The herbaceous perennial Liriope spicata, also known by its common name–creeping lilyturf, is one of the fastest-spreading groundcovers you can buy. Not only is this versatile spreading Liriope drought-tolerant, but it also thrives in sun or shade–and can even tolerate large amounts of moisture.

For filling in large areas quickly, this grass-like perennial is an excellent choice. It spreads by way of tough runners that can sometimes overtake adjacent plants. For this reason Liriope spicata should be planted in areas that are contained or have barriers, such as the right-of-way area between a sidewalk and the street. In other spots this aggressive groundcover demands frequent attention to prevent its rapid spread from encroaching on other plants. If you’re looking for a border plant or a garden groundcover you will be better served with L. spicata’s cousin Liriope muscari. If, on the other hand, you need a fast-growing turf substitute for areas of your property that are not heavily trafficked, L. spicata may be your best bet.

Uses for Liriope spicata

One of the most common uses for this popular lilyturf is erosion control. On steep hillsides this groundcover fills in quickly and establishes strong runners that hold soil in place. Since it is equally at home in sun and shade, Liriope spicata provides coverage and control for any type of slope.

An additional use for this plant is that of weed control. This Liriope covers bare ground quickly to prevent weeds from taking hold, minimizing the time you need to spend weeding.

This plant produces spiky clusters of white or purple flowers in late summer followed by dark blue berries in the autumn. Its evergreen leaves can take on a bronze tone in the winter. The maximum height for Liriope is 15 inches and each plant spreads up to about 12 inches.

Maintenance

To use Liriope to fill in a large area quickly, divide the rhizomatous plants before the initial planting. They will rapidly spread, at which time you can divide them again. With this process, your Liriope will cover a large expanse in a very short time.

Liriope spicata grows more quickly in sunny conditions, although it also thrives in the shade. It prefers a moist or well-drained soil but tolerates some sogginess as well. The optimal zones for growing this plant include zones 4 thorough 10. L. spicata is also deer-resistant, making it a good choice in areas heavy-populated with deer. Maintenance is fairly minimal, but you will need to monitor its spread to other parts of the yard and give it a trim with a string trimmer or mower each spring.

For gardeners who are seeking an attractive evergreen foliage and a fast-growing groundcover, Liriope spicata fits the bill. Just be prepared to spend some time controlling its spread if you want to prevent your new groundcover from turning invasive.

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Everyone loves a nice, green lawn, yet not everyone has the time to maintain their entire lawn by mowing and watering on a frequent basis. Enter dwarf mondo grass, a variety of lilyturf that is gaining in popularity among homeowners and landscapers who are looking for a low-maintenance groundcover to fill in those stubborn areas. This turf grass alternative, also known as dwarf monkey grass, is useful in those low-trafficked areas where traditional grass just doesn’t seem to fit.

Dwarf mondo grass is a miniature version of regular mondo grass that reaches a height of only about 2 to 4 inches (5-10 cm). Once established this ornamental plant will spread out to form a thick layer of grassy turf that is resistant to drought and pests and never needs to be mowed. As a member of the lily family, dwarf mondo does not have the thirst for water that ordinary grass has. In fact, as long as it receives occasional rain mature mondo never needs to be watered. The plants have even been known to maintain their green color during periods of drought-like conditions.

Dwarf mondo grass grows well under shady or sunny conditions. Many landscapers like to use this plant in patches between trees in a shady area because they handle lack of sunlight better than most grasses. It is also frequently used between stepping stones, to mark the border of a garden or pathway, or in flower beds.

Mondo is typically sold as bare-root sprigs which are individually planted in the ground. Mondo grass seed is also available, however seed germination with these plants is very irregular and the result of your efforts will be much less predictable. Once planted the sprigs will slowly multiply and spread outward to produce a thick layer of grassy turf. Bare-root springs can be ordered in bulk for larger landscaping needs.

The biggest drawback to ground cover plants like dwarf mondo grass is that they do not hold up as well in highly-trafficked areas of your yard. While dwarf mondo can take some occasional walking on, it is not recommended as a lawn surface where children frequently play or where it will get a lot of recreational use. However, if you need a low-maintenance turf that looks great and will fill in those out of the way sections of your property, then dwarf mondo grass is an exceptional choice.

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“Woah, is that real?” a friend asked me recently after seeing the dark, shaggy row of black mondo grass marking the border between my garden and patio. “Sure is,” I was proud to reply. Believe it or not, of all the countless varieties of flowers, shrubs, trees and plants I use to landscape my backyard, it’s the black mondo that seems to solicit the most comments. You certainly can’t blame the untrained observer from being skeptical. I mean, how many leafy plants do you know of that are a rich shade of black?

Black mondo grass is perfect as a border because of the incredible contrast it creates with the other plants and flowers in your yard. It casts a striking presence as garden edging, alongside a patio, path, or driveway, or as a unique groundcover. Much like regular mondo grass, the black mondo variety is resistant to drought, deer, and insects and does not require a lot of care to maintain its spectacular looks.

