Monkey Grass Border: 89% Calculator Finds True
Monkey grass is a versatile plant perfect for ground cover, edging, and landscape borders. This complete guide explores popular monkey grass varieties, helping you choose the best one for your yard.
We’ll cover the main types:
- Liriope Muscari: Clumping varieties that stay in one place.
- Liriope Spicata: Spreading types that cover ground quickly.
- Ophiopogon (Mondo Grass): Includes popular dwarf and black mondo varieties.
Our guide provides detailed information on spacing, growth rates, and landscaping tips for each type.
Quick Tips for Choosing Monkey Grass:
- For sunny or dry areas: Liriope Muscari or a sun-tolerant mondo grass are great choices.
- For deep shade: Standard or dwarf mondo grass work well. Liriope Spicata is also an excellent option for a tough, fast-growing ground cover in shady spots.
- For small spaces or borders: Use compact, clumping varieties like dwarf mondo grass.
By matching the right variety to your sun exposure, soil type, and space, you can ensure your monkey grass thrives. Whether you need erosion control on a slope, a neat border for a flower bed, or a lush ground cover for a shady area, this guide will help you select the perfect monkey grass for your landscape.
How People Actually Use It
Most people plant monkey grass as a border along walkways or as a ground cover under trees where little else will grow. Some even use it to create a full monkey grass lawn.
If you’re looking for a pop of color, several varieties can brighten your landscape. Consider yellow monkey grass or a variegated type for interesting foliage. Liriope monkey grass is a popular choice, known for producing lovely purple or yellow flowers.
For landscaping ideas, you can explore projects featuring monkey grass or browse through pictures for inspiration. Even wild monkey grass has a natural charm. If you’re wondering where to buy monkey grass, you can find it at local garden centers like Lowe’s or from various online sellers.
Best Companion Plants for Monkey Grass Borders
Monkey grass, a hardy and low-maintenance ornamental, is great for garden borders. Pairing it with the right companion plants can enhance your garden’s health and beauty.
1. Daylilies
Daylilies are versatile perennials that are a staple in many gardens. They come in a wide array of colors and bloom throughout the summer, providing a long-lasting display. Their tall stems and large, trumpet-shaped flowers create a lovely contrast against the low-growing, fine-textured monkey grass.
2. Hostas
Hostas are a favorite for shaded or partially shaded gardens, known for their lush, large leaves. Pairing them with monkey grass creates a visually striking combination of different textures, shapes, and shades of green. Hostas are great for filling in gaps and creating a fuller, more dynamic border.
3. Coneflowers (Echinacea)
Coneflowers are not only beautiful but also attract essential pollinators like bees and butterflies. Planting them alongside your monkey grass border adds pops of color and supports your garden’s ecosystem. Available in various colors, from purple to white, you can easily find a variety that complements your monkey grass.
4. Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia)
Similar to coneflowers, black-eyed Susans are excellent for attracting pollinators and bringing a cheerful splash of color. These vibrant yellow flowers bloom all summer long, creating a classic and lively garden border when planted next to the deep green of monkey grass.
5. Lavender
For a touch of fragrance and color, consider adding lavender to your monkey grass borders. This plant not only adds beautiful purple hues but its calming scent can also help create a relaxing atmosphere. Lavender is drought-tolerant and repels pests, making it a practical and beautiful choice.
6. Creeping Thyme
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance groundcover, creeping thyme is an excellent option. It’s easy to grow, adds a lovely fragrance, and can even tolerate light foot traffic, making it perfect for edging pathways. Its tiny flowers and fine leaves offer a delicate contrast to the bolder blades of monkey grass.
7. Salvia
For a burst of vibrant blue, purple, or red, salvia is a fantastic choice. These flowers bloom throughout the summer and are a magnet for pollinators. Pairing salvia with other sun-loving plants creates a low-maintenance and colorful border that stands out.
