Monkey Grass 101: Types, Care, and How to Grow It in Texas

Monkey Grass Guide: Types, Care, Benefits & Texas Growing Tips

Texas is hot and dry State. Regular grass dies in the heat. Monkey grass is different. It lives in hot, dry places. It grows in shady spots too.

Monkey grass is a plant that grows low to the ground. It covers bare spots. It fills in under trees. It works in shadows. It needs little water. It needs little work.

Frank lives in Texas. His yard gets very hot. Under his big oak tree, the grass will not grow. He sees his neighbor’s yard. Monkey grass lines the driveway. Rows of monkey grass look neat and full. Frank wants this for his yard too.

Drive through any town in the South. You will see monkey grass. It is by driveways. It circles big trees. It fills bare spots. This plant is tough. It is strong. It is hard to kill.

Monkey grass comes in two types. One type spreads out. One type stays in one spot. They grow in different ways.

Many people see monkey grass but don’t know much about it. Is it a grass? Is it a lily? Will it spread everywhere? Will it stay where you plant it? These are good questions.

Do you want a yard that is easy to care for? Do you have bare spots that won’t grow grass? Learn about monkey grass. It can make your yard better.

What Is Monkey Grass?

Monkey grass is a plant. It looks like grass. It is not really grass. It is in the Asparagus family. It likes warm places. It does well in heat. It does well in dry places. It does well in dark spots.

The Two Main Types

There are two main types. One is Liriope. One is Ophiopogon. People call Ophiopogon “mondo grass.” They look the same. But they grow in different ways. The most common type is called Liriope muscari.

Is It Really Grass?

No. It is not a true grass. Real grass is in a different family. Monkey grass is a plant that flowers. It is more like lilies than grass. This matters. Some weed killers kill grass. These killers will not hurt monkey grass. Other weed killers might hurt it.

Where Does the Name Come From?

No one knows for sure. Some people think it is because the plant spreads around the garden in a playful way. Other people think the tangled roots look like a monkey’s fur.

Common Mistakes About Monkey Grass

Many people mix up the two types. They call things by the wrong name. The biggest mistake: People think all monkey grass spreads everywhere. This is not true. Some types spread a lot. Some types do not spread.

How to Tell the Types Apart

Look at the leaves. Look at how the plant grows.

Narrow leaves that spread fast? You have Creeping Liriope spicata.

Wide leaves that form groups? You have Clumping Liriope muscari.

Fine leaves that don’t spread? You have Ophiopogon or Mondo grass.

Popular Varieties

The Most Common Type: Liriope

Liriope is the most common. It has wide leaves. It has flowers. The flowers are purple or white. They come in late summer. This plant is very tough. You can walk on it. It is perfect for edges and busy spots.

Dwarf Mondo Grass

Dwarf Mondo Grass is very short. It grows to 2 or 4 inches tall. Use it between stepping stones. Use it in dark spots. It can replace moss.

Striped Monkey Grass

Some monkey grass has stripes. The leaves have cream or white stripes. These stripes look good in dark spots. They look good next to dark soil.

Liriope with Flowers

Some types have flowers. “Big Blue” is very popular. It has purple flower spikes. The flowers look like grape flowers. In fall, the flowers turn into dark blue berries.

What Does Monkey Grass Look Like?

Monkey grass looks like grass but it’s not. Here’s how to spot it.

The Plant Itself

Picture a thick clump of grass. But the leaves are organized and neat. They grow straight up. The leaves are long and thin. They’re shiny green.

Some types have stripes. White or cream colored lines run down the leaves. These striped types look like they have paint on them.

The plant grows in tight bunches. It doesn’t spread out messy. It looks controlled and tidy.

Size

Small types are short. Just 2 to 4 inches tall. You can step on them. They hug the ground.

Regular types are medium. 12 to 18 inches tall. They make a nice mound.

Big types are tall. Up to 2 feet. They stand out and look bold.

Leaves

The leaves are where the name comes from. They look like grass blades. But they’re thicker and shinier than real grass.

Clumping types: Wider leaves. About 1/2 inch across.

Creeping types: Narrower leaves. Thinner and more delicate.

Mondo grass: Very fine, thin leaves. Almost like hair.

All leaves are smooth and waxy. They feel slightly tough when you touch them.

Flowers

In late summer, purple or white flowers come up. They stick up above the leaves on spikes.

The flowers are small and bell-shaped. They’re tightly packed on the spike. They look like tiny bunches of grapes. That’s why one type is called “Big Blue.”

Purple flowers are most common. But white and lavender ones exist too.

The flowers smell sweet but faint.

Berries

After flowers die, berries grow in their place. The berries are small, round, and hard.

Liriope types: Black berries. Look like tiny marbles.

