If you’re tired of patchy lawns, endless weeding, and high-maintenance grass that never quite lives up to expectations, it’s time to rethink your landscaping strategy. Enter monkey grass, an often-overlooked plant that could be the answer to your ground cover woes. Despite its name, monkey grass isn’t actually a type of grass at all. It’s a hardy, versatile, and visually appealing plant that thrives where traditional turf struggles. Whether you’re looking for a border plant, erosion control, or a lush ground cover that requires minimal upkeep, monkey grass deserves serious consideration.
What Is Monkey Grass?
Monkey grass is a common name used to describe two closely related plant species: Liriope and Ophiopogon. Both belong to the lily family, making them distinctly different from true grasses. These plants are widely used in landscaping for their adaptability, resilience, and aesthetic appeal.
There are two main types of monkey grass:
- Liriope muscari (Lilyturf): This variety is more common in landscaping and features wider leaves, a clumping growth habit, and vibrant purple or lavender flowers.
- Ophiopogon japonicus (Mondo Grass): A finer-textured variety, mondo grass grows more like a carpet and is often used as a dense ground cover.
Regardless of which type you choose, monkey grass stands out for its ability to thrive in a variety of conditions while demanding very little in return.
The Benefits of Monkey Grass: Why It’s a Game-Changer
Monkey grass isn’t just another plant to add to your garden it’s a strategic landscaping tool that solves many common problems. Here’s why homeowners and professional landscapers alike swear by it:
1. Low Maintenance
One of the biggest advantages of monkey grass is how little care it requires. Unlike traditional grass, which needs constant mowing, watering, and fertilizing, monkey grass thrives with minimal intervention. Once established, it requires very little water and rarely needs trimming.
2. Drought and Heat Resistant
If you live in an area with scorching summers or inconsistent rainfall, you know how difficult it can be to keep grass green. Monkey grass, however, is incredibly drought-resistant. It holds up against extreme temperatures and can go weeks without supplemental watering, making it a perfect choice for water-conscious homeowners.
3. Erosion Control and Soil Stability
Struggling with soil erosion? Monkey grass has a dense root system that helps prevent soil loss on slopes and uneven terrain. It effectively stabilizes soil, making it an excellent option for areas prone to runoff or erosion.
4. Pest and Disease Resistance
Unlike many traditional turf grasses, monkey grass is naturally resistant to most pests and diseases. You won’t have to worry about grubs, fungal infections, or other common lawn issues, which means less need for chemical treatments.
5. Thrives in Shade and Sun
Finding a plant that grows well in both full sun and deep shade is rare, but monkey grass handles both with ease. This makes it perfect for those tricky parts of your yard where regular grass struggles to grow.
6. Aesthetic Appeal
Monkey grass isn’t just practical—it’s also beautiful. Its lush, green foliage stays vibrant year-round, and when in bloom, the purple or white flowers add a touch of elegance. Whether you use it as an edging plant, a ground cover, or even a lawn alternative, it brings a polished look to any landscape.
How to Use Monkey Grass in Your Landscape
Thanks to its versatility, monkey grass can be used in a variety of ways to enhance your outdoor space. Here are some of the most effective applications:
1. Border Planting
Monkey grass is often used to line garden beds, walkways, and driveways. Its dense growth creates a natural border that helps define spaces while preventing weeds from creeping in.
2. Ground Cover
Tired of mowing? Consider replacing traditional grass with monkey grass for a lush, maintenance-free lawn alternative. This works particularly well in shaded areas where normal grass struggles.
3. Erosion Control on Slopes
Because of its strong root system, monkey grass is ideal for preventing soil erosion on hillsides or sloped yards. It holds soil in place and helps manage runoff effectively.
4. Understory Planting
Monkey grass thrives under trees and large shrubs, where other plants fail due to lack of sunlight and moisture competition.
How to Plant and Care for Monkey Grass
Monkey grass is incredibly easy to grow. Here’s how to get started:
Planting Monkey Grass
- Choose the Right Spot: Monkey grass can grow in full sun, partial shade, or even deep shade, but it thrives best in well-draining soil.
- Prepare the Soil: Although it can tolerate poor soil, adding compost or organic matter can improve growth.
- Spacing: If you’re planting it as a border, space clumps about 6–12 inches apart. For ground cover, plant closer together for a denser look.
- Watering: Water thoroughly after planting, then only as needed. Once established, it rarely needs supplemental watering.
Caring for Monkey Grass
- Trimming: If your monkey grass looks ragged after winter, trim it back in early spring to encourage fresh growth.
- Fertilizing: It doesn’t require much feeding, but a slow-release fertilizer in spring can boost growth.
- Dividing: Every few years, you can divide large clumps to spread monkey grass to other areas of your yard.
Common Myths About Monkey Grass
Despite its many benefits, some misconceptions prevent people from using monkey grass to its full potential. Let’s bust a few myths:
- “Monkey grass is invasive.” While it does spread, it’s not aggressive like some invasive species. Liriope spicata spreads more than Liriope muscari, so choose accordingly.
- “It only grows in the shade.” Monkey grass is shade-tolerant but thrives in full sun as well.
- “It requires lots of water.” Quite the opposite—monkey grass is drought-resistant once established.
Final Thoughts: Is Monkey Grass Right for You?
If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to enhance your landscape, monkey grass is an excellent choice. Whether you need an elegant border, a low-maintenance lawn alternative, or a plant that can thrive in challenging conditions, monkey grass delivers. It’s tough, beautiful, and practically care-free. What more could you want in a plant?
By integrating monkey grass into your landscaping, you can enjoy a lush, green yard without the headaches of constant upkeep. It’s time to rethink traditional lawns and embrace this underrated landscaping gem!