Non-invasive, mounding growth — ideal for borders & controlled plantings
| # | Variety | Height | Foliage | Flowers | Best For | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Big Blue | 12–18" | Deep green | Blue-purple spikes | Borders, mass plantings | Most popular & reliable |
| 2 | Variegata | 10–15" | Cream & green stripes | Purple spikes | Shade gardens, contrast | Dramatic variegated foliage |
| 3 | Evergreen Giant | 18–24" | Deep green | Purple spikes | Large borders, focal points | Largest clumping variety |
| 4 | Royal Purple | 12–18" | Medium green | Deep royal purple | Flower beds, color highlights | Exceptionally dark flowers |
| 5 | Silver Dragon | 8–12" | Silver & green striped | Pale purple | Shade gardens, small spaces | Compact + unique variegation |
| 6 | Monroe White | 12–18" | Dark green | Pure white | Moon gardens, white beds | Rare white blooms |
| 7 | Super Blue | 12–18" | Medium green | Bright blue-purple | Bright displays, pollinators | More prolific than Big Blue |
| 8 | Okina | 10–15" | Cream edges, green centers | Pale purple | Japanese gardens, specimen | Unique foliage pattern |
| 9 | Majestic | 15–24" | Deep green | Purple spikes | Large landscapes, bold statements | Vigorous & impressive size |
| 10 | Isabella | 10–15" | Medium green | Purple-blue | Borders, containers | Compact & reliable |
| 11 | Silvery Sunproof | 10–14" | Silver & green | Purple | Sunny areas, variegated displays | Silvery color won't scorch |
| 12 | Peedee Ingot | 12–18" | Golden-yellow (cool weather) | Purple spikes | Color accent, ornamental beds | Unique golden foliage |
| 13 | Christmas Tree | 12–18" | Dark green | Purple spikes | Specimen, garden structure | Distinctive pyramidal shape |
🔵 1. Big Blue
🎨 2. Variegata
🌳 3. Evergreen Giant
🟣 4. Royal Purple
🐉 5. Silver Dragon
⚪ 6. Monroe White
💙 7. Super Blue
🎎 8. Okina
👑 9. Majestic
💐 10. Isabella
☀️ 11. Silvery Sunproof
🟡 12. Peedee Ingot
🎄 13. Christmas Tree
Aggressive ground cover — excellent for erosion control & large areas
| # | Variety | Height | Spread | Foliage | Flowers | Best For | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | Standard Spicata | 8–15" | Indefinite (rhizomes) | Medium green | Pale purple | Ground cover, erosion control | Fastest spread, very hardy |
| 15 | Franklin Mint | 8–12" | Spreading | Cream & green variegated | Purple spikes | Variegated ground cover | Decorative + functional |
| 16 | Alba | 10–15" | Spreading | Medium green | Pure white | Moon gardens, color contrast | White-flowering ground cover |
🌱 14. Standard Spicata
🎨 15. Franklin Mint
⚪ 16. Alba
Spreading: Full sun to full shade
Spreading: Well-draining or moist
Spreading: USDA Zones 4–9
Spreading: Moderate (control spreading)
Spreading: Fast (12–24"/year)
✅ Spreading types need root barriers or edging to contain
✅ Deadhead after blooming to prevent self-seeding (especially Big Blue)
✅ Prune in early spring to remove old foliage and encourage new growth
✅ Drought-tolerant once established — great for xeriscaping
✅ Attracts butterflies & bees — pollinator-friendly!