Mondo types: Blue or metallic blue berries. Bright and shiny.

Birds love these berries and eat them.

Variegated Stripes

Some types have stripes. The leaves have white or cream colored lines running down them.

These striped types look painted. They brighten dark spots. The green and white together look fancy.

The stripes run from the base to the tip of each leaf.

How It Grows

Clumping types stay in one spot. They grow wider but don’t run away. It’s like a mound that gets bigger but stays in place.

Creeping types spread. They send out underground runners. New shoots pop up far from the mother plant. It spreads out like a net.

Color Year-Round

In spring and summer: Bright green and fresh.

In fall: Green leaves. Purple or white flowers bloom. Berries form.

In winter: Still green. It’s evergreen. Many other plants die but monkey grass stays alive and green.

Compared to Regular Grass

Regular grass: Fine blades, thin and delicate, short lived in summer, dies in shade.

Monkey grass: Thicker leaves, shiny, lasts all year, thrives in shade.

You can tell them apart. Monkey grass is tougher and thicker looking.

Quick ID Tips

Thicker, shinier leaves than regular grass
Stays green all year
Purple or white flower spikes in summer
Grows in tight clumps (unless creeping type)
Small round berries in fall (black or blue)
Looks neat and organized
Some types have white stripes

Types of Monkey Grass

Monkey grass comes in many types. Each one looks different and grows different ways. Pick the right one for your needs.

Big Blue Liriope

Look: Deep green leaves. Purple flower spikes. Looks like grape flowers.

Size: 12-18 inches

Growth: Stays in one spot. Grows slow. Doesn’t spread.

Best for: Borders. Flower bed edges. Neat spaces.

Cold hardy: Yes

Why pick it: Looks beautiful. Doesn’t take over. Perfect for edging.

Variegata Liriope

Look: Green leaves with cream or white stripes. Purple flowers.

Size: 12-18 inches

Growth: Stays in one spot. Grows slow.

Best for: Adding color to dark spots. Under trees. Shady corners.

Cold hardy: Yes

Why pick it: Bright stripes light up dark areas.

Creeping Liriope

Look: Narrower leaves than Big Blue. Purple or white flowers.

Size: 8-12 inches

Growth: Spreads fast. Covers 1-2 square feet per year.

Best for: Hills. Erosion control. Large bare areas.

Cold hardy: Yes

Warning: Can take over if not contained. Need edging to control it.

Why pick it: Fast coverage. Good for slopes.

Mondo Grass

Look: Very thin, fine leaves. Black berries. Purple or white flowers.

Size: 8-12 inches

Growth: Very slow. Doesn’t spread.

Best for: Borders. Fine texture areas. Between stepping stones.

Cold hardy: Moderate. May struggle in very cold parts of Texas.

Why pick it: Super fine texture. Elegant look.

Dwarf Mondo Grass

Look: Very fine leaves. Short and compact.

Size: 2-4 inches

Growth: Very slow. Stays put.

Best for: Between stepping stones. Replacing moss. Small spaces.

Cold hardy: Moderate

Why pick it: Perfect size for tiny spots. Moss replacement.

Giant Liriope

Look: Wide green leaves. Purple flowers. Tall and bold.

Size: Up to 2 feet

Growth: Grows faster than other types. Spreads moderate.

Best for: Under big oak trees. Mass plantings. Commercial landscapes.

Cold hardy: Can struggle in North Texas winters. May freeze back.

Why pick it: Makes a statement. Great under large trees.

Variegated Giant Liriope

Look: Wide green leaves with silver stripes. Tall and showy.

Size: Up to 2 feet

Growth: Grows faster. May spread.

Best for: Statement plantings. Adding color to big spaces.

Cold hardy: Less hardy than green types. May freeze in North Texas.

Warning: Beautiful but risky in cold winters. Choose carefully.

Why pick it: Dramatic look. Eye-catching.

Choosing the Right Type

For a neat border: Pick Big Blue or Variegata.

For fast coverage: Pick Creeping Liriope. (Use edging to control it.)

For fine texture: Pick Mondo Grass or Dwarf Mondo.

For under big trees: Pick Giant Liriope.

For color in shade: Pick Variegata.

For the safest choice: Pick Big Blue. It’s reliable everywhere in Texas.

Monkey Grass vs Similar Plants

Lots of plants look like grass. You might mix them up. Let me show you how to tell them apart.

Creeping Liriope vs Clumping Liriope

Here’s the thing—most monkey grass is actually Liriope. But Liriope comes in two kinds.

In everyday talk, people sometimes call one kind “monkey grass” and the other kind “Liriope.” It’s confusing, but the differences are clear once you know what to look for.

