Monkey Grass is a popular, grass-like groundcover admired for its dense, evergreen foliage that offers year-round texture. Gardeners seek it out for its low-maintenance nature and ability to thrive in challenging areas. While its primary appeal is the lush, strap-like leaves, this plant also produces attractive flowers. Understanding when and how this perennial flowers is key to appreciating its full ornamental value.
Identifying Monkey Grass and Its Relatives
The common name “Monkey Grass” is used for two distinct, though closely related, genera: Liriope muscari (Lilyturf) and Ophiopogon japonicus (Mondo Grass). Distinguishing between the two is helpful, as their flower habits differ slightly. Liriope muscari is generally taller, reaching 12 to 18 inches, with broader leaves about a half-inch to three-quarters of an inch wide.
Ophiopogon japonicus (Mondo Grass) typically forms shorter, denser tufts, growing only 6 to 12 inches high, with finer, more narrow foliage. Both species belong to the Asparagaceae family, not the true grass family, but their similar appearance makes the shared colloquial name understandable. Identifying which plant you have will clarify the expected bloom presentation.
Peak Bloom Timing and Appearance
The main blooming window for Liriope muscari occurs in mid-to-late summer, generally spanning from August into September. The flowers emerge on erect spikes, known as racemes, which are held visibly above the foliage, creating a showy effect. These small, densely packed flowers typically appear in shades of lilac, purple, or white, resembling miniature grape hyacinths.
Following flowering, the plant begins to form small, round fruits. In Liriope, these mature into black, glossy berries that provide continued interest, often persisting on the stalks into the winter. Ophiopogon japonicus blooms earlier and more subtly, with its small, pale purple or white flowers often remaining hidden beneath the dense foliage. The berries produced by Mondo Grass are typically a distinct bright blue color.
Factors Influencing Bloom Success
Reliable flowering depends on specific environmental and cultural conditions, as stress can cause the plant to prioritize survival over reproduction. Light exposure is a significant factor; while Monkey Grass tolerates deep shade, it will produce few or no flowers in those conditions. The best blooms occur in partial shade, ideally with morning sun, or in full sun if the soil is kept consistently moist.
The plant’s nutritional intake directly influences its ability to flower successfully. Using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer with an equal ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, applied in early spring is recommended. High-nitrogen fertilizers should be avoided because they primarily promote foliage growth, often at the expense of flower production. Phosphorus, the middle number in the N-P-K ratio, is important for encouraging strong root and flower development.
Very young or recently divided clumps may not have the maturity or stored energy to produce a substantial bloom. These plants typically require establishment for a full season before flowering reliably.