Monkey Grass Ground Cover – Transform Your Bare Spots Into Lush
Have you ever looked at a patchy, shaded corner of your yard and wondered why nothing seems to thrive there? Many gardeners struggle with erosion on slopes or stubborn weeds that invade their flower beds every spring.
I promise you that using monkey grass ground cover is one of the most effective ways to solve these landscaping headaches once and for all. It is incredibly hardy, stays green most of the year, and requires very little intervention from you.
In this guide, I will show you how to select the right variety, plant it for maximum impact, and maintain it so it looks pristine for years to come. Let’s dive into how this versatile plant can transform your outdoor space into a lush sanctuary.
What's On the Page
- 1 Choosing the Right Variety of Monkey Grass Ground Cover
- 2 Why Experienced Gardeners Love This Versatile Plant
- 3 Step-by-Step Guide to Planting for Success
- 4 Essential Care and Maintenance Tips
- 5 Creative Design Ideas for Your Landscape
- 6 Troubleshooting Common Problems
- 7 How to Propagate and Multiply Your Plants
- 8 Frequently Asked Questions About Monkey Grass Ground Cover
- 9 Conclusion: Go Forth and Grow!
Choosing the Right Variety of Monkey Grass Ground Cover
Before you head to the local nursery, it is vital to understand that “monkey grass” is actually a nickname for two different plants. While they look similar, their growth habits are completely different and will change how you design your garden.
The first type is Liriope muscari, which is often called clumping lilyturf. This variety stays in neat, tidy mounds and is perfect for creating defined borders or edges along a walkway.
The second type is Liriope spicata, also known as creeping lilyturf. Unlike its clumping cousin, this variety spreads via underground runners and will quickly fill in large areas, making it a true monkey grass ground cover for erosion control.
The Beauty of Big Blue and Variegated Options
If you want a classic look, look for the “Big Blue” cultivar. It features deep green blades and produces lovely lavender flower spikes in the late summer that look like miniature hyacinths.
For gardeners who want to brighten up a dark, shady corner, I always recommend the variegated varieties. These have striking creamy-white or yellow stripes on the leaves that catch the light beautifully.
Understanding Mondo Grass vs. Liriope
Sometimes, people confuse Mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus) with Liriope. Mondo grass is generally shorter, has thinner leaves, and offers a more delicate, carpet-like texture for the garden.
While Mondo grass is beautiful, Liriope is much tougher and handles foot traffic and poor soil conditions better. If you have a “problem area,” Liriope is almost always the superior choice for durability.
Why Experienced Gardeners Love This Versatile Plant
I have used this plant in dozens of garden designs because it is essentially a “utility player.” It performs well in full sun, deep shade, and everything in between, which is a rare trait in the plant world.
One of the biggest benefits is its ability to suppress weeds. Once the monkey grass ground cover fills in, the dense root system and thick foliage leave no room for unwanted invaders to take hold.
It is also remarkably drought-tolerant once established. After the first year, you can usually rely on natural rainfall to keep it happy, unless you are experiencing a record-breaking heatwave.
Erosion Control on Slopes
If you have a steep bank where grass won’t grow and soil washes away during rainstorms, Liriope spicata is your best friend. Its aggressive root system acts like a net, holding the soil firmly in place.
I’ve seen it turn “impossible” mud pits into beautiful green hillsides in just two growing seasons. It is a natural, living solution that looks far better than plastic mesh or expensive retaining walls.
Low Maintenance Requirements
Let’s be honest: we all want a beautiful yard, but we don’t always want to spend every Saturday weeding. This plant only needs attention once a year—a quick trim in late winter is all it takes.
It doesn’t require frequent fertilizing or deadheading. It simply sits there looking beautiful, which allows you to focus your energy on more demanding plants like roses or heirloom tomatoes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Planting for Success
Planting monkey grass ground cover is a straightforward process, but doing a little prep work will help the plants settle in much faster. You can plant them almost any time the ground isn’t frozen.
However, I find that planting in the spring or early fall gives the roots the best chance to establish before the stress of extreme summer heat or winter cold sets in.
Preparing the Soil
While this plant isn’t picky, it does prefer well-drained soil. If you have heavy clay, I suggest mixing in some organic compost or aged pine bark to help with drainage and aeration.
Use a garden fork to loosen the soil to a depth of about six inches. This makes it much easier for the new roots to spread out and find nutrients in their new home.
- Dig the hole: Make it twice as wide as the nursery pot but no deeper.
- Place the plant: Ensure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
- Backfill: Fill the hole with soil and press down firmly with your hands to remove air pockets.
- Water deeply: Give the new transplant a long soak to help settle the roots.
Spacing for Maximum Coverage
If you are using the clumping variety for a border, space them about 6 to 10 inches apart. This will create a continuous ribbon of green as they mature and touch each other.
For the creeping variety used as a mass ground cover, you can space them 12 inches apart. It might look a bit sparse at first, but don’t worry—those runners will fill the gaps quickly.