Creeping Liriope spreads like crazy. Its leaves are narrow. Underground, it sends out runners everywhere. The flowers stay buried in the leaves. This type works great if you need to stop soil from washing down a hill. Skip it in flower beds though—it’ll take over.

Clumping Liriope doesn’t spread. Its leaves are wider. The flowers pop up above the plant where you can see them. Use this one for borders. It stays put and looks tidy.

Monkey Grass vs Mondo Grass

Mondo grass looks a lot like monkey grass. But don’t let that fool you.

The leaves tell the story. Mondo grass has thin, fine leaves. Monkey grass leaves are thicker and wider.

Look at the flowers too. Mondo grass flowers hide inside the plant. Monkey grass flowers stick up in the air. And the berries are different colors. Mondo grass turns blue. Monkey grass turns black.

Growth Habits and Spread

Know how these plants grow. It saves you a lot of work later.

Does Monkey Grass Spread?

Yes, it spreads. But how much depends on the type.

Creeping Liriope spreads fast. It can grow 1 to 2 square feet in one year. It grows underground runners. It covers bare spots quick. But you need to watch it. It might take over other plants.

Clumping Liriope spreads slow. It grows about 0.5 square feet per year. It stays in one clump. It is easy to care for.

Want fast coverage? Use Creeping Liriope. But watch it. Want an easy plant? Use Clumping Liriope.

How to Stop Creeping Liriope from Spreading

If your Creeping Liriope spreads too much, here’s what to do:

Put a border around it. Push plastic or metal edging deep into the dirt. It stops the roots. Bury it 6 inches down.

Cut the roots. Use a spade. Make cuts along the edge. Do this often.

Check the edges. Pull out plants that cross the line.

Grow it in a pot. This works best if spreading is a big problem.

The Root System

Monkey grass roots are thick and tight together. They hold water. That is why it lives in dry places. But these roots take water from other plants nearby. Plant it away from small plants that need water.

Is Monkey Grass a Problem Plant?

Creeping Liriope spreads too much in some places. In the Southeast, it takes over wild areas. It kills plants that grew there first.

Clumping Liriope does not spread like this. It is easy to control.

Mondo grass also does not spread. Both are safe to plant.

Flowers, Seeds, and Berries

Monkey grass is not like regular lawn grass. It looks different at different times of year.

Monkey Grass Flowers

In late summer, monkey grass grows flower spikes. This happens in August and September. The flowers are small and bell-shaped. They are purple, lavender, or white.

Growing New Plants from Seeds

You can grow new monkey grass from seeds. First, wait for the berries to grow. Pick them in late fall. Take out the seed inside. Plant it right away.

Growing from seed takes time. Most people grow new plants a different way. It is faster and easier.

Growing New Plants by Dividing

Dig up the plant. Pull the roots into smaller pieces. Each piece needs roots on it. Plant each piece in the ground. Water it well.

This way is much faster than seeds.

Monkey Grass Berries

After the flowers die, berries grow. On one type, they turn black. On the other type, they turn blue. Birds eat them.

The berries can make people and pets sick if they eat a lot of them. Signs are throwing up, loose stool, and belly pain. Call a vet or poison control if this happens.

Why Texans Love Monkey Grass

Texas is hot and dry. Grass dies under big oak trees. Monkey grass lives where regular grass dies. It needs little water. It needs little work.

Sarah lives in Austin. She said: “For years our grass was dead under our oak trees. Now monkey grass fills the spot. Even in hot summer, it looks great.”

Big Benefits

Needs little water. Once it grows, you don’t water it much.

Lives in shade. It grows under trees where grass dies.

Stops weeds. It grows thick and kills weeds.

Monkey Grass as an Edge

You can plant it along the edge of your lawn and flower beds. It looks clean and neat. It keeps mulch in the bed. It keeps grass out.

Monkey Grass on Hills

On a steep hill, it is hard to cut grass. Creeping monkey grass is the answer. Its roots hold the soil. Rain doesn’t wash it away.

Good for the Earth

You don’t need chemicals on monkey grass. You don’t need bug spray. You don’t need plant food. This means fewer chemicals in your yard.

This is good for nature. Bees need clean yards to live. Butterflies need clean yards. Birds need clean yards. Your yard becomes a home for local bugs and animals.

Picking monkey grass helps nature. It makes your yard prettier. It keeps Texas wildlife safe.

Caring for Monkey Grass

Monkey grass is a true “set it and forget it” plant, but giving it a little care will help it look its best.

Watering Requirements for Monkey Grass

Water the new monkey grass twice a week during its first growing season. After that, rain is usually enough, but during very dry spells, water is needed to keep it green and healthy. Use this checklist to gauge drought stress:

Wilting leaves
Bluish-gray color
Slower growth

If you notice these symptoms, water deeply, applying 1 to 2 inches of water per week in the early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation. Mulching around the plants also helps keep moisture in and means you won’t need to water as often.

