If you are searching for a versatile and drought tolerant ground cover, look no further than liriope. It is tough, easy to care for and can be used to cover a garden area quickly.
It is also called monkey grass or creeping lilyturf, looks great in planters and makes a great border plant.
Liriope plant is a member of a group of flowering grass-like perennials which are named after narcissus plants.
Luckily for beginning gardeners, there is not really much knowledge needed for growing liriope. Plant it and watch it grow has been my experience.
The main thing to watch out for is that liriope grass has a tendency to take over a garden. This means planning ahead for its location is necessary.
Common names and facts
Even though the common names for it are creeping lily turf and monkey grass, Liriope plant is neither a lily nor a grass. Brush up on your knowledge of this sturdy plant with these fun facts:
- family: asparagaceae
- subfamily: nolinoideae
- name: liriope
- plant type: Herbaceous perennial
- native to: East Asia and Southeast Asia
- types of liriope in North America: gigantea, muscari, spicata and exiliflora
Does lirope spread?
The answer to this question is a resounding yes, which is what makes it a great ground cover. It also means that it can be invasive.
However some varieties are less invasive. So it depends on which type you grow.
Keep reading to learn how to use it as a ground cover and which types are more likely to take over.
Growing creeping lilyturf as a ground cover
This photo from the Land Run Monument in Oklahoma City, shows just how healthy and vibrant liriope plants can be when used in combination with rocks as a ground cover.
Liriope is often used as a ground cover to prevent erosion and it helps with controlling weeds, since the plants are quite dense and full when mature.
If you need a tough ground cover, liriope just might be the solution. It grows 12 to 18 inches tall and has a spreading, clumping growing habit which fills in any space quickly.
Space liriope plants about a foot apart. The plant is not called creeping lilyturf without good reason.
I came across this home on a walk recently and it shows how versatile liriope is. The photo shows the plant growing in two ways – as a ground cover and as a border plant.
The whole front yard of the house has a lily turf ground cover instead of normal grass. This is so much more easy care than managing a lawn!
Monkey grass will cover any garden area quickly. Tilling the soil in the planting area is not necessary and can actually cause weed seeds to start growing.
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Liriope as a border plant
Liriope spreads easily, and can make an edge to a border or yard look neat.
This garden bed is one of the main ones in our back yard. The long row of liriope plants edges it beautifully and keeps the lawn from growing into the border.
I planted individual plants about 8 inches apart for this project and it made the border full in one season.
Note: Liriope used in this way makes a good barrier for the nearby lawn and does a good job of keeping it out of the garden bed.
However, because it grows from underground runners, care must be taken to keep it from spreading into the nearby flower area. This means that if you use it an a border, you will need to dig up plants that find their way further into the border.
Care tips for growing monkey grass
This is a very easy plant to grow if you follow these care steps:
Growth habit of liriope
Liriope spreads quickly. It can be used in many ways in the garden. Plant about 12-18″ apart in well draining soil.
Choose your location well. Liriope’s fast growing habit means that it fills in an area easily. It also means that it will search out any nearby soil and spread.
Soil needs for creeping lilyturf
All varieties of liriope are very forgiving when it comes to soil structure. In my experience it grows in clay soil as easily as it does in fertile, loamy soil.
It does seem to do best in a moderately acid to neutral acidic soil with a PH of 6.0 to 7.0.
Add organic matter or compost in the hole with each plant and you won’t need to worry about fertilizing the first year.
In subsequent years, feed the plant once in early spring with a 10-10-10 fertilizer. (affiliate link) Note that fertilizing the plant may encourage its spread.
Sunlight and watering needs for monkey grass
Liriope will tolerate dry conditions quite well. Water regularly in the first season. After that, it is relatively drought tolerant.
It is necessary for the soil to be well draining, and compost helps with this.
Variegated varieties like more sunlight, but all types of liriope will grow in conditions from full sun to partial shade.
This photo from the Raleigh Rose Gardens shows liriope under the shade of a big tree with hellebores. It grows beautifully even in a spot that does not get full sun.
Flowers and foliage
The plant does flower in mid-summer, but it is grown mainly for the ribbon like leaves which come in both plan and variegated varieties.
The flowers range from white to lavender and grow on small stalks. They look a bit like miniature hyacinths.
Berries on a monkey grass plant
The flowers of liriope are followed by single seeded berries in the fall. Each pea sized berry contains one seed. Birds love the berries, so I leave them in winter and do your pruning in early spring.
The berries can cause stomach upset if eaten in large quantities, although they are not specifically listed as poisonous.
Even so, you may wish to watch to keep children and pets from consuming any part of the plant if you think they might accidentally eat them.
Propagating monkey grass
To propagate monkey grass, lift the plants in late autumn or early spring and pull them apart. Be sure that each portion contains at least one root stock.
