Monkey Grass
Liriope muscari
A versatile evergreen perennial that forms neat clumps of arching, grass-like foliage topped with spikes of purple or white flowers. Despite its common name, this isn't a true grass but provides similar landscaping benefits with superior drought tolerance and shade performance. Monkey grass is the go-to choice for low-maintenance borders, groundcover, and problem areas where other plants struggle.
Sun
Partial shade to full shade
Zones
5–10
USDA hardiness
Height
12-18 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Monkey Grass in USDA Zone 7
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Monkey Grass · Zones 5–10
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand, Shallow Rocky. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: 'Big Blue'lavender flower spikes 'Evergreen Giant'stiff textured leaves and white flower spikes 'Marc Anthony' 'Monroe's White'bright white flowers 'Pee Dee Ingot' yellow leaves 'Royal Purple'deep purple flower spikes 'Silver Sun' 'Silvery Sunproof' Pale violet-purple flowers, leaves striped white and yellow 'Variegata'White striped leaves 'Webster Wideleaf'lavender flower spikes, widest leaf of all the cultivars, 'Big Blue', 'Evergreen Giant', 'Marc Anthony', 'Monroe's White', 'Pee Dee Ingot', 'Royal Purple', 'Silver Sun', 'Silvery Sunproof', 'Variegata', 'Webster Wideleaf'. Propagation: Division, Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Fruits are 1/3 inch in diameter, globose berries that start green and ripen to a shiny black.
Color: Black, Green. Type: Berry. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Garden value: Long-lasting, Showy
Harvest time: Fall
Bloom time: Summer
History & Origin
Origin: China, Taiwan, and Japan
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Deer, Drought, Erosion, Foot Traffic, Heat, Heavy Shade, Humidity, Pollution, Poor Soil, Rabbits, Salt
- +Wildlife value: Deer and rabbit resistant
- +Low maintenance
Considerations
- -Toxic (Fruits): Low severity
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Hostas
Similar shade tolerance and moisture needs, complementary foliage textures
Heuchera
Both thrive in partial shade with consistent moisture, contrasting leaf colors
Astilbe
Shared preference for moist, well-draining soil and dappled sunlight
Japanese Painted Fern
Compatible growing conditions and creates attractive textural contrast
Caladium
Both enjoy humid conditions and partial shade, complementary seasonal interest
Impatiens
Similar light and water requirements, monkey grass provides good ground cover base
Azaleas
Both prefer acidic soil and partial shade, monkey grass suppresses weeds around shrubs
Begonias
Matching preferences for filtered light and consistent moisture
Keep Apart
Black Walnut Trees
Produces juglone toxin that can inhibit growth of many understory plants
Mint
Aggressive spreading can compete for space and nutrients
Bamboo
Both are aggressive spreaders that can compete for territory
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent disease resistance
Common Pests
Scale insects, slugs and snails
Diseases
Crown rot in poorly drained soils