Fertilizing Monkey Grass Without Overfeeding

Monkey grass usually doesn’t need fertilizer. If the leaves turn pale yellow, use a slow-release balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) in early spring to help them green up.

Seasonal Care Tips for Healthy Growth

Spring: Trim back old foliage (see below).
Summer: Water during drought.
Fall: Enjoy the blooms.
Winter: Do nothing! It is evergreen in mild climates.

Trimming and Maintenance

Monkey grass needs one thing. One trim a year. That’s it.

When to Trim

The best time is late winter or early spring. In Texas, that means February or March. Watch for when new green shoots start to come up. You want to trim before these shoots appear.

Why does timing matter so much? When you trim at the right time, the plant bounces back strong and healthy. Fresh new leaves grow in thick and green. But if you wait too long, the new shoots are already there. When you cut into them, they get brown tips. And here’s the bad part—those brown tips stay on the leaves all year long. You don’t want that. So mark your calendar. Late February or early March. That’s your window.

How to Trim

For small patches along a border, hand shears or hedge clippers work great. You get control. You don’t accidentally trim too much.

For big areas, your lawnmower is your friend. Set it to the highest setting you have. That’s usually 3 to 4 inches. Run it right over the monkey grass like you’re mowing a lawn.

Here’s the critical part: Make sure your blade is sharp. A dull blade doesn’t cut clean. Instead, it shreds and tears the leaves. Shredded leaves look rough and brown. Sharp blades make clean cuts. The plant heals fast and looks good.

Don’t Make These Mistakes

Mistake 1: Cutting Too Low to the Dirt

This is the biggest error people make. They think, “I’ll cut it super short so it looks neat.” Wrong. When you cut down to the soil, you expose the plant’s crown. The crown is where the roots connect to the shoots. Cutting here wounds the plant. It can’t grow back right. Leave about 3 inches of stubble. This protects the crown and lets the plant recover fast.

Mistake 2: Trimming Too Late in the Season

Once those light green shoots start popping up, you’re done trimming. This is non-negotiable. If you cut into those new shoots, they get brown tips. And those brown tips? They stay on the leaves all year. The plant looks damaged and ugly. It takes months for new clean leaves to grow. So watch your calendar and stop early. Late March is the cutoff. Don’t trim after that.

Problems and How to Control

Monkey grass is tough and doesn’t need much care. But even hardy plants can run into trouble. Wet soil, fungus, and bugs can all cause problems. The good news is that most issues are easy to fix if you catch them early. Know what to look for, and you can keep your monkey grass healthy and looking good.

Crown Rot

This happens when the soil stays too wet. Or when you plant it too deep. The leaves turn yellow at the base. They pull out easy.

Fix it: Plant in soil that drains well. Don’t bury it too deep.

Leaf Spot

This is a fungus. It makes reddish-brown spots on the leaves. It usually looks bad but doesn’t hurt the plant much. If it’s bad, spray with fungicide.

Fix it: Spray fungicide if the spots are everywhere.

Snails and Slugs

Snails and slugs love monkey grass. Here’s why: the plant grows thick and dense. Inside those clumps, it’s cool and damp. Perfect for slugs. They hide there during the day and come out at night to eat. If you see holes in the leaves or slimy trails, you’ve got a problem.

The good news: you don’t need poison. Fight them the natural way.

Step 1: Bring in Birds

Birds eat slugs and snails. Put out bird feeders near your monkey grass. Songbirds will visit. They’ll hunt the pests while looking for food. This is the easiest fix.

Step 2: Pick Them by Hand

Go out early in the morning or late at night. That’s when slugs and snails are most active. They’re out eating and moving around. Just grab them and throw them away. It takes time, but it works. Do this every few days and you’ll see them disappear.

Step 3: Use Copper Tape

Wrap copper tape around the plant base. Slugs and snails hate copper. It feels bad on their skin. They won’t cross the barrier. This is the most effective fix if the pest problem is bad.

If Monkey Grass Spreads Too Much

Creeping monkey grass can take over. Here’s what to do.

Dig It Out

This is the best way to stop creeping monkey grass. It takes work, but it’s worth it. Here’s why: you don’t use chemicals. So nearby plants, bugs, and the soil stay safe.

Step 1: Dig Deep

Use a shovel. Dig down at least 6 inches. You need to get the underground runners. These are called rhizomes. They’re what spread the plant everywhere.

Step 2: Get Every Piece

This is critical. If you leave even small pieces of rhizome in the soil, they will regrow. Pull out chunks of root and soil together. Shake off the dirt and look for white, stringy roots. Those are the runners. Get them all.

