Monkey grass, which refers primarily to Liriope (lilyturf) and Ophiopogon (mondo grass), is a durable, valued groundcover. These grass-like perennials are popular for their evergreen foliage and ability to thrive in challenging locations. Successful establishment depends on timing the planting correctly to allow the root system to settle without immediate environmental stress.
Identifying the Ideal Planting Seasons
The most advantageous period for planting monkey grass is during the cooler transitional seasons, specifically late summer or early fall. Planting approximately six weeks before the first anticipated hard frost allows sufficient time for the root system to develop a strong anchor. This establishment phase helps the plant survive winter dormancy and ensures a vigorous start the following spring.
Spring planting is also acceptable, typically after the danger of the last hard frost has passed. Planting too late, however, can expose the young root system to the intense heat and dry conditions of mid-summer, inducing transplant shock. Container-grown plants offer more flexibility and can be planted throughout the growing season if consistent moisture is provided, as they maintain an intact root ball.
Bare-root divisions require a much stricter planting schedule to ensure survival. These should only be planted during the plant’s dormant period: early spring before new growth begins or in the late fall. Planting bare-root stock outside of dormancy significantly increases the risk of desiccation and failure because the roots are highly exposed.
Preparing the Planting Site
Selecting the correct site is the first step toward a thriving monkey grass planting, as the plant performs best in filtered sun to partial shade. While Liriope can tolerate more sun, excessive direct exposure often causes the leaves to scorch or turn pale. The chosen location must have efficient soil drainage, since these plants are susceptible to crown and root rot in waterlogged conditions.
Preparation involves loosening the native soil to a depth of 8 to 10 inches to encourage root expansion. If the existing soil is heavy clay, incorporate organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, to improve aeration and drainage. Before planting, remove all existing weeds and their roots, as they will compete with the new monkey grass for moisture and nutrients during establishment.
Step-by-Step Planting Technique
Dig a hole that is slightly wider than the plant’s root ball but no deeper, ensuring the crown remains level with the surrounding soil line. For container-grown plants, gently loosen any tightly coiled roots before placing the plant into the prepared hole. If planting divisions, ensure each separated clump has a healthy number of shoots and a substantial root mass.
The planting depth is important; burying the crown too deep can lead to rot, while planting too shallow allows the roots to dry out quickly. For groundcover plantings, space the clumps approximately 6 to 12 inches apart to allow them to fill in and create a dense mat. When using monkey grass as a border or edging, a spacing of about 12 inches is sufficient for a continuous line.
After positioning the plant, backfill the hole with the amended soil, lightly tamping it down to eliminate air pockets around the roots. Air pockets can dry out the root system and hinder the uptake of water and nutrients. A thorough initial watering is necessary to fully settle the soil around the newly planted roots.
Ensuring Successful Establishment
Consistent and deep watering is the most important factor for the first six to eight weeks after planting, especially if the weather is warm and dry. The goal is to keep the soil consistently moist but never saturated, helping the new roots spread into the surrounding soil. Monitoring the soil moisture every few days is necessary, as watering frequency depends on the site’s sun exposure and ambient temperatures.
During this initial period, the plant focuses on root growth, and stress from inconsistent moisture can lead to transplant shock, visible as wilting or browning leaves. Fertilization is minimal; if the site was amended with compost, no additional fertilizer is needed immediately. If the soil is poor, a light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be applied in the early spring of the first full growing season.
Applying a thin layer of organic mulch around the plants helps regulate soil temperature and retain moisture, supporting successful establishment. Continue to monitor the foliage for signs of stress or disease. Maintaining the watering schedule until the plant shows clear signs of new, healthy growth ensures the monkey grass becomes a permanent, low-maintenance feature in the landscape.