Monkey grass : An Ultimate Guide to Liriope Groundcover

Monkey grass is a popular ornamental groundcover prized for its hardy, grass-like foliage and striking flower spikes. Also called lilyturf or lily grass, this evergreen perennial (genus Liriope) forms dense clumps or mats that remain green year-round in many climates. Although its name might conjure images of a monkey in grass, it has nothing to do with primates it’s simply a resilient garden plant. Monkey grass tolerates full sun to deep shade, is drought-resistant once established, and requires very little care.

Gardeners often use monkey grass plants to edge paths, line flowerbeds, or cover bare spots under trees, because it stays neat and does not need mowing. For example, GardeningKnowHow notes that “Liriope is a tough grass often used as a border plant or lawn alternative,” producing a low, tidy edge that is “green year after year”. Whether you search for “monkey grass border” ideas or “monkey grass plants” for your yard, you’ll find that this groundcover is valued for both its versatility and its low maintenance requirements.

Monkey grass offers ornamental appeal year-round. Monkey grass is actually not a true grass but a lily-like plant in the asparagus family. The common name applies to several species, including Liriope muscari (clumping monkey grass) and Liriope spicata (creeping monkey grass), as well as Ophiopogon japonicus (mondo grass).

All of these are evergreen perennials used as groundcover. In fact, Southern Living explains that “all monkey grasses fall into one of two groups: the genuses Liriope or Ophiopogon,” and that “Liriope is larger, has wider blades, and comes in lighter colors than mondo grass”. In short, the term monkey grass can refer to either liriope or mondo plants, which often leads to confusion. Horticulturists note, for example, that “you should never have to buy new liriope just get extra plants from your neighbors!” because they spread or reseed readily.

Types & Varieties of Monkey Grass

There are several monkey grass (Liriope) varieties, each with its own look and growth habit:

• Liriope muscari – Often called clumping monkey grass or Big Blue lilyturf. It forms upright 12–18-inch-tall clumps with broad, arching leaves. In summer it produces violet-purple flower spikes, followed by shiny black berries. This type (sometimes just called lilyturf) is popular for edging beds and loves both sun and part shade.

• Liriope spicata (creeping monkey grass) – A spreading form that grows only about 8–15 inches tall but sends out underground runners to form a carpet. It has narrower leaves and pale lavender or white flower stalks in late summer. Because it spreads fast, it’s excellent as a dense groundcover under trees or on slopes, but can be invasive if unchecked. (Note: L. spicata is often called lilyturf as well.)

• Variegated Monkey Grass – Any of the above varieties may have variegated-leaf cultivars. For example, Liriope muscari ‘Variegata’ has green leaves edged or streaked with creamy white. It blooms with purple flower spikes and is especially eye-catching in shadier garden spots. According to Gardenia, this variegated monkey grass “is an evergreen perennial forming a loose clump of narrow, arching, green leaves striped with creamy white”, topped by lilac-violet blossoms. This cultivar grows about 12–15 inches tall and is hardy in zones 5–10. It’s “deer and rabbit resistant, heat and drought tolerant,” and nearly pest-free.

Other notable cultivars include ‘Big Blue’, a popular 18-inch selection with vivid blue-violet flowers, and ground-hugging mondo grasses (genus Ophiopogon) which are often grouped under the umbrella of “monkey grass” in gardening. To sum up, whether you choose clumping liriope, creeping liriope, or one of the color-variegated varieties, all monkey grass plants share the qualities of toughness and evergreen color.

Figure: Clumps of monkey grass (Liriope) with purple flower spikes. These liriope plants form a dense, low-maintenance groundcover in a shaded garden.

Mondo Grass vs. Monkey Grass:

Gardeners often wonder: what’s the difference between mondo grass vs. monkey grass? In fact, both terms can be confusing because Ophiopogon japonicus (commonly called mondo grass) and various Liriope species are each referred to as “monkey grass.” Both belong to the asparagus family and look grass-like, but there are distinctions. In general, Liriope (monkey grass) grows taller and has wider, usually variegated or lighter-green leaves, whereas Ophiopogon (mondo grass) stays shorter with very narrow dark-green leaves.

