Liriope, Mondo Grass & Aztec Grass
Grass like plants such as mondo grass, Aztec grass, and liriope grow in attractive grassy tufts that can put just the right finishing touches on any landscape.
These three are tough, evergreen, low-maintenance plants.
Their diminutive size and pretty, mounded form works well for borders and edging.
They all flower, usually more so in spring and summer.
The flower spikes are tucked down in the dense grass and - other than liriope blossoms - aren't usually very visible.
"Grass-likes" can add a formal note to garden beds and can be used in several areas to give a cohesive look to the landscaping.
Mondo Grass
Ophiopogon japonicus
Often called "Monkey Grass," mondo is cold-hardy, great anywhere in South Florida.
It's the slowest growing of these grass like plants and takes sun or shade - though it seems happiest in a location with some afternoon shade.
The regular variety grows about 12" tall. Dwarf mondo grass onlygrows to 6" tall. (A newer shade-loving cultivar is the striking blackmondo grass with black leaves and pink flowers.)
Mondo is very tough, very tenacious - once you plant it, it'll be there pretty much forever.
Ithas a tendency to wander and spread, and makes a good groundcover.However, if it goes where you don't want it, it's very hard to remove,so plan the area well.
Regular irrigation is a must but with enough time for the plant to dry out a bit between waterings.
Ifmondo grass is left to go too dry, the tips of the deep green leaveswill turn brown and, because they're so long-lasting, you'll see theunattractive error of your ways for a long time.
Liriope
Liriope muscari
Of all the grass like plants, liriope is a huge favorite for South Florida.
Sometimes known as "Lilyturf," it's commonly available in varieties which grow about 18" to 24" tall.
A moderate grower with purple flower spikes, liriope is cold-tolerantand does well in Zone 9B or Zone 10.
This plant is equally at home insun or shade.
Water regularly but with time to let the plant dry out a bit between waterings.
Aztec Grass
Ophiopogon intermedius
The most eye-catching of grass like plants, this one has heavily variegated leaves that remind many Northerners of the variegated houseplant spider plant.
Aztec grass is cold-hardy, grows at a moderate rate to about 12" to 18" tall, and gets a white flower spike. It does best in a part shade location.
This plant can look spindly when planted in single-file along a walkway, so plant in more of a drift to let it fill in (see Plant Spacing below for ideas).
Provide regular irrigation but don't keep it overly wet.
Aztec grass is said to be deer-resistant.
Plant care
Add top soil (or organic peat humus) and composted cow manure to the hole when you plant.
No trimming is needed. Water regularly (see each variety for specifics).
Fertilize 3 times a year with a quality granular fertilizer.
Plant spacing
Spacing depends on the finished look you want.
For less of a filled-in border and more of a single plant look, place liriope 2-1/2 feet apart, Aztec grass about 2 feet apart.
Mondo will grow together rather than in separate mounds, so place plants about 8 to 12 inches apart.
For a mass planting or solid border, Aztec grass can be situated 10 to 12 inches apart. Liriope should go in about 12 to 15 inches apart.
To plant so that the plants form a "drift," place any of these grass like plants in a row at recommended spacing just above, adding a second row behind them with the next set of plants offset from the first. An additional third row might be needed if the area has some depth to it.
You can plant 2 one-gallon Aztec grass in one large hole - or place 3in a fairly close triangle - if you want a fuller look sooner.Same goes for mondo grass.
Along a walkway, come in 1-1/2 feet for liriope, 1 foot for Aztec grass, and 6" to 8" for mondo grass.
These plants will do fine in a container but work best in the ground.
Landscape uses for grass like plants
- edging for a garden area
- groundcover
- among rocks
- along a low porch
- beside steps
- filler in a mixed bed
- surrounding palms or trees
- in front of foundation shrubs
- edging a walkway
- under low windows (liriope)
- between stepping stones (dwarf mondo)
- surrounding a mailbox post, fountain, birdfeeder or birdbath
- in front of "leggy" plants to camouflage bare trunks
GOOD SNOWBIRD PLANT? YES
COMPANION PLANT SUGGESTIONS: Mondo Grass - Indian hawthorne, variegated arboricola, pentas, croton and blackberry iris.