These little seedlings are often called “monkey grass plugs”. Each one will grow into an individual plant.
Separating monkey grass should be done every other year for best results to keep the plant under control.
Keep an eye on your plants and dig up and transplant when necessary. Some varieties of lilyturf can grow so quickly that they are considered invasive plants if not watched.
See tips for transplanting monkey grass here.
Cold hardiness for lily turf
The plant is hardy in zones 4 to 10.
Although the plant can remain outdoors all year in these zones, it does not tolerate freezing temperatures well. You will see the result of this in spring when the plant can look pretty shabby.
Prolonged freezing temperatures can do damage to the crown of the plant. For this reasons, it is best to leave the pruning until early spring when the first signs of new growth appear.
Pruning tips for liriope
This perennial is low-maintenance. During the growing seasons, it does not require much in the way of pruning to stay in tip-top shape.
Cut the plants back to the ground in early spring. I use a pair of gardening shears and just give my plants a good haircut.
You will get great new growth from the crown area very soon after if you do this.
Varieties of monkey grass
I have two varieties of liriope growing in my yard – liriope muscari, and liriope muscari ‘Variegata’. The latter is my favorite variety.
Liriope muscari
Liriope muscari has common names big blue lirope, big blue lilyturf, lilyturf, border grass, and monkey grass. It has grass-like foliage that is evergreen with lilac-purple flowers which produce single-seeded berries on a spike in the fall months.
Lirope muscari ‘variegata’
This type is such a resilient plant and I love the contrast of the two colors in the leaves. The liriope variegata version is also easier to keep under control, since it is not such a voracious speader!
In one of my garden beds, I alternate the two types for a nice contrasting look in my border. This border gets sun most of the day and both varieties enjoy this location.
Lirope ‘giganatea’
If you like large sized grasses, try liriope “gigantea’. It is commonly known as giant lirope and giant lilyturf. This type reaches 3 feet tall and wide.
It has small lavender blue flowers with blue fruit in the summer months.
This variety is truly an impressive specimen. Use it as a low maintenance ground cover.
Dwarf liriope
On the other hand, if you are looking for a shorter version of liriope, try dwarf versions such as liriope muscari ‘Silver Midget‘.
This variety of the plant performs well in both full sun to full shade and features dark-green leaves with irregular white variegation.
Dwarf monkey grass is less invasive.
Liriope ‘spicata’
This is the most invasive variety of liriope.
This variety looks a lot like liriope muscari, but the muscari variety has purple flowers, while liriope spicata has white or lavender flowers. The leaves are also much narrower than muscari.
Liriope spicata will tolerate a wide range of light and soil conditions. It is also tolerant of high heat and humidity and drought.
The plant is commonly known as creeping lilyturf. When you see the word creeping in a name, it is a clue to its invasiveness.
This variety is listed as invasive in Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia. It is also a problem spreader in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.
This variety forms a dense, uniform cover and spreads quickly by underground rhizomes and can easily invade adjacent areas.
For this reason, it is a good idea to plant liriope spicata in beds surrounded by hardscape or in planters.
Liriope ‘exiliflora’
This variety is a less commonly found large form. It has tufts of broad strap like foliage with densely clustered spikes of blue flowers which appear in late summer.
It grows to 18 inches tall and likes acid soil in semi-shade to shade locations.
Take note that all types of liriope can be invasive to some degree. If you have more of it in your yard that you would like, see my tips for controlling monkey grass.
Do you have other varieties of liriope that you grow? Please share your experiences with them.
Some of the links below are affiliate links. I earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you if you purchase through an affiliate link.
Where to purchase liriope
Check the big box hardware stores, and Walmart in early spring. They usually have the common versions of monkey grass for sale.
Your local farmer’s market is also a good choice for finding some of the less common types.
Many online sellers have it for sale:
- Check Etsy. Several varieties are listed for sale there.
- Amazon has several types of it listed.
- Etsy also have the dwarf liriope for sale.
Since monkey grass is invasive, it is not for everyone. I have seen it for sale on our local Craig’s list as long as one is willing to dig it up. (win win for both the gardener and seller!)
Pin liriope growing tips for later
Would you like a reminder of this post for growing liriope? Just pin this image to one of your gardening boards on Pinterest so that you can easily find it later.
Admin note: this post for growing monkey grass first appeared on the blog in September of 2013. I have updated the post to add new photos, a printable growing tips card, and a video for you to enjoy.
How to Grow Monkey Grass
LIriope muscari is an easy care ground cover or border plant that is drought tolerant.
Common names are monkey grass and lilyturf.
Materials
- LIriope plant
- Compost or organic matter
Tools
- Spade
- Watering can or hose
Instructions
- Plant liriope in an area that gets 6 hours of sun for best growth. However, it can also grow in shady spots.
- Add compost to the holes.