For example, Liriope muscari often reaches 12–18 inches high with purplish flower spikes, while mondo grass varieties are typically under 6–12 inches with small white flowers. Liriope also tends to have showier blooms: mondo grass blooms are usually pale and inconspicuous, while liriope produces dense clusters of violet or lavender flowers. (After flowering, mondo grass makes blue berries, whereas Liriope makes black berries.)

Both plants serve similar landscaping roles edging, groundcover, weed suppression but the key differences are height, leaf width, and flower color. As one source explains, “Liriope is larger, has wider blades, and comes in lighter colors than mondo grass,” even though both are “evergreen, flowering plant commonly called monkey grass.” In practice, if you want a very low-growing groundcover (2–4 inches) choose mondo; for a taller border plant (12+ inches) choose liriope.

Planting and Care:

Monkey grass is extremely easy to grow once you know its preferences. Here are some simple steps and tips for planting and caring for monkey grass:

1. Soil & Location: Choose well-drained soil. Most monkey grasses tolerate a wide soil pH and texture, but do best in fertile, moist soil. They grow in full sun to deep shade. (Variegated types often prefer a bit of shade to keep the foliage crisp.) Generally, Liriope muscari loves morning sun with afternoon shade, and L. spicata handles shade even better.

2. Planting: Space plants about 12 inches apart for clumping types (L. muscari) and 8–12 inches for spreading types (L. spicata). Dig a hole just deep enough for the root ball. Set the plant in with its crown at or just above soil level, and firm the soil around it. GardeningKnowHow advises mulching around liriope to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. If planting established clumps, you can literally pull them apart or divide the root mass every few years to create new plants.

3. Watering: Keep young plants consistently moist until established. After that, monkey grass is quite drought-tolerant. One guide notes these liriope plants are “resilient and drought-resistant,” requiring minimal watering once grown. However, like most plants, they appreciate regular watering in very dry spells. Water in the morning (rather than wetting foliage at night) to prevent leaf-spot diseases.

4. Maintenance: Aside from weeding and the occasional watering, very little is needed. Fertilize lightly in spring if desired. In winter or early spring, many gardeners mow or shear back the foliage to ground level and remove old dead leaves, encouraging fresh shoots. This is especially recommended for clumping liriope in regions with cold winters to prevent the old leaves from laying flat.

5. Propagation: You can propagate by division or by seed. For division, simply dig up a clump and separate it into sections with 3–5 shoots and intact roots. Then replant the sections. Seeds are also available (rarely sold by seed, but some suppliers like Outsidepride offer monkey grass seeds in packets), though growing from seed takes patience. If sowing seeds, start them in spring; they can take up to 2–3 months to germinate fully (optimal temperature ~41°F).

By following these steps, most gardeners find their monkey grass thrives with little effort. In fact, one lawn-care expert calls it a “no-fuss solution” for a garden edge.

Landscaping Uses & Benefits:

Because of its form and durability, monkey grass is favored in landscape design for several reasons:

• Borders and Edging: Monkey grass makes an excellent edging along paths, driveways, or garden beds. It stays compact (especially clumping liriope) and gives a neat, flowing border. Many gardeners call it border grass for this reason. For example, [Gardening Know How] notes that in USDA zones 5–10 “a border of monkey grass is a no-fuss solution,” creating a low, evergreen edge that “sets off taller plants.”.

• Groundcover & Weed Suppression: Spreading types (like L. spicata) are used as a dense groundcover that crowds out weeds. In open areas, a planting of monkey grass can quickly form a lawn-like carpet that doesn’t need mowing. The dense foliage, especially in shade, suppresses weed growth and keeps soil in place. It’s often planted beneath trees or shrubs where grass doesn’t grow well. Southern Living points out that liriope can be used on “slopes to control erosion, as ground cover under trees and shrubs, in containers, or as a border plant”.

• Shade-Tolerance: Many lawns struggle under trees, but monkey grass thrives. Liriope (and mondo grass) tolerate deep shade, making them ideal for planting where other perennials or grasses fail. Shade-loving varieties like Liriope muscari ‘Monroe White’ (which even blooms white) are perfect for dark corners.