Aztec Grass - Japanese boxwood, tibouchina, pinwheel jasmine, Xanadu philodendron, podocarpus.
Liriope - gold mound, bush allamanda, Maui red ixora, thryallis, and Burgundy loropetalum.
Other plants you might like: Blueberry Flax Lily, and flowering grass-like perennials Society Garlic and Bulbine
As an avid horticulturist and landscape design enthusiast with years of hands-on experience, I'm thrilled to share my expertise on grass-like plants, particularly Mondo Grass, Aztec Grass, and Liriope. My deep understanding of these plants stems from countless hours spent cultivating and observing their growth patterns, care requirements, and aesthetic contributions to various landscapes.
Let's delve into the key concepts and information related to these grass-like plants:
Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus)
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Attributes:
- Known as "Monkey Grass."
- Cold-hardy and well-suited for South Florida.
- Slowest growing among grass-like plants.
- Adaptable to both sun and shade, with a preference for afternoon shade.
- Regular variety grows about 12" tall; dwarf mondo grass reaches only 6".
- Newer shade-loving cultivars, like black mondo grass, add striking visual appeal with black leaves and pink flowers.
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Care Tips:
- Extremely tough and tenacious, making it a long-lasting ground cover.
- Tends to wander and spread, so careful planning is essential.
- Requires regular irrigation, allowing the plant to dry out between waterings to avoid browning of leaves.
Liriope (Liriope muscari)
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Attributes:
- Commonly known as "Lilyturf."
- Favorite in South Florida, growing about 18" to 24" tall.
- Moderate grower with purple flower spikes.
- Cold-tolerant, thriving in Zone 9B or Zone 10.
- Adaptable to both sun and shade.
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Care Tips:
- Requires regular watering, allowing the plant to dry out between waterings.
Aztec Grass (Ophiopogon intermedius)
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Attributes:
- Notable for heavily variegated leaves, resembling the spider plant.
- Cold-hardy and grows at a moderate rate to about 12" to 18" tall.
- Features a white flower spike.
- Thrives in part shade locations.
- Considered deer-resistant.
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Care Tips:
- Benefits from regular irrigation without being overly wet.
Plant Care Tips for All Grass-Like Plants:
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Soil Preparation:
- Add topsoil or organic peat humus and composted cow manure when planting.
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Maintenance:
- No trimming required.
- Water regularly based on specific requirements for each variety.
- Fertilize three times a year with a quality granular fertilizer.
Plant Spacing:
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Liriope:
- 2-1/2 feet apart for a single plant look.
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Aztec Grass:
- 2 feet apart for a less filled-in border.
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Mondo Grass:
- 8 to 12 inches apart, forming a cohesive growth.
Landscape Uses for Grass-Like Plants:
- Edging for garden areas.
- Groundcover among rocks.
- Along low porches, beside steps.
- Filler in mixed beds.
- Surrounding palms, trees, or foundation shrubs.
- Edging walkways or under low windows.
- Suitable for containers but thrives best in the ground.
Companion Plant Suggestions:
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Mondo Grass:
- Indian hawthorne, variegated arboricola, pentas, croton, and blackberry iris.
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Aztec Grass:
- Japanese boxwood, tibouchina, pinwheel jasmine, Xanadu philodendron, podocarpus.
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Liriope:
- Gold mound, bush allamanda, Maui red ixora, thryallis, and Burgundy loropetalum.
In conclusion, these grass-like plants not only add a formal touch to garden beds but also offer versatility in various landscape settings. Their resilience, aesthetic appeal, and low-maintenance characteristics make them invaluable choices for both novice and experienced gardeners. If you're considering enhancing your outdoor space, these grass-like plants are sure to provide the perfect finishing touches.