- Space liriope about 12 inches apart.
- Water well to get the plant established. Thereafter is is drought tolerant.
- Useful as a border plant, and is nice in planters.
- Cold hardy in zones 4-10.
- Cut back with garden shears in spring to encourage new growth.
- The plant flowers in mid summer.
- Propagate by division.
38 responses to “Liriope – Drought Tolerant Ground Cover- Monkey Grass – Creeping Lilyturf”
are there any common pests for liriope? What about diseases?
Love your site!
Hi Pam. Thanks for the comment. Glad you enjoy my site. Liriope is very bullet proof. The plants that I have grown have not been bothers by any diseases or pests. Problems that COULD occur are leaf and crown rot (overwatering), scale, and root nematodes. I have plants in many locations and none of these things happened though. Carol
Hi Pam, I have a small garden just outside my front porch and until very recently it was edged with monkey grass. It was planted that way for around 8 years. In late march (03/2018) I was away and returned mid June. During that time 2 things happend, a large shade tree had to be taken down and while I was away a neighbor cared for the plants. With the tree gone a once mostly shaded garden was suddenly in full sun from morning until about 3 PM. When I returned the monkey grass was the color of straw and dead (mostly-98%). Any ideas…. sun shock, too much H2O or not enough? BTW, I’m in Texas zone 9. Thanks, Lynn
Hi Lynn…It is likely sun shock. The plants went from being in the shade to being in full sun so they have to learn all over again. I have had luck growing liriope in full sun without a problem but it was always planted there.
It is possible that they could recover. If not this year then perhaps next they will come back. Just give them extra water and hope for the best. Liriope is almost indestructible in my experience. Carol
I have lirope instead of grass between the sidewalk and the road; there is sufficient rain in PA so I never need to water it. Do you have any suggestions for preventing weeds from growing in this monkey grass?
Hi Barbara. In my experience, liriope is very dense when it grows, so weeds are not much of a problem. If you do have some, the only thing I can think of it to dig them out and let the liriope spread back over that area, or to paint a weed killer on the weed leaves with a brush so as not to kill the liriope.
Carol
i have a shade spot in my backyard that, no matter what we do, won’t grass won’t grow. Would it be possible to plant lots of liriope in that spot and cut it like grass. It will look like tough, hardy grass. What are your thoughts?
Hi Ruby. Liriope grows better in sun but it will do fine in shade too. I was touring a botanical garden yesterday and there was liriope planted under trees and it was very green. It an be left in tufts if you have the dwarf variety or mow it with a high deck height on a lawn mower. Carol
Hi Carol,
What variety of Liriope is better for a shaded yard with dappled sunlight (but mostly shaded)?
Thanks,
Tracey
Most of the forms of the green liriope would be fine in these conditions. It is quite an adaptable plant for most conditions/ The variegated (green and white) liriope does better with more sunlight. Carol
My liriope is growing flat to the ground. What to do?
Hi there
My liriope is growing flat to the ground. I’m not sure what went wrong. But I am going to go out and cut them all back that might help.
Hi Nancy. It’s common for liriope to lie somewhat flatter in the cold months. Mine also do this. I cut the tops off the plant in early spring and new growth appears which is taller. Carol
What could cause the tips of liriope to turn brown ? Is the yellowing of liriope a normal aging process or are they defiicent if some way?
Hi Ron. Liriope is not evergreen except in the warmer zones. It’s normal for some yellowing of the tips to occur. I trim all of my plants back to the crown each spring and they grow fine through the summer with no yellowing but start to get yellow tips again in the fall.
How about black mondo grass…light, water, fertilizer?!
Thanks-great sight
Hi Tina. I have not grown it and will have to research the topic for growing conditions. Perhaps in a future article. Glad you like the site.
Hi Carol! I don’t know if you still monitor this, but just wanted to say how beautiful your pics are of the liripoe. I had lots of it in Florida and like you just cut it back in early February, and like you divided the plants when they got too big. I have moved to North Carolina and live almost in the forest, so deer are about. Have you had any experience with deer munching on your plants? There are just so many places I’d love to plant it, but bushels and bushels of leaves fall each year, so it would be a nearly impossible task to clean the leaves away every day. I plan to plant them closer to the house where less leaves fall, and perhaps the deer won’t come that close, but would love to hear your thoughts about deer and this plant. Thanks so very much!!