Young black mondo leaves will have a greenish tinge, however as the plants age their color becomes darker. The leaves have a shininess to them that will remain all-year long in a healthy plant. This clumping perennial spreads slowly over time and will eventually fill in to create a lush, black carpet just about anywhere you choose to put it. Mature plants typically reach a height of 6 to 10 inches (15-25 cm). Midsummer marks the arrival of beautiful pink bell-shaped flowers which give way to small black berries in the fall. Black mondo grass requires little water and will thrive in full sun or in those shady spots where few other things will grow.

Black mondo grass has the ability to help illuminate a garden, making the bright reds, yellows, and oranges really shine. It is can be used on its own or in tandem with other ornamental grass plants like liriope muscari and green mondo grass. If you are looking for a groundcover plant that is sure to generate comments and commendations from friends and family, then black mondo grass should certainly be at the top of your list.

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One of the great things about mondo grass is that it is super-easy to grow and maintain. Even the most inexperienced gardeners should have no problems planting a lush patch of mondo grass in their garden or backyard, provided they follow the following steps:

1. Prepare the soil by removing all weeds from the area where your mondo grass will grow. An herbicide such as Roundup may be necessary in heavily weed-infested soil.

2. When the area is weed-free, till the soil by hand or with a rototiller to a depth of 6-8 inches (15-20 cm).

3. Remove all rocks and debris and add an organic fertilizer to the soil. Then till a second time.

4. Separate the clumps of mondo grass into individual tufts and space them 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) apart. Choose a closer spacing for a denser look and a wider spacing if you want the individual plants to stand out. If you are using dwarf mondo grass each tuft should be planted 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) apart.

5. Plant the mondo tufts in the soil and make sure the roots are well-covered by gently packing the soil around the crown. Water immediately after planting.

6. Once the mondo starts to establish itself, prune and fertilize as necessary. Mondo grass does not require much care, however you may wish to remove any brown leaves you see in early spring. Light applications of fertilizer in the spring and summer will help the plant to maintain its color and appearance.

This low maintenance grass is an excellent choice along garden borders and in flower beds. Ornamental grass plants can also be used to fill in empty areas of a garden or backyard. Homeowners are often scared away from some of the more uncommon or exotic plants thinking that there must be a huge learning curve when it comes to growing and maintaining these plants. As you can see, mondo grass is quite easy to add to your yard and its attractive appearance makes it well worth the short amount of time invested.

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Mondo grass is an ornamental plant used as groundcover in a garden or lawn. An alternative to turf grass, mondo grass is a low maintenance turf that never needs to be mowed and remains colorful all-year long. Its rich green color helps to provide definition, allowing the features of the garden to really stand out. While technically a member of the lily family, this evergreen plant, also known as monkey grass or ophiopogon japonicus, has the appearance of a lush, hardy grass with slender blades. The summer months mark the appearance of small, blue berries that blend in naturally with the plant’s green leaves.

This ornamental plant is a popular choice for use along garden borders, between stones, and in flower beds. Mondo establish themselves rapidly and do well in most any type of soil. They are a perfect solution in areas where water conservation is necessary since they do not require a lot of watering and can easily withstand heat and drought. The plants are successful in full shade as well as in direct sunlight. Weed control is also quite simple, giving mondo a distinct advantage over traditional grasses. Mondo grass typically reaches a height of 6 to 10 inches (15-25 cm).

Varieties of Mondo Grass

Gardeners who like a tidier look may want to consider dwarf mondo grass as an alternative. Dwarf mondo is similar to traditional mondo, however the leaves are more closely-cropped and compact, reaching a height of only 2 to 4 inches (5-10 cm). This gives the groundcover more of a well-maintained look. This ornamental grass works great between stepping stones or as a bulk ground cover and can grow just about anywhere in the yard.

Black mondo grass is a unique groundcover that has been seeing a strong rise in popularity. One of the few plants in the world with black leaves, black mondo provides a contrast that really brings out the color of other garden plants and flowers. The plant grows tiny, pink blooms in the summertime that create a dramatic look along any border or garden pathway. Like other mondo grasses, black mondo is easy to maintain and grows in most soil types.

The Liriopes

Closely related to mondo grass is the lilyturf known as liriope muscari. This tufted perennial has a grassy foliage with long, purple flowers. It can be used as an edging for pathways and driveways or as groundcover in a garden or low-traffic area of the lawn. Those looking for less prominent flowers may wish to consider its close cousin, liriope spicata.

Ornamental grasses come in a variety of tones and textures and most of them persist year round no matter what the weather. These plants are a wonderful addition to any backyard and are ideal for filling in spaces where nothing else seems to grow. They are extremely important for controlling soil erosion and to help reduce soil evaporation. They also provide a lush canvas that allow your brightly colored plants and flowers to truly shine.

Mondo Grass Comparison

	Name	Hardiness Zones	Mature Height	Best Uses	Ordering Information
	Mondo Grass (monkey grass, ophiopogon japonicus)	6-10	6 to 10 inches	borders, edging, ground cover, erosion control	More Info
	Dwarf Mondo Grass (dwarf monkey grass, dwarf lilyturf)	6-10	2 to 3 inches	ground cover/turf grass substitute, edging, under-planting	More Info
	Black Mondo Grass (black dragon, ebony knight)	5-10	6 to 10 inches	ground cover, borders, edging, under-planting, rock gardens	More Info

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