Non-invasive, mounding growth — ideal for borders & controlled plantings
| # | Variety | Height | Foliage | Flowers | Best For | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Big Blue | 12–18" | Deep green | Blue-purple spikes | Borders, mass plantings | Most popular & reliable |
| 2 | Variegata | 10–15" | Cream & green stripes | Purple spikes | Shade gardens, contrast | Dramatic variegated foliage |
| 3 | Evergreen Giant | 18–24" | Deep green | Purple spikes | Large borders, focal points | Largest clumping variety |
| 4 | Royal Purple | 12–18" | Medium green | Deep royal purple | Flower beds, color highlights | Exceptionally dark flowers |
| 5 | Silver Dragon | 8–12" | Silver & green striped | Pale purple | Shade gardens, small spaces | Compact + unique variegation |
| 6 | Monroe White | 12–18" | Dark green | Pure white | Moon gardens, white beds | Rare white blooms |
| 7 | Super Blue | 12–18" | Medium green | Bright blue-purple | Bright displays, pollinators | More prolific than Big Blue |
| 8 | Okina | 10–15" | Cream edges, green centers | Pale purple | Japanese gardens, specimen | Unique foliage pattern |
| 9 | Majestic | 15–24" | Deep green | Purple spikes | Large landscapes, bold statements | Vigorous & impressive size |
| 10 | Isabella | 10–15" | Medium green | Purple-blue | Borders, containers | Compact & reliable |
| 11 | Silvery Sunproof | 10–14" | Silver & green | Purple | Sunny areas, variegated displays | Silvery color won't scorch |
| 12 | Peedee Ingot | 12–18" | Golden-yellow (cool weather) | Purple spikes | Color accent, ornamental beds | Unique golden foliage |
| 13 | Christmas Tree | 12–18" | Dark green | Purple spikes | Specimen, garden structure | Distinctive pyramidal shape |
🔵 1. Big Blue
🎨 2. Variegata
🌳 3. Evergreen Giant
🟣 4. Royal Purple
🐉 5. Silver Dragon
⚪ 6. Monroe White
💙 7. Super Blue
🎎 8. Okina
👑 9. Majestic
💐 10. Isabella
☀️ 11. Silvery Sunproof
🟡 12. Peedee Ingot
🎄 13. Christmas Tree
Aggressive ground cover — excellent for erosion control & large areas
| # | Variety | Height | Spread | Foliage | Flowers | Best For | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | Standard Spicata | 8–15" | Indefinite (rhizomes) | Medium green | Pale purple | Ground cover, erosion control | Fastest spread, very hardy |
| 15 | Franklin Mint | 8–12" | Spreading | Cream & green variegated | Purple spikes | Variegated ground cover | Decorative + functional |
| 16 | Alba | 10–15" | Spreading | Medium green | Pure white | Moon gardens, color contrast | White-flowering ground cover |
🌱 14. Standard Spicata
🎨 15. Franklin Mint
⚪ 16. Alba
Spreading: Full sun to full shade
Spreading: Well-draining or moist
Spreading: USDA Zones 4–9
Spreading: Moderate (control spreading)
Spreading: Fast (12–24"/year)
✅ Spreading types need root barriers or edging to contain
✅ Deadhead after blooming to prevent self-seeding (especially Big Blue)
✅ Prune in early spring to remove old foliage and encourage new growth
✅ Drought-tolerant once established — great for xeriscaping
✅ Attracts butterflies & bees — pollinator-friendly!
Maintaining Your Monkey Grass
Caring for monkey grass is straightforward. In the spring, applying a light fertilizer will encourage healthy growth. Its robust root system allows it to spread and create dense ground cover. To keep weeds at bay, use a layer of mulch around your plants.
The main annual task is trimming. It’s best to cut back monkey grass in late winter before new growth appears. This ensures it grows back looking fresh and vibrant.
Managing Overgrowth
Monkey grass is known for its ability to spread, which can sometimes lead to it becoming overgrown. If it takes over an area, you may need to learn how to remove it. Effective removal techniques can range from digging it up to using a specific killer for tougher situations. Regular trimming is the best way to prevent it from getting out of control and keep it neatly contained in your garden.
Ready to build your dream yard?
Our landscaping calculator makes planning your next project a breeze. Get accurate estimates for materials and plants, so you can budget effectively and avoid all those extra trips to the hardware store.
Use our free landscaping calculator to:
- Calculate materials: Figure out the exact amount of soil, mulch, and pavers you’ll need.
- Estimate costs: Compare material prices to get a clear picture of your total project cost.
- Plan your garden: Find out the ideal number of plants for your garden beds.
- Choose the right grass: Identify the best type of grass seed for your lawn.
- Maintain your yard: Get a seasonal care calendar to keep your yard beautiful all year long.
Ready to create your dream outdoor space? Use the Smart & Accurate Monkey Grass Border Calculator to start planning and see how much you can save.
Monkey Grass Border Smart Calculator
Plant Quantity & Spacing Planner
Planner Outputs
Border Project Cost Estimator
Financial Breakdown
Border Coverage Timeline Projections
Fill-In Timeline
Botanical Variety Matcher
Recommended Match
Annual Landscape Care Builder
Seasonal Activities
Soil Amendment & Dressing Estimator
Material Requirements
How to Use this Calculator: A Quick Guide
Ready to create your dream garden? Here’s a quick guide on using our Landscape Calculator.