Step 3: Check the Edges

Look at the edges of where you dug. See any roots trying to escape? Dig wider. Go a foot beyond where the plant was growing. Monkey grass runners travel far. You don’t want any left behind.

Step 4: Watch the Spot

For the next month, check the area where you dug. If little shoots come back up, dig them out again right away. Catch them early and they’ll stop coming back.

Use Weed Killer

Some weed killers don’t work on monkey grass. But one type does: glyphosate. The brand name is RoundUp. This is a strong chemical that kills almost any plant it touches. That’s why you have to be very careful with it.

How to Use It

Don’t spray it. Spraying spreads it everywhere and kills plants you want to keep. Instead, use a brush. Dip the brush in the weed killer and paint it right onto the monkey grass leaves. This way, only the monkey grass gets hit. Everything else stays safe.

When to Use It

Use this method if digging is too hard or if the monkey grass keeps coming back. It works fast. The plant dies in a week or two. But if you have other plants nearby that you like, stick with digging. It’s safer.

The Downside

Weed killer is strong stuff. It can damage the soil. It can run off into water. Bugs and good bacteria in the soil die too. So use it only when you have to. Digging is better for your yard’s health.

Put in a Barrier

Use plastic or metal edging. Push it 6 inches deep into the ground. This stops the roots from spreading into your flower beds.

Safety Considerations

Is Monkey Grass Toxic to Dogs?

The leaves are safe. Your dog can eat them. But the berries are different.

If your dog eats a lot of berries, it can get sick. The berries upset the stomach. Your dog might throw up or have loose stool. It’s usually not serious. But it’s not fun for your dog.

Keep your pet safe:

Put monkey grass away from where your dog plays. Keep it in a different part of the yard.

Teach your dog not to eat the berries. Most dogs learn quick if you redirect them.

Watch your dog when it’s near the plant. Catch it before it eats the berries.

Clean up fallen berries. In fall, berries drop on the ground. Pick them up so your dog can’t find them.

Know the signs. If your dog eats berries, watch for throwing up or loose stool. Call your vet if it seems sick.

Monkey Grass Safety Around Kids and Pets

The plant is not very poison. But you should still be careful.

Rule 1: Teach Kids About Berries

The berries look nice. Kids might want to eat them. Tell them no. Explain that the berries are not food. Make it a rule: no eating berries from the yard.

Rule 2: Know What Happens If They Eat Berries

If a kid eats monkey grass berries, they might get sick. They could throw up or have loose stool. It’s usually not serious. But it’s not fun.

What to do at home: Give your child or pet water to drink. Keep them calm and rested. Don’t give food for a few hours. Most times, the stomach settles down on its own in a few hours.

If it gets worse or doesn’t stop, call a poison control center. Have the number by your phone.

Rule 3: Watch for Snakes

In some parts of Texas, snakes hide in thick plants. Copperheads and garden snakes like monkey grass. It’s cool and dark. They feel safe there.

Rule 4: Stop Snakes Before They Hide

Keep the grass trimmed short. Short grass gives snakes nowhere to hide. Check the area before kids play. Look for snakes. If you see one, move away and call animal control.

Rule 5: Call for Help

If a child or pet eats berries and gets really sick, call your doctor or vet right away. Keep poison control on your phone: 1-800-222-1222.

Buying Monkey Grass

What to Look For

Healthy monkey grass is deep green. Some types have stripes. Both look good. Avoid plants with brown tips on the leaves.

Check the bottom of the pot. Look at the drain holes. If you see lots of white roots coming out, the plant has outgrown its pot. This is okay. Monkey grass handles this better than most plants. But if the roots are very packed, pick a different one.

Buy Local or Online?

Buy from a local nursery if you can. You see the plant before you buy it. You know exactly what type you get.

“Monkey grass” is a vague name. Online stores might send you the creeping type when you wanted the clumping kind. That’s a problem because they grow different ways. So shop local and ask questions.

Cost

Monkey grass is cheap. A small pot costs $3 to $5. Buy the smallest size to save money. It grows fast. In two seasons, it will be full size.

Growing Monkey Grass in Texas

Monkey grass loves Texas. It handles heat. It handles cold. It handles dry dirt and wet air. Every part of Texas works.

Panhandle

Plant in April. Give it some shade. Protect it from cool weather.

Hill Country

Plant in shaded spots. The dirt is dry and rocky. Shade keeps it from drying out. Plant anytime spring through fall.

Gulf Coast

Plant in October. The air is wet and hot. Monkey grass does great here. Give it some shade in the afternoon.

West Texas

Plant in spring or early fall. It handles cold nights. Give it sun. It likes the warm spots.

