MONDO (MONKEY) GRASS Facts

COLORS

Green with lavender flowers and blue berries in fall

LIGHT

Full sun or shade

SOIL

Rich, moist but will grow in almost any

WATER

pH

HARDINESS

Withstands heat, drought

USES

Ideal for prevention of erosion

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MONDO (MONKEY) GRASS

Monkey grass, also known as mondo grass, is an evergreen perennial used mostly as a ground cover. It works well as a path border, between stepping-stones or flowerbeds and lawns and rock gardens. It competes well with roots of other plants and makes an excellent covering in shady areas under trees and shrubs. It never needs mowing.

Plants are tufted and grow as high as 16 inches. Its dark green leaves are smooth and grass-like, a half-inch wide, fine to medium in texture and erect to arching. Flowers are usually white or white-tinged with lilac. Flowering and fruiting occur from July through September. Monkey grass is sometimes confused with liriope, but the leaves of monkey grass are narrower, its flowers are smaller and hidden by the leaves, and the fruits are a truer blue than the bluish-black berries of liriope. Monkey grass does not stand up to cold as well as liriope.

It works well as a path border, between stepping-stones or flowerbeds and lawns and rock gardens.

FERTILIZING MONDO (MONKEY) GRASS

Monkey grass grows well in ordinary garden soil and requires virtually no attention once established. It thrives in filtered sun to full shade and prefers moist soil. Foliage is usually light green when grown in filtered sun, while leaves grown in the shade have dark leaves.

Propogate by dividing large clumps. Include as many roots as possible and 8 to 10 leaves on each section for planting. Plants are easily established and do not require heavy feeding; use Vigoro® All Purpose Plant Food when necessary. Monkey grass stays attractive year round although leaves may become ragged by late winter. Shear shaggy leaves in early spring before new growth starts. 

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