• Year-Round Interest: Being evergreen in milder climates, monkey grass gives visual interest even in winter. Variegated varieties add color with their striped leaves, and even in winter the foliage remains a sculptural clump. Moreover, the summer flower spikes (purple, white or lavender) add seasonal color. For these reasons, lilyturf is described as a “stunning foliage plant” that “works nicely for container use as well”.

• Wildlife and Safety: Monkey grass is deer-resistant and non-toxic, so deer, rabbits, and pets usually leave it alone. It also won’t attract nuisance critters. (Contrary to what the name might suggest, actual monkeys or other animals aren’t interested in it at all.)

Overall, incorporating monkey grass into a garden adds a polished, low-maintenance look. Its ability to stay green and lush under challenging conditions (shade, drought, heat) means gardeners can rely on it for texture without constant upkeep. Designers often pair liriope with flowering shrubs or perennials for layered color; for instance, planting big blue liriope in front of taller Phlox or Hydrangeas creates a pleasing border effect.

Pests, Problems & “Pest Control”

One of monkey grass’s strengths is its pest-resistance. Liriope and mondo grass generally have very few serious pests or diseases. According to horticultural references, “no serious diseases or pests occur” with creeping liriope. Some occasional issues may include:

• Fungal Diseases: In very wet conditions, liriope can develop rust or leaf spot (anthracnose) on older foliage. These appear as reddish or brown streaks on leaves. To prevent this, water at the base rather than overhead and ensure good air circulation. If spots appear, removing affected leaves or applying a fungicide can help.

• Scale Insects: Occasionally small scale insects can appear, leaving tiny white or brown spots. They can usually be wiped off or treated with insecticidal soap.

• Slugs and Snails: In very moist gardens, slugs or snails might nibble on young shoots. Good garden hygiene (mulch removal, traps) usually suffices.

• Overcrowding: If left undisturbed for many years, dense clumps can peter out in the center. Every few years, divide old clumps or thin them to keep the patch vigorous.

Importantly, most sources emphasize that lilyturf is “virtually disease- and pest-free”. If you search for “grass monkey pest control,” note that monkey grass rarely needs special treatment. Regular garden care (weeding, proper watering) is usually all that’s required.

In other words, grass monkey pest control is minimal. There’s no need to spray insecticides or fungicides routinely. Simply monitor the plants and remove any debris around them. If any pest issue does pop up, standard organic controls (hand-picking slugs, spraying soapy water on scales) are effective. Many gardeners consider liriope a set-and-forget plant: once planted, it maintains itself with little intervention.

Buying Monkey Grass and Propagation:

If you’re wondering “monkey grass for sale,” you have plenty of options. Many nurseries carry Liriope muscari (often listed as Lilyturf or Big Blue Liriope), and some mail-order companies sell plugs or divisions. You can also find monkey grass seeds online or in catalogs (for example, seed vendors offer packs of 25–50 liriope seeds). Planting from seed is possible but slower; most home gardeners prefer buying small plants or dividing existing clumps.

Key points for buying/propagating:

• Look for healthy, green clumps labeled for your USDA zone (monkey grass grows in zones 5–10, roughly). Variegated and color selections (like ‘Big Blue’, ‘Marc Anthony’, etc.) may be available.

• When planting out purchased plants, follow the spacing and care tips above. If buying seeds, sow them outdoors in early spring or try a winter sowing method (they can germinate in cool, damp conditions).

• Division: As noted, simply lift and split older clumps. This is the easiest and fastest way to propagate. After dividing, water thoroughly until they re-establish.

With so many monkey grass plants available on the market, you can easily find options like varieties suited for sun, shade, or variegated foliage. The low cost and easy propagation mean you can usually expand your planting by splitting neighbors’ plants or swapping divisions with gardening friends.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What are the main differences between monkey grass and mondo grass?
A: They are both groundcover plants in the asparagus family, but monkey grass (genus Liriope) tends to be taller with broader leaves and dark purple flowers, while mondo grass (Ophiopogon) is shorter with very narrow leaves and pale flowers. Both form evergreen mats, but remember that “monkey grass” can refer to either genus. Check plant labels to be sure which one you’re getting.