Sun and Shade

Plant monkey grass in shade or part shade. In cool areas of Texas, full sun works. But hot Texas sun can burn the leaf tips. Afternoon shade is smart.

Soil

Monkey grass likes the soil in North Texas. That soil is alkaline. Monkey grass does well in it. Mix compost into the dirt to help it grow.

Watering in Summer

In July and August, water deep once a week. This keeps it from going to sleep for the summer.

Giant Monkey Grass

Some types grow very tall. “Evergreen Giant” gets to 2 feet. Landscapers use it a lot under oak trees. Some versions have silver stripes. These are pretty but can freeze in North Texas winters. Check the label.

Monkey Grass Texas: Regional Growing Tips

Monkey grass is made for Texas. It survives Houston’s wet heat. It survives the Hill Country’s dry rocks. It survives West Texas cold. This plant is a fighter.

Sun Exposure

In Texas, plant monkey grass in shade or part shade. The afternoon sun burns the leaf tips. Too much sun stresses the plant in summer.

In cooler parts of Texas, full sun works. But most of Texas is hot. So give it shade.

Soil

North Texas has alkaline clay soil. Monkey grass loves it. That’s the soil nature made for this plant.

In other parts of Texas, mix compost into the dirt. This helps the plant grow. It also holds water.

Watering in Summer

July and August are brutal in Texas. The heat is intense. Water deep once a week during these months. This keeps monkey grass from going to sleep.

Giant Monkey Grass

Some monkey grass grows tall. The type called “Evergreen Giant” gets to 2 feet. It’s big and bold.

Landscapers use it in Texas. You see it under big oak trees. It fills in spaces and looks great.

Some giant types have silver stripes. They look fancy. But watch out—they freeze in North Texas winters. If you live in Zone 7b or 8a in North Texas, pick a cold-tough type instead. Ask at the nursery which kinds survive your winters.

Natural Pest Control: Keep Your Yard Healthy

Snails and Slugs

Snails and slugs have soft bodies. Rough surfaces and certain smells hurt them. Here’s how to use that against them:

Crushed eggshells

How it works: Slug bodies are soft and slimy. Sharp eggshell edges cut their skin. They avoid crossing the barrier.

How to use it: Save eggshells. Crush them into small pieces. Spread a 1-inch ring around the monkey grass. Do this every 2 weeks or after rain washes them away.

Coffee grounds

How it works: Slugs hate the smell of caffeine. It repels them naturally.

How to use it: Collect used coffee grounds from your coffee maker. Sprinkle them in a ring around the plant. Use fresh grounds once a month. After rain, add more.

Fine powder (food-grade)

How it works: This powder sticks to slug skin. It dries them out and they die.

How to use it: Buy food-grade powder at a garden store. Dust it around the plant in the evening. Apply it to the leaves and soil. Reapply after rain. Use once a week in wet seasons.

Pick them at night

How it works: Slugs are active at night when it’s cool and damp. You can find and remove them easily.

How to use it: Go out 1-2 hours after dark. Look under leaves and in the soil. Pick them up with gloved hands. Put them in a bucket of soapy water. Do this 3 times a week for 2 weeks.

Bring in natural hunters

How it works: Ducks and toads eat slugs. They hunt naturally. One toad eats dozens of slugs a week.

How to use it: Create a toad habitat near your garden. Put a shallow dish of water for drinking. Leave leaf piles and rocks for hiding. Ducks need a small pond or water trough. They eat slugs while walking around.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes breed in water and are attracted to certain areas. Stop them before they start:

Get rid of standing water

How it works: Mosquitoes lay eggs in still water. Their babies live in water for days before becoming flying bugs. Kill the breeding spots and you stop mosquitoes.

How to use it: Check your yard weekly. Empty bird baths. Fix leaky hoses and faucets. Don’t let water sit in buckets, pots, or gutters. In rainy season, check after each storm.

Plant repellent plants

How it works: Citronella, lavender, and marigolds release oils that mosquitoes hate. The smell drives them away.

How to use it: Plant these flowers around monkey grass borders. Space them 1-2 feet apart. Plant in spring or fall. They’ll grow fast and fill in. Crush the leaves to release more scent.

Use natural bug killer

How it works: This special powder kills mosquito babies in the water before they grow into flying bugs. It’s safe for people and pets.

How to use it: Buy it at a garden store. Sprinkle the powder into water features like bird baths and fountains. Follow the label directions. Reapply every week during mosquito season (May through September).

Removing Monkey Grass

Monkey grass has thick roots. Removing it is hard work. But it can be done.

Dig It Out

How it works: The underground roots are what keep the plant alive. Remove them and the plant dies for good.