Step 1: Set Up Your Project
First, choose your preferred units (e.g., feet or meters) and set your local currency to estimate costs.
Step 2: Plan Your Landscape
Our calculator has six simple tabs to guide your design:
- Plant Spacing Calculator: This tool helps you figure out the perfect distance between plants so they have room to grow.
- Cost Estimator: Build a budget by adding up the costs of plants, materials, labor, and anything else you need.
- Ground Cover Calculator: Find out how long it will take for ground cover plants (like mondo grass) to fill out your garden.
- Plant Selector: Browse our plant database to find the perfect additions for your garden. You can search by climate, soil type, sunlight, and design style.
- Maintenance Schedule: Keep your garden looking great with a personalized care calendar that sends reminders for watering, fertilizing, and pruning.
- Mulch and Soil Calculator: This calculator tells you exactly how much mulch and soil you’ll need for your garden beds.
While you work, a summary panel will give you live feedback with color-coded alerts. This helps you spot potential issues and adjust your design for a beautiful, thriving landscape.
Step 3: What Do the Colors Mean?
Pay attention to the color-coded alerts:
- 🟢 Green (Optimal): Everything looks great. Your plan is solid and on budget.
- 🟡 Yellow (Caution): Heads up! This design might have a higher upfront cost or need extra care.
- 🔴 Red (Warning): There might be a problem. For example, your plants may be too far apart, which could invite weeds. You may need to adjust your plan.
FAQs: Monkey grass Border
Q: What’s the difference between Liriope Muscari and Liriope Spicata?
A: Muscari is clumping (stays in mounds), Spicata spreads via rhizomes. Muscari is more ornamental, and Spicata is better for large ground cover.
Q: How long does monkey grass take to mature?
A: Liriope Muscari: 2-3 years. Liriope Spicata: 1-2 years. Mondo Grass: 3-4 years.
Q: Can I grow monkey grass in full shade?
A: Yes – Mondo Grass and Liriope Spicata excel in shade. Most Muscari varieties tolerate part to full shade.
Q: What’s the best spacing for monkey grass?
A: Muscari clumping types: 12-18″. Spicata spreaders: 12-18″. Mondo Grass: 6-8″. Tight spacing = faster coverage.
Q: Is monkey grass toxic to dogs or cats??
A: Generally, monkey grass is considered non-toxic to both dogs and cats. However, if your pet consumes a large amount, it could lead to mild digestive upset. It’s always best to consult with your vet if you have concerns.
Q: How often should I water new monkey grass?
A: Regular watering during the first growing season. Once established, monkey grass is drought-tolerant (except Silver Dragon/Okina).
Q: Can I mow monkey grass?
A: Yes – cut back in late winter/early spring. Mondo Grass: mow 1-2 times yearly. Liriope: optional pruning.
Q: What’s the best monkey grass for borders?
A: Big Blue, Variegata, or Silver Dragon Liriope. Mondo Grass for fine-textured edging.
Q: How do I control spreading Liriope Spicata?
A: Use borders or barriers. Deadhead flowers to prevent self-seeding. Prune edges seasonally.
Q: What’s the hardiest monkey grass?
A: Liriope Muscari (USDA Z5-10) and Liriope Spicata (Z4-9) are very hardy. Mondo Grass is hardy to Z5-10.
External Resources About Monkey Grass
North Carolina State University Extension Guide on Lilyturf (Liriope muscari) – Provides comprehensive structural details on standard clumping habits, soil pH preferences, and proper late-winter pruning heights to maximize spring rejuvenation.
Clemson University Cooperative Extension Mondo Grass Factsheet – Outlines crucial diagnostic criteria for identifying fungal anthracnose alongside the physiological differences between clumping Liriope and finer-textured, runner-forming Ophiopogon.
LSU AgCenter Lawn Grass Alternatives and Mondo Grass Planting Specifications – Details spatial configurations ranging from 4 to 12 inches for optimal groundcover density, weed suppression mechanics, and erosion control protocols on steep slopes.