Q: How do I plant monkey grass as a border?
A: Prepare a well-drained bed and space plants about 12 inches apart for clumping varieties (or 8–12 inches for spreading types). Plant so that the top of the root mass is at soil level. Water in well and mulch to conserve moisture. Over time, the plants will spread and fill in to create a neat, edging border. You can even plant them in between stepping stones or along walkways for a green, grassy effect.

Q: Is monkey grass invasive?
A: Clumping liriope (L. muscari) is not invasive – it slowly increases by offsets and stays contained. However, creeping liriope (L. spicata) sends out runners and can naturalize if left unchecked. In fact, a gardening tip sheet warns that “if you plant Liriope spicata, you will end up with a creeping groundcover that, in some situations, can become invasive.”. To control it, simply remove unwanted runners or divide clumps periodically.

Q: How do I control pests on monkey grass?
A: Fortunately, you usually don’t have to. Liriope is largely pest-free. Keep plants healthy by watering properly (water in the morning) to avoid fungal issues, and clean up debris. If scale insects or slugs appear, treat them individually (insecticidal soap, hand-pick, etc.). These measures are part of normal garden pest control, so grass monkey pest control is minimal compared to many other plants.

Q: Where can I buy monkey grass plants or seeds?
A: Monkey grass is widely available. Check local nurseries, garden centers, or online plant retailers for Liriope plugs. You’ll also find seed packets (e.g. 25 or 50 seeds) from specialty sellers. When buying, ensure it’s hardy to your zone (USDA 5–10) and select the variety you prefer (clumping vs. spreading, green vs. variegated).

Q: What is this “grass monkey Pokemon” I’ve heard about?
A: That term usually refers to Grookey, a Grass-type monkey Pokémon character. It has green fur and looks like a cartoon monkey, but it’s not related to our monkey grass plant. In gardening context, “grass monkey” or “monkey grass” refers only to the liriope groundcover, not to any Pokémon. (Fun fact: Grookey is a grass monkey Pokemon from the Pokémon Sword/Shield game series, but that’s a different topic entirely!)

Q: How do I grow variegated monkey grass?
A: Variegated forms (like Liriope muscari ‘Variegata’) grow just like the plain ones, but they often do best with some shade to prevent leaf scorch. Plant them 12–15 inches apart. They will form showy clumps of green-and-white leaves. The watering and care tips are the same. Gardenia.net notes that ‘Variegata’ stays about 12–15 inches tall and wide, and is deer-resistant and virtually pest-free.

Q: Why is it called “monkey grass”?
A: The origin of the name isn’t certain. Some say it might come from the way the leaves resemble grass in a monkey’s habitat, or perhaps it was just a folksy name that stuck. Regardless, no actual monkeys or animals are involved – it’s just an easy way for gardeners to remember this low, grassy plant. The important thing is that monkey grass (Liriope) has more in common with lilies than with any primate.

Q: Can I use monkey grass as a lawn substitute?
A: You could in shaded or low-traffic areas. Creeping liriope (L. spicata) will form a dense mat reminiscent of turf, but it won’t tolerate foot traffic well. Some people indeed use it as a grass alternative under trees or in pathways. Just know it won’t handle heavy wear like real grass. For an “lawn substitute,” mondo grass is sometimes used between pavers or in small patches because it forms a tight cover at very low height.

Q: What if I see deer eating my garden? Will they eat monkey grass?
A: Monkey grass is generally deer-resistant. Deer prefer tender shoots, but liriope’s tough, arching leaves are unappealing to them. It’s often recommended as a pet-safe, deer-friendly plant for this reason.

Engage & Learn More:

Monkey grass is a gardener’s favorite for good reason: it checks all the boxes of a great groundcover – versatility, hardiness, and year-round interest. By now you should feel confident using keywords like monkey grass, grass monkey, or even grass monkey Pokemon in context: we’ve made it clear that monkey grass refers to the plant, while the Pokemon reference is just fun trivia.

We hope you found this in-depth guide valuable. Do you have experiences with monkey grass in your garden? Share your photos and tips in the comments below! If you enjoyed this article, please share it on social media or bookmark it for future reference. Happy gardening!

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