Hi Betty. I don’t have a problem with deer where I live but my understanding is that liriope is deer resistant. Carol
I just found your site. LOVE IT!!! I several questions. 1. My house was built in 1869, no telling what has been here over the years. I am transplanting liriope into the area between fence and concrete driveway I put in. it is filled with rocks and gravel and I am using a pickax to makes hole, removing as many rocks as I can, and filling holes with good soil to put the liriope in. I am chopping up areas around the plants to loosen the area as much as possible. Should liriope be strong enough to expand through this? 2: have pachysandra (Japanese splurge) that has spread very close to hostas, azaleas, and ferns in other areas with good soil, no rocks.. Will it choke them out and should I transplant either the surge or the others to a `safe’ area I am particularly concerned when the hostas go dormant that they may have difficulty growing back through it. 3: concerns ajuga and wild violets. I would like to use them as ground cover but will they also choke out the above plants?
Thx so much
Hi Patricia.. The liriope should grow fine in the area you describe. It is tough and very hardy. However it does take over an area quickly so I would not advise combining it with other plants, especially those that will go dormant.
Just saw a short video online suggesting liriope as a ground cover! I live in east central IL and my backyard is mostly shaded. I’ve almost completed a multi-year project to landscape and plant perennials along the interior of the fence throughout the yard. My last task is to do something about the remaining lawn area which is now mostly weeds. I am open to ground cover for the entire backyard (a moderately large space) but do have quite a lot of leaves that cover the area in the late fall. I usually mow these …. can I still mow the leaves if I use liriope as a ground cover? Will it stand up to mowing?
Thanks,
Nanette
Hi Nanette, Yes, it will. Liriope is a very tough plant. I normally chop all of mine right back to the crown in the spring and sometimes later in the fall. It always grows back.
Thanks, Carol! I’ve seen a few varieties of liriope that seem to have berries when in bloom? Worried that these may be messy in a large backyard. Any comments?
Also, I was also considering sedum as a ground cover …. do you have any experience with that? Not sure it would stand up to the mowing of leaves in the late fall.
Nanette
HI Nanette. The berries aren’t too messy. They just come after the flowers and sort of shrivel up in time. The frost normally takes care of them.
Sedum makes a great ground cover, but would not be as good if mowed over, so I would used it in contained areas.
Hi Carol, I just ordered liriope barefoot and will hope to plant them the next weekend (zone 6a) in mostly shaded area (dappled at best). Can I expect blooms this year or will they need this entire growing season to establish? Thanks!
I think from memory that mine flowered the second year When I started with small plants.
I am in the process of retiring to the coastal area of Delaware, and I have a red maple that NOTHING will grow under. I have resorted to large flower pots with annual flowers but I am wondering if the monkey grass I have will be able to be transplanted and live around the base of the flower pots, but can they compete with the roots of this huge old red maple?
Hi Buddy. I have not personally tried to grow liriope under maple trees but have grown it under established magnolia trees with good success. I have also seen it growing in shady areas under other types of deciduous trees so I think it would work out just fine.
The only thing liriope doesn’t like is wet feet. As long as the soil drains well, it usually grows.
Hi Carol, The entire side length of our front yard is shaded. Since grass doesn’t grow there, we use monkey grass as ground cover under and between our 100 year old oak tree and a dogwood tree. I’m not sure why but there is an area in the center of the 2 trees that the monkey grass never seems to grow well. Is there a natural fertilizer that you can suggest to perk up its growth? Should I give up on the monkey grass in the center area and introduce another shade plant to grow there? I did plant a hosta there last year and it died:( This spring I was considering trying again to plant more hostas, maybe with a bird feeder in the center, so they don’t look too odd surrounded by the monkey grass. If you have any other suggestions, I’d appreciate it. Thanks, Ona
Monkey grass is usually prolific and takes over often. To have it not grow at all, makes me wonder what would grow in there. It may be the the tree roots are so established that they choke out plants, particularly if hostas died as well. Not sure what to suggest, in this case.
Hello Carol,
Great website! I’m sorry if this has already been asked, but I just planted some liriope here in NJ a couple of weeks ago, and the temps this weekend are supposed to get down to 35 overnite. Are the plants OK or should I cover them? Thanks
Liriope is almost indestructible! It can take freezing temperatures once it is established. New plants may suffer a bit from the cold if they are tender and don’t have much of a root system but should recover. If the temps go below freezing, you could throw a sheet over them to play it safe, but they really are very tough and hardy.
Thanks for the information about Liriope (monkey grass). My neighbor has this plant and I admired it. It looks great all the time and now I have ideas for my flower beds using Liriope as a center piece. Great information!
My landscaper planted bare root liriope on my bank about a month ago. When there’s no rain I water it each day to encourage the roots to take hold. Is that a mistake? Also, considering they were bare root, when should I start seeing some new growth, please? Thanks so much!
It is hard to say exactly how long it will be before you see new growth, since it depends on weather and growing conditions in your area. In my experience, I saw growth in a couple of weeks. Watering every other day should be fine.
I live in Southern California and would like to plant liriope Muscari in a very dry bed along a south facing fence. How often would I need to water these until they are established then how often once established? This bed is almost always in full sun.
That would be a question for a landscaper in your area.