grows thick and mat-like, weeds rarely become a problem. Little or no fertilizer is required. For all of these reasons, this plant is one of the best secrets to low-maintenance gardening.

Select the right monkey grass, and your reward is even greater. Some prefer full sun, while others are better suited to shade. Some clump, and others creep. Here's how to use different types of monkey grass in your landscape.

Common and Distinguishing Features

All monkey grasses fall into one of two groups: the genuses Liriope or Ophiopogon. Both are evergreen, flowering plants from the Asparagaceae family, which also includes asparagus, yucca, hosta, snake plant, and spider plant, according to World Flora Online. Both are generically called monkey grass. While liriope also goes by lily turf or spider grass, ophiopogon’s common name is mondo grass. Liriope is larger, has wider blades, and comes in lighter colors than mondo grass. They are both used as ornamental grasses in borders, beds, slopes, and edging.

Liriope Care

• Botanical Name: Liriope
• Sun Exposure: Full, partial
• Soil Type: Well-drained
• Soil pH: Neutral, acidic

In general, all liriopes do well in filtered sun to full shade and aren't picky about soil. The best time to plant them is in fall, a month before the first frost, so they have time to establish their roots. Trim liriope in late winter or early spring. Mow or cut back foliage to the ground before new shoots emerge. If you do it after the shoots are up, the tips will be snipped blunt, and your liriope will be stuck with a ragged look for a year.

You can divide clumps every few years if desired. Divide in fall or winter in areas with mild winters. In colder regions, wait until summer. To divide liriope, pull sections with 3 to 5 shoots and intact roots from the plant while it’s in the ground. Or dig up the entire plant and cut it into sections, then plant each section and water well until established.

Liriope Landscape Ideas

Liriope fills a variety of needs in landscaping. Plant it on slopes to control erosion, as ground cover under trees and shrubs, in containers, or as a border plant, where it outlines walkways and margins in the landscape. It is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant.

Types of Liriope

Use these types of liriope in different ways throughout your landscape.

• Liriope muscari is the most common clumping form and is often used for edging.
• 'John Burch' and 'Silvery Sunproof' are popular selections that excel in sun.
• 'Big Blue' is the perfect choice for dry shade. These liriopes boast lavender to purple flowers followed by dark purple fruit.
• 'Monroe White' is a white-flowering selection that loves shade. Height ranges mostly from 10 to 15 inches tall.
• ‘Cleopatra’ (Liriope muscari ‘Bigun’) is a good choice for slopes. It grows 15 inches tall and wide with dark green leaves with purple flowers.
• 'Evergreen Giant' grows in the Coastal or Tropical South. It stretches to 2 feet tall and makes a great substitute for a low shrub.

Mondo Grass Care

• Botanical Name: Ophiopogon
• Sun Exposure: Partial, shade
• Soil Type: Well-drained
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic

Equally durable and just as carefree, mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus) likes filtered sun to shade and well-drained soil. Foliage is fine and dark, making it an elegant choice for a formal or small garden. Heights can range from 2 to 12 inches, depending on selection.

Divide mondo grass every few years if you desire more plants. In early spring, dig up a clump and use a clean knife or hands to divide it into sections with 8 to 10 leaves and lots of intact rhizomes. Plant at least 6 inches apart, and water regularly until established.

Mondo Grass Landscape Ideas

Mondo grass grows in clumps that never need to be mowed. It is slow growing and stays small, making it a good choice to grow as a ground cover, under trees, or as a lawn alternative. Use it to line pathways, between pavers, or in containers. It is considered invasive in some parts of the South. Dig a trench to act as a barrier to control spreading.

Types of Mondo Grass

Plant these mondo grass varieties to make an impact in small spaces.

• Dwarf mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nanus’) is a slow-growing, compact, clumping variety that grows just 4 to 6 inches tall and wide with purple flowers. It works well planted in clusters or lined along borders and edges.
  
• Ground-hugging, slow-growing 'Gyoku Ryu' is a nice choice for between stepping-stones. It’s dark green and only grows 3 inches tall and wide.
  
• Black mondo grass (O. planiscapus 'Nigrescens') grows well in containers and looks dramatic when paired with anything chartreuse. It grows in clumps 5 to 6 inches tall and wide with pink flowers.