Monkey grass (Liriope and Ophiopogon) is a popular, resilient evergreen perennial frequently used as a groundcover or border plant. Its dense, grass-like foliage and ability to tolerate a wide range of conditions make it desirable for various landscape applications. Successfully relocating or propagating this plant relies on a precise method of division and careful handling of its robust root system.
Optimal Timing and Site Preparation
Transplanting monkey grass is most successful during periods of mild weather, specifically in early spring before new growth begins, or in early fall as temperatures start to cool. These seasons reduce transplant shock by minimizing stress from extreme heat or cold, allowing the plant to focus energy on root establishment. The ideal window is when the plant is still semi-dormant in late winter or very early spring, which encourages rapid root growth once the soil warms.
Preparing the destination site is important for the plant’s long-term health. Monkey grass prefers well-draining soil; if the area contains heavy clay, loosen and amend it with organic material like compost. Dig a planting hole approximately twice as wide as the root ball to encourage new roots to spread easily. For a dense groundcover effect, new divisions should be spaced 6 to 12 inches apart.
The Digging and Division Process
Before removal, thoroughly water the mature clump in its original location to saturate the root zone and help keep the root ball intact. To extract the plant, use a sharp spade or garden fork to dig a wide circle around the clump, capturing a generous amount of the root system. Once the surrounding soil is loosened, carefully lever the entire mass out of the ground, minimizing root damage.
The dense, fibrous root mass of monkey grass, especially in older clumps, often requires forceful division. Place the clump on a solid surface and use a sharp, sterilized knife, a hatchet, or the edge of a spade to cut straight through the root ball. Smaller clumps may be gently pulled apart by hand.
Each separated division, no matter how small, must contain a portion of the leafy foliage and a healthy network of roots, known as the crown. This ensures the section can support new growth and anchor itself. Dividing the plant every three to four years also helps maintain the vigor of the parent plant by preventing it from becoming root-bound.
Replanting and Post-Transplant Care
Place each division into its prepared hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface. Planting the crown too deeply can lead to crown rot, which may kill the new plant. Backfill the hole with the amended soil, gently firming it around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
Immediately after planting, water the divisions deeply and thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots and establish soil-to-root contact. This initial watering helps mitigate transplant shock. To further reduce moisture loss while the roots establish, cut the existing foliage back to a height of four to six inches.
A consistent watering schedule is necessary during the establishment phase. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, for the first two to three weeks. Continue to water weekly for the next six to eight weeks until new, vigorous growth emerges from the crown. Monitor the plants for wilting or yellowing leaves, which are signs of transplant shock, and avoid applying fertilizer until the plant has visibly resumed active growth.