How to use it: Use a spade or garden fork. Push it deep into the ground. Dig at least 6 inches down. Pull out chunks of soil and roots together. Keep digging until you don’t see any more white roots. Check the surrounding area. Monkey grass roots spread far. Dig a foot beyond where the plant was growing. This is hard work but the most reliable way.

Vinegar Method

How it works: Strong vinegar burns and kills the leaves. Without leaves, the plant can’t make food.

How to use it: Use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Pour it into a spray bottle. Spray the leaves until wet in the evening. Do this every 3-5 days. It takes 2-3 weeks to kill the plant. Reapply after rain. Spray on a calm day so it doesn’t blow elsewhere.

Block the Sun

How it works: Plants need sun to live. No light means the plant starves.

How to use it: Cover the area with cardboard or thick mulch. Cardboard is easiest. Lay it flat over the monkey grass. Weigh it down with rocks or bricks so it doesn’t blow away. Leave it for 4-6 weeks. The plant will die underneath. Then pull out the dead roots.

Heat Method

How it works: Heat cooks the plant and its roots. The soil temperature gets so high that nothing survives.

How to use it: Wait for hot weather (June-August). Cover the area with clear plastic. Bury the edges so heat stays trapped. The ground temperature will spike to 140+ degrees. Leave it for 4-6 weeks. Check under the plastic. The grass will be dead and brown. Remove the plastic and dig out the dead roots.

Companion Plants for Monkey Grass

Monkey grass works well with other plants. Here are good matches:

For Color

Plant daylilies, hostas, or coral bells next to monkey grass. They add bright colors.

For Bees and Butterflies

Plant salvia, lantana, or coneflowers. These bring bees and butterflies to your yard.

For Texture

Plant ferns or ornamental grasses like muhly grass. They add visual interest.

Layered Look

Use monkey grass as the low border. Plant taller plants and shrubs behind it. This creates depth and makes your yard look designed.

Pet Safety

Signs Your Pet Ate Berries

How toxicity works: Monkey grass berries contain compounds that upset the stomach lining. This causes vomiting and loose stool. Severe cases affect the nervous system.

Watch for these signs:

Throwing up or loose stool. Drooling a lot. Acting tired or sad. Shaking or trembling. Hard time breathing. Loss of appetite.

What to Do

Steps to take: Speed matters. The faster your vet helps, the better the outcome.

Step 1: Call your vet right away. Don’t wait. Tell them what your pet ate and when.

Step 2: Bring a piece of the plant with you. The vet needs to see it for proper treatment.

Step 3: Watch your pet closely. Keep notes of symptoms. Write down times of throwing up or other signs.

Step 4: Follow the vet’s instructions exactly. Most pets recover fast with vet care.

Prevention

How to stop it before it happens:

Check your yard weekly for fallen berries, especially in fall. Pick them up and throw them away. Train your pet to leave the plant alone. Don’t let your pet eat from the yard. Trim the plant short so fewer berries form. Create a barrier with fencing if needed. Watch your pet when it plays in the yard.

Pros and Cons of Monkey Grass

The Good Stuff

Easy to care for: Once it grows, you barely touch it. No mowing. No feeding. It just lives.

Grows in shade: Regular grass dies under trees. Monkey grass thrives there.

Stops erosion: On steep hills, its roots hold the soil in place. Rain doesn’t wash it away.

Cheap: Small plants cost just a few dollars. And you can grow more from what you have.

Handles tough conditions: Heat, drought, poor soil. Monkey grass laughs at all of it.

The Bad Stuff

Creeping types spread too much: Some varieties run underground and take over. They escape flower beds. They invade lawns. You have to dig them out or use weed killer. This is a big job.

Solution: Use edging borders 6 inches deep. Trim it often. Check the edges and pull out strays.

Attracts pests: Snails, slugs, and mosquitoes love it. The thick leaves and cool soil are perfect for them.

Solution: See the pest control section for natural ways to stop them.

Berries make a mess: The berries fall and roll onto sidewalks and driveways. They stain when you step on them. You have to sweep a lot.

Solution: Plant it away from walkways. Trim the flowers before berries form.

Frequently Asked Questions About Monkey Grass

Does Monkey Grass Spread Aggressively?

It depends on the type.

Creeping Liriope spreads fast. It sends out underground runners. In one year, it can cover 1 to 2 square feet. You need to watch it or it takes over.

Clumping Liriope grows slow. It stays in one spot. It doesn’t spread like creeping Liriope.

Mondo grass doesn’t spread much either.

Bottom line: Buy the clumping kind if you don’t want it spreading everywhere. Buy the creeping kind only if you want fast ground coverage on a hill.

Is Monkey Grass Easy to Maintain?

Yes. Very easy.

