“Monkey Grass” is a common name applied to two distinct genera of grass-like perennials, Liriope and Ophiopogon, both popular choices for landscape groundcover and edging. While neither plant is a true grass, they offer a low-maintenance solution for defining borders or covering large areas. Understanding the specific characteristics of each type is the first step toward a successful landscape project.
Understanding the Varieties of Monkey Grass
Liriope, often called lilyturf, typically has broader leaves, ranging from 1/2 to 3/4 inches wide, and tends to grow taller, reaching 12 to 18 inches in height. Varieties like ‘Big Blue’ (Liriope muscari) are clumping, forming neat mounds ideal for borders. Others, like Liriope spicata, are creeping varieties that spread more aggressively via rhizomes. Liriope is generally more tolerant of full sun and drought.
Ophiopogon, commonly known as mondo grass, is generally shorter and finer-leafed, with leaves usually 1/8 to 1/4 inch wide, growing 6 to 12 inches tall. This genus is known for varieties like ‘Black Mondo Grass’ (Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’), which offers striking dark purple-black foliage for high-contrast planting. Ophiopogon often prefers filtered light or shade and moist, well-drained soil.
Finding Monkey Grass at Local Retailers
Local stores are a primary source for purchasing monkey grass, offering the advantage of immediate inspection and transport. Large national home improvement and garden chains often stock popular, reliable cultivars like Liriope muscari ‘Big Blue’ and common green Ophiopogon japonicus. These retailers typically sell the plants in standard nursery containers, such as 4-inch pots or one-gallon sizes.
Independent nurseries and dedicated garden centers usually offer a broader, more specialized selection of both Liriope and Ophiopogon varieties. Shopping locally allows you to visually assess the health of the foliage and root systems, ensuring you take home vigorous specimens. Staff at these smaller centers often provide region-specific advice on the best varieties for local soil and climate conditions.
Purchasing Monkey Grass Online and Through Mail Order
For large-scale projects or access to rare cultivars, purchasing monkey grass online from specialty nurseries is beneficial. Online vendors frequently offer formats suitable for mass planting that minimize shipping costs. These often include bare root divisions or small plugs, which are small plants grown in trays that require rapid planting upon arrival.
Bare root stock is an economical choice for covering extensive areas, as the plants are shipped without soil, reducing weight and cost per unit. While plugs and bare roots are cost-effective, they require more careful initial watering and attention than containerized plants. Online marketplaces also provide access to less common varieties, such as variegated Liriope or specific dwarf Ophiopogon selections. Buyers should consider the shipping time and their ability to plant immediately when ordering these perishable formats.
Tips for Buying and Planting Timing
The timing of your purchase and planting is a factor that significantly affects the plant’s establishment and long-term success. Spring, as the soil warms and before the summer heat arrives, is one of the most favorable times for planting monkey grass, allowing roots to establish during the active growing season. Fall planting is also highly recommended, ideally about a month before the first hard frost, which gives the root system time to settle before the plant goes dormant.
When selecting plants, look for foliage that is a strong, consistent green without significant yellowing or browning tips, which can indicate stress or disease. For edging a space, clumping varieties like Liriope muscari should be spaced approximately one foot apart for a solid border. After planting, ensure the crown, where the leaves meet the roots, is not buried too deep, as this can lead to rot, and water consistently until the plants are fully established.