Monkey grass, often sold as Liriope or Ophiopogon, is a popular choice for ground cover and border edging due to its resilience and attractive, grass-like foliage. Achieving the desired landscape effect, whether a dense, uniform carpet or a defined edge, depends entirely on selecting the correct planting distance. This spacing determines how quickly and effectively the plants will cover an area.
Selecting the Site and Preparing the Soil
Before considering spacing, ensure the chosen location is suitable for the plant’s long-term health and spread. Monkey grass exhibits remarkable tolerance, thriving in conditions ranging from full sun exposure to deep shade. The amount of light the plants receive will influence how quickly they fill in the space between them.
Proper soil drainage is a significant factor in preventing root issues, particularly in areas receiving heavy rainfall. While Liriope is robust, sitting in soggy soil can lead to root rot and poor establishment. If the planting site contains heavy clay, amend it by integrating a generous amount of organic matter, such as compost or aged manure. This improves the soil structure, allowing excess water to drain away while still retaining necessary moisture for the roots.
Determining Spacing for Specific Coverage Goals
The distance between individual plants is determined by the desired outcome and the timeline for achieving mature coverage. For gardeners aiming to create a solid, continuous carpet of foliage as quickly as possible, a mass planting approach is recommended. This involves placing plants close together, typically centered about 6 inches apart.
This 6-inch on-center spacing allows the plants to merge and create a uniform ground cover within two growing seasons. For gardeners looking to establish a defined border or edging row, a wider spacing of 8 to 12 inches apart is generally more appropriate. This wider distance allows each individual plant to develop a distinct, clumping form, which can take longer to visually connect but provides a crisper linear appearance.
Consider the specific variety being planted, as this impacts the rate of spread. Liriope spicata is known for its aggressive, rhizomatous spreading habit, meaning it fills in gaps faster than clumping varieties. Conversely, Liriope muscari and Ophiopogon varieties maintain a tighter, defined clump. For these clumping types, the initial spacing decision is important for long-term density; opting for the closer 6-inch spacing will ensure the ground cover goal is met efficiently.
Proper Planting Techniques for Establishment
Once the site is prepared and the spacing measurements are marked, planting should be executed with care to minimize transplant shock. The planting hole should be dug approximately twice as wide as the root ball of the containerized plant. However, it must be no deeper than the height of the root ball itself.
This wider hole allows the newly developing roots to easily penetrate the loosened surrounding soil, encouraging rapid lateral growth. Before placing the plant, gently loosen any roots that appear tightly bound or matted, which is common in nursery stock. This simple action helps the roots break free from the circular pattern and begin growing outward into the native soil.
The crown of the plant, which is the point where the leaves emerge from the root structure, must be positioned at or slightly above the surrounding soil level. Planting the crown too deeply can lead to moisture accumulation around the base of the foliage, causing stem and root rot. After the plant is set in the hole, backfill the space with the excavated soil, gently firming it around the root ball to remove any air pockets that could dry out the roots.
Initial Care and Maintenance
Following planting, the focus shifts to ensuring the plants successfully establish themselves. Deep and consistent watering is necessary during the first four to six weeks, the period when new roots are actively developing. The goal is to keep the soil consistently moist, not saturated, to encourage the root system to grow downward and outward.
A light layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark or pine straw, applied around the base of the plants aids in the establishment phase. Mulch helps regulate soil temperature and reduces moisture evaporation from the surface. This also suppresses competing weed growth, which can steal water and nutrients from the newly planted monkey grass.
Monitor the foliage for signs of transplant shock, such as wilting or browning leaves. If the plants appear to be struggling after the initial weeks, ensuring adequate water remains the priority. Fertilization is not necessary immediately after planting, but a light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be applied after the first month to support sustained growth once roots have taken hold.