Monkey grass, which includes the durable groundcover species of Liriope and Ophiopogon, is highly valued in landscaping for its hardiness and evergreen nature. Although this perennial plant is known for being low-maintenance, its foliage often becomes tattered or unsightly by the end of winter. Proper annual pruning is necessary to remove this old growth, ensuring a dense, fresh flush of new leaves. Correctly timing this specific cutback is the most important factor for effectively rejuvenating the planting beds.
The Optimal Timing for Pruning
The single best time for the major annual cutback of monkey grass is in late winter or the very beginning of spring, specifically during the window between January and March in most regions. This timing ensures that the old, fading foliage is removed just before the plant breaks its winter dormancy and begins its active growth cycle. You should aim to complete the task before you notice any bright green shoots emerging from the base of the plant.
This precise timing is directly related to the plant’s physiology and its aesthetic appeal. Once the new leaves begin to push up, they are sensitive to being cut. Slicing through their tips will create an unsightly, blunt-ended brown edge that remains visible for the entire growing season. By pruning while the plant is still dormant, you allow the new growth to emerge naturally with its characteristic pointed tips, resulting in a cleaner and healthier-looking display. Regional variations exist; in warmer climates, pruning may happen as early as January, while in colder zones, it may be closer to March after the threat of the last hard frost has passed.
The Technique: How to Cut Back Monkey Grass
For the annual rejuvenation cut, the goal is to remove the entire mass of old foliage down to a very low height. The foliage should be reduced to approximately one to three inches above the crown of the plant, which is the point where the leaves meet the soil. Cutting the plants back to this short height stimulates the production of a new, uniform canopy of leaves.
The choice of tool often depends on the size of the area being maintained. For large expanses, a power tool such as a hedge trimmer or a lawn mower set to its highest blade setting can speed up the process considerably. Smaller patches are more easily managed with sharp hand shears or clippers, which allow for more precise control around borders and edges. After cutting, it is important to rake out and remove all the severed clippings. Leaving this debris on the ground can smother the emerging new growth and encourage fungal issues.
Seasonal Maintenance Beyond Pruning
While the late-winter cutback is the most significant task, other maintenance actions contribute to the long-term health of monkey grass. As the plant flowers in mid-to-late summer, you may deadhead the spent flower spikes to clean up the appearance and prevent the formation of dark, persistent berries. This cosmetic maintenance redirects the plant’s energy back into its root system and foliage.
Division is another task necessary for long-term care, especially when the clumps become overly dense or begin to spread beyond their intended boundaries. This is best performed in the spring or fall, and involves digging up the entire clump and splitting it into smaller sections to be replanted. Once established, monkey grass is quite tolerant of dry conditions. Providing supplemental water during extended summer droughts will help maintain its deep green color and density.