Monkey Grass Covers Dixie

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Easy to find and even easier to care for, it can withstand a year-round beating. monkey grass has become a favorite of Southern homeowners. Residents of this region have come up with some pretty unique uses for this evergreen perennial plant.

The first thing you’ll notice about a good patch of monkey grass is the color and variety with linear leaves in deep shades of green. Some types of monkey grass even have white- or lilac-tinged flowers, which makes them perfect garden-side selections. Also called mondo grass, monkey grass has a friendly root system that easily co-exists with other plants and flowers. Here are just a few reasons why you’ll love this particular ground cover.

Monkey Grass Close Up

• Full bloom. Monkey grass hits its stride and looks best from July to September. It thrives in both filtered sunlight and full shade.
• Got weeds? Not if you have monkey grass. Because it grows thick and mat-like, weeds are hardly ever a problem and you don't need to fertilize either.
• Where monkey grass grows. Some perfect spots for monkey grass are sloping hills that you don’t want to cut regularly, between stepping stone paths, or along garden borders.

Propagating the Species

Monkey grass can be planted anywhere by breaking off pieces from other well-grown areas. Include as much root system as you can get and include at least eight to ten stalks. You can also add all-purpose plant food, but regardless, the new clumps should begin rooting right away. In the spring, make sure that you shear off scraggly plant heads to make room for new growth later in the year.

About the Author

Kelly Richardson has obsessive compulsive lawn disorder and is afflicted with the need to share his knowledge with the world. Kelly writes lawn columns for a variety of home and garden magazines and e-zines.