Essential Care and Maintenance Tips
Even though this is a low-maintenance plant, a little bit of “pro” knowledge goes a long way. The most common mistake I see is people leaving the old, tattered foliage on the plant for too long.
In late February or early March, before the new green shoots emerge, you should cut the plants back. This removes the winter-burned leaves and makes room for fresh, vibrant growth.
The “Mowing” Trick
If you have a large area of monkey grass ground cover, you don’t have to use hand shears. You can actually set your lawnmower to its highest setting and mow right over the top of it.
Just make sure your mower blades are sharp! Dull blades will tear the leaves rather than cutting them cleanly, which can lead to browning and disease issues later in the spring.
Watering and Fertilizing
During the first year, water your plants once or twice a week if it doesn’t rain. You want the soil to stay moist but not soggy. Once they are established, they are incredibly resilient.
As for food, a light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring is plenty. I usually just toss a handful of 10-10-10 over the area right after I’ve finished the annual pruning.
Creative Design Ideas for Your Landscape
Don’t just think of this plant as a filler. It can be a design powerhouse when used correctly. One of my favorite tricks is using it as a “softener” for hard edges like stone walls or concrete driveways.
The arching leaves break up harsh lines and make the transition between the built environment and the natural garden feel much more organic and inviting to the eye.
Under-Tree Planting
It is notoriously difficult to grow traditional turf grass under large shade trees like Oaks or Maples. The trees steal the light and the water, leaving the grass thin and sickly.
Monkey grass thrives in these conditions. It can handle the “dry shade” found under tree canopies and creates a beautiful green carpet where nothing else will grow.
Container Gardening
I often use variegated Liriope in large containers as a “filler” plant. Its fountain-like shape provides great texture and contrast when paired with upright flowers or trailing vines.
Plus, because it is a perennial, you can leave it in the pot year-round in most climates. It provides structure and color even when your annual flowers have faded for the season.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
No plant is completely perfect, but monkey grass comes pretty close. Most of the issues you might face are related to excessive moisture or specific pests that are easy to manage.
If you notice the tips of the leaves turning brown, it could be a sign of salt burn or underwatering during a drought. Usually, a good deep soak will fix the problem within a week.
Dealing with Slugs and Snails
In very damp, shady areas, slugs and snails might decide to have a snack on the tender new leaves. You’ll see small, ragged holes or silvery slime trails on the foliage.
I find that a sprinkle of organic slug bait or even a shallow dish of beer buried at soil level works wonders. It’s a simple fix that keeps your monkey grass ground cover looking its best.
Root Rot and Drainage Issues
If the entire plant starts to turn yellow and mushy, it is likely suffering from root rot. This happens when the soil stays saturated for too long, essentially “drowning” the roots.
If this occurs, you may need to dig up the affected plants, improve the soil drainage with grit or compost, and replant them. Prevention is key—always check your drainage before planting!
How to Propagate and Multiply Your Plants
One of the best things about this plant is that it is the “gift that keeps on giving.” You can easily turn a few store-bought pots into dozens of plants over just a few years.
Propagation is done through division. This is best performed in the spring when you are already doing your annual cleanup and pruning, as the plants are entering their active growth phase.
Dividing Clumps Step-by-Step
Wait for a day when the soil is moist but not muddy. Dig up an entire clump of Liriope muscari using a sharp spade or a garden fork, being careful to get as much of the root system as possible.
Use a sharp knife or even the edge of your spade to slice the clump into smaller sections. Ensure each new section has a healthy set of roots and at least a few green shoots.
- Keep them moist: Don’t let the exposed roots dry out in the sun while you work.
- Replant immediately: Get the new divisions back into the ground as quickly as possible.
- Water well: Treat these “babies” with extra care for the first few weeks to help them recover.
Frequently Asked Questions About Monkey Grass Ground Cover
Is monkey grass invasive?
The clumping variety (Liriope muscari) is not invasive at all. However, the creeping variety (Liriope spicata) can spread aggressively. If you want it to stay in a specific spot, stick with the clumping types.
Will deer eat my monkey grass?
Generally, no! Monkey grass is considered deer-resistant. While a very hungry deer might nibble on almost anything, they usually find the tough, fibrous leaves of Liriope unappealing.
Can I walk on it?
It can handle occasional foot traffic, like a dog running through it or a person stepping into the bed to reach a bird feeder. However, it is not a replacement for a lawn and won’t survive daily heavy walking.
Does it produce berries?
Yes, many varieties produce dark, berry-like fruits in the fall after the flowers fade. These berries are often a deep purple or black and add an extra layer of winter interest to your garden beds.
Conclusion: Go Forth and Grow!
Adding monkey grass ground cover to your landscape is one of the smartest moves you can make as a gardener. It solves problems, looks beautiful in every season, and asks for very little in return.
Whether you are trying to stop a muddy slope from washing away or simply want a clean, green edge for your flower beds, this plant is up to the task. Remember to prune it back once a year and choose the right variety for your specific goals.
Gardening should be a source of joy, not a never-ending list of chores. By choosing hardy, reliable plants like these, you can spend less time working and more time enjoying the beauty of your outdoor sanctuary!
