Container OK

Monkey Grass

Liriope muscari

A foxtail grass seed head in soft focus.

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

Full sun to partial shade

☀️

Zones

5–10

USDA hardiness

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Height

12-18 inches

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Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Transplant

Direct Sow

Transplant

Direct Sow

Showing dates for Monkey Grass in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 grass →

Zone Map

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Monkey Grass · Zones 5–10

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Very easy

Spacing12-18 inches

SoilAdaptable to most soils, prefers well-drained

pH5.5-7.5

WaterModerate — regular watering

SeasonSpring and Summer

FlavorNot applicable (ornamental)

ColorDark green foliage with purple or white flower spikes

SizeClumps 12-18 inches wide

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 5	—	May – July	April – June	—
Zone 6	—	May – July	April – June	—
Zone 7	—	May – June	March – May	—
Zone 8	—	April – June	March – May	—
Zone 9	—	March – May	February – April	—
Zone 10	—	March – April	January – March	—

Complete Growing Guide

Light: Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight), Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). 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: Low. 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

Storage & Preservation

Monkey grass is an ornamental perennial that doesn't require food storage. For plant material (cuttings, divisions), store in cool, humid conditions at 45-55°F if propagating. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Preservation methods include: (1) Division of established clumps every 3-4 years to rejuvenate plants and prevent overcrowding; (2) Seed collection and storage in cool, dry conditions for future propagation; (3) Taking stem cuttings in spring and rooting in moist propagation medium for reliable plant establishment.

History & Origin

Origin: China, Taiwan, and Japan

Advantages

+Low maintenance

Considerations

-Toxic (Fruits): Low severity

Companion Plants

Around here in the southeast, Liriope spends most of its life in part shade with moderate moisture, and the companions that hold up are the ones that want the same conditions without muscling in at the roots — Hostas and Heuchera sit above it in the vertical layer, Caladiums and Japanese Painted Fern tuck in beside it without much root competition. Black Walnut is the one to keep well away, not because of proximity alone but because juglone — the allelopathic compound it releases — moves through soil and suppresses root function in a wide range of ornamentals. Mint and Bamboo are a different category of problem entirely: both spread by runners fast enough to physically overrun Liriope clumps within a single growing season, and once they're tangled in, separation is miserable.

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

Troubleshooting Monkey Grass

What you'll see, why it happens, and what to do about it.

White or tan crusty bumps on leaf blades, leaves looking dull or yellowed despite adequate water

Likely Causes

Scale insects (likely Pulvinaria innumerabilis or similar soft scale) — suck sap and excrete sticky honeydew
Overcrowded clumps with poor air circulation

What to Do

1.Cut the entire planting back hard to about 3 inches in late winter or early spring before new growth flushes — this removes the bulk of the infestation
2.Spray remaining crowns with horticultural oil at a 2% dilution, coating the leaf bases where scale hides
3.Divide clumps that have exceeded 18 inches across to open up airflow

Ragged, irregular holes chewed through leaves overnight, slime trails visible on soil or foliage in the morning

Likely Causes

Slugs or snails — especially active after rain on dense, shaded plantings where the ground stays moist

What to Do

1.Scatter iron phosphate bait (Sluggo or equivalent) around the base of clumps at the label rate — safe around pets and wildlife
2.Pull back any thick mulch directly against the crowns so slugs have fewer places to shelter during the day
3.Check under clumps by hand at night with a flashlight and remove slugs manually if the population is small

Center of clump turning brown and mushy, plants collapsing at the crown even though surrounding soil seems moist

Likely Causes

Crown rot — most often Phytophthora or Pythium spp. triggered by waterlogged soil or planting too deep
Heavy clay soil with no drainage amendment

What to Do

1.Dig the affected clump immediately and throw it in the trash, not the compost
2.Amend the planting hole with coarse sand or pine bark fines before replanting — NC State Extension recommends improving drainage as the primary prevention step
3.Set new divisions so the crown sits at or just slightly above the soil line, not buried

Frequently Asked Questions

Is monkey grass good for beginners?▼

Yes, monkey grass is excellent for beginners. It's rated very easy to grow, highly adaptable to different soil types, and tolerates both sun and shade. It requires minimal maintenance once established, making it forgiving for novice gardeners. Overwatering is the main pitfall to avoid.

Can you grow monkey grass in containers?▼

Yes, monkey grass grows well in containers. Use well-drained potting soil and choose a pot with drainage holes. Container plants may need more frequent watering than in-ground plants. Place in full sun to partial shade and divide container plants every 2-3 years to prevent overcrowding and maintain vigor.

How long does monkey grass take to mature?▼

Monkey grass establishes relatively quickly, typically forming full clumps within one to two growing seasons. Young plants fill in faster with regular watering and care during the first year. Once established, it becomes denser and more vigorous each year, reaching mature size by year 2-3.

When should I plant monkey grass?▼

Plant monkey grass in spring or fall for best results. Spring planting allows the plant to establish strong roots before summer heat. Fall planting works in mild climates. Avoid planting during extreme heat or cold. Water regularly for the first growing season to help establishment.

How is monkey grass different from ornamental grasses?▼

Despite its name, monkey grass isn't a true grass but a perennial groundcover. Unlike many ornamental grasses that die back in winter, monkey grass is evergreen. It also tolerates shade better than most ornamental grasses and requires less maintenance, making it superior for difficult landscape areas.

Does monkey grass attract pests?▼

Monkey grass is generally pest-resistant but can occasionally be affected by scale insects, slugs, and snails. These are usually manageable with good cultural practices like removing debris and improving air circulation. Severe infestations are rare on established plants.