You trim it once a year in early spring. That’s it. During very dry spells in summer, water it a little. But that’s really all you need.

No feeding. No bug spray. No mowing. It’s one of the easiest plants you can grow.

What Type Is Best for Borders?

Use the clumping kind. “Big Blue” and “Variegata” are the best names you’ll see.

These grow in neat, tight clumps. They don’t spread into your lawn. They don’t escape into flower beds. They stay put and look tidy. Perfect for edges.

Can Monkey Grass Grow in Shade?

Absolutely. It’s one of the best plants for shade.

Regular grass dies under trees. Monkey grass loves that spot. It thrives in dark corners. It grows under oak trees where nothing else will grow.

If you have a shady, dry spot, monkey grass is your answer.

How Much Does It Cost?

Small pots cost $3 to $5 each. Very affordable.

You don’t need many. It grows fast. Buy a few small ones and they’ll fill in. In two seasons, you’ll have a full bed.

Can I Grow It from Seed?

Yes, but it’s slow.

Seeds take a long time to grow into plants. Most people divide existing plants instead. It’s much faster.

Dig up a plant. Pull the roots apart. Replant the pieces. Each piece becomes a new plant. This works great and is quick.

Is It Safe for Pets?

The leaves are safe.

The berries can upset a pet’s stomach if they eat a lot. Vomiting and loose stool are common. It’s usually not serious.

Keep berries picked up. Train your pet not to eat from the yard. If your pet eats berries and gets sick, call your vet.

When Do the Flowers Bloom?

Late summer. August and September.

The flowers are purple, white, or lavender. Small and bell-shaped. Pretty to look at. Birds like the berries that come after.

When Should You Cut Back or Trim Monkey Grass?

Cut it back in late winter or early spring. February or March is perfect.

Trim it before new green shoots come up. If you trim too late and cut into the shoots, they get brown tips. These stay brown all year.

Use hand shears for small patches. Use a lawnmower on high for big areas. Leave 3 inches of stubble. Don’t cut down to the dirt.

How Do You Get Rid of Monkey Grass?

Three ways work:

Dig it out: The best way. Use a spade. Dig 6 inches deep. Get all the white roots. This takes work but it’s reliable.

Spray vinegar: Spray the leaves with strong vinegar. Do it every 3-5 days. Takes 2-3 weeks to kill it.

Block sunlight: Cover the area with cardboard or thick mulch. Leave it for 4-6 weeks. The plant dies without light.

If it’s creeping Liriope that keeps coming back, use a physical barrier (6 inches deep edging) to stop the runners.

How to Transplant Monkey Grass

Dig up the plant. Pull the roots into smaller pieces. Each piece needs roots on it.

Plant each piece in a new spot. Water it well. It grows fast from divisions. This is the easiest way to spread it around your yard.

What Does Monkey Grass Look Like?

It looks like grass but isn’t. Thin, long leaves that grow in clumps or lines. The leaves are deep green or striped with cream.

In late summer, purple or white flower spikes stick up. After flowers die, black or blue berries form.

Clumping types stay neat. Creeping types spread out and cover ground.

Is Monkey Grass Invasive?

Only creeping Liriope is invasive. In the Southeast, it escapes gardens and takes over wild areas. It kills native plants.

Clumping Liriope and Mondo grass are not invasive. They stay where you plant them.

If you live in the Southeast or worry about spreading, buy the clumping kind. Use edging to contain creeping types.

Do Deer Eat Monkey Grass?

No. Deer don’t like it. They avoid monkey grass.

It’s a good plant to use if you have deer in your area. They won’t damage it.

Is Monkey Grass Toxic to Cats?

Like dogs, cats can get sick from eating a lot of berries. Throwing up and loose stool are common.

Keep berries picked up. Train your cat to stay away. If your cat eats berries and gets sick, call your vet.

Most cats don’t bother with monkey grass anyway. The leaves don’t appeal to them like grass does.

Conclusion

Monkey grass is a hidden gem for Texas gardens. It doesn’t ask for much. But it gives a lot. It fills bare spots. It adds green. It holds soil on slopes. It looks good year-round.

You have choices. Dwarf Mondo stays small and neat. Big Blue Liriope flowers and looks bold. Both are reliable.

Here’s the key: Check the label before you buy. Pick the clumping type. Avoid the creeping kind unless you want it to spread.

Do this right and you’ll have a border that lasts for years. It needs almost no work. Your neighbors will ask where you got it.

References

Disclaimer

This guide is for information only. Monkey grass is safe for most people. But watch kids and pets around the berries. The berries can upset their stomachs.

Laws about invasive plants change by location. If you have questions about monkey grass in your area, call your local county extension office. They can tell you what’s allowed and what’s not.