Does monkey grass grow in Texas?

“Mondograss.” “Monkeygrass.” “Lily turf.” OK, I’ve never really heard anyone use that last name, but you’ll see it in books. They’re all the same plant botanically: Ophiopogon japonicas. By whatever name, however, it’s a stellar performer in Texas conditions. And it’s a long-proven winner at our place as well.

What is the difference between Liriope and monkey grass?

Monkey grass is a groundcover that looks very similar to turf grass. It is the common name for liriope (Liriope muscari), but it is also referred to as border grass. In addition, monkey grass is oftentimes used as the common name for a similar plant, dwarf mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus).

Does monkey grass need sun or shade?

Some prefer full sun, while others are better suited to shade. Some clump, and others creep. All monkey grasses fall into one of two groups: the genuses Liriope or Ophiopogon. In general, all liriopes do well in filtered sun to full shade and aren’t picky about soil.

Does monkey grass spread fast?

Some monkey grass like the Liriope spicata spreads aggressively, so you can fill in an empty hillside fairly quickly with it. Those varieties are better for ground cover than in a garden since it will choke out all the other plants.

How does monkey grass spread?

Spreading Monkey Grass It spreads by rhizomes, which are modified stems that form an underground network of continuous growth. Because creeping lily turf forms a carpet of greenery, it excels as a dense ground cover.

Can you mow dwarf mondo grass?

Mondo grass lawns need no mowing, tolerate pretty deep shade and are very drought resistant. Mondo grass is also used to fill in areas between pavers and stepping stones.

Is monkey grass invasive?

The spreading form is Liriope spicata and is quite invasive. You can dig up as much as you can and then watch what sprouts from remaining roots and spray those with a glyphosate product (Round-up). It will take a few seasons before you are monkey grass free.

How long does it take for monkey grass to spread?

Standard mondo grass reaches a mature spread up to 1 foot wide within a year or two, but dwarf mondo grass needs two to three years under ideal conditions to reach its spread of 3 to 4 inches.

What is the best time to plant monkey grass?

spring
The best time for transplanting monkey grass is the same as for most perennials – when the plant is dormant. Typically this would be in the beginning of the spring before new growth starts. It is easily moved, though, and can be transplanted right through mid summer.

Does monkey grass stay green all year?

When to Trim Monkey Grass: Like other types of ornamental grasses, the best time to cut back monkey grass is in late winter or early spring. That way it will stay green all winter and insulate its roots from the cold, then after trimming the monkey grass only be bare for a few weeks while new leaves grow.

How far apart should I plant monkey grass?

Plant each clump about one foot apart (30.5 cm).

  1. Since monkey grass spreads so much, it’s often good to plant it somewhere with defined boundaries so it doesn’t grow out of control.
  2. You will need to divide the monkey grass every 2-3 years to keep it within its original location.

How close together do you plant monkey grass?