LIRIOPE VS. MONDO GRASS-Ground Cover Choices

How to Choose Between Two Green Alternatives

What Features Are the Same?

This will help you choose between liriope and mondo grass as ground cover choices for your garden. Both plants are options for your garden and showy staples of the southern garden. In both cases, they are low-maintenance problem solvers. You can use either of them as ground cover to control erosion, cover hard-to-mow slopes, and encircle trees in places where turf will not grow. Also because they are pretty and some are taller than most ground covers, they can form a stylish edge for a planting bed.

Both have shiny upright grass-like blades available in green, black, and variegated colors. Also, both have flowers in warm weather, followed by berries. Liriope and mondo grass both look like wide-bladed grass and can be planted in wide swaths and riverlike flows, but they are evergreen perennials. Both plants are drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, each will provide a turf alternative in the garden.

Comparison Table

If you can understand each of these useful plants and the differences between them, it will help you make the best decision for your garden. I have prepared the Liriope information first, followed by Mondo grass.

Follow the link above to see a quick, side-by-side comparison of the plants’ features.

What Features Are Different Between Liriope and Mondo Grass?

Liriope (luh-RYE-oh-pe)

Alternatively, called lilyturf and monkey grass, liriope is a member of the lily family and today is a staple of the southern home, perhaps right after sweet iced tea! Westerners discovered it in China and Japan and it has been popular in western gardens for 200 years.

In ancient China, its blades were used as bookmarks by scholars and the plant has been found growing in libraries!

Liriope is upright, with straight blades, and is the taller of the two (by about 8 inches). Mondo grass has more narrow blades and a drooping aspect. When liriope produces its showy flowers, you will see them above the grass blades. You will not notice the flowers of mondo grass because they are hidden within the blades. Liriope’s weather hardiness zone travels a little farther north. (If you are on the edge of a plant’s territory but remain interested in it, check with your local agricultural Extension Service.) They will offer expert advice suited to your area.

Dwarf Varieties

Mondo Grass has dwarf varieties; Liriope does not. The dwarf version of mondo grass has an almost turf-like appearance with a rich dark color. We are using it around stepping stones in our present garden where it is very pretty and walkable. In addition, mondo grass is less sun-tolerant and a little less drought and cold-tolerant. Check your hardiness zone and think about the microzones in your garden.

More Detail On Each Plant

Liriope

Ornamental Value

Liriope is a dense, evergreen ground cover with blades similar to a thick blade of grass. They can be very dark green or variegated. In summer, flowers and later berries appear on conical stalks above the foliage. The flowers can be lavender, blue, pink, and white. The blue shades can appear as a brilliant contrast above the rich dark foliage and the white flowers have a distinct pearl-like air.

Size Range

Liriope will range in height from 10-18″ tall and 12-18″ wide. Different varieties have color and size variations. Use the chart below to select the best one for your garden.

Two Main Types Of Liriope-With Impact On Use

We are comparing two different plants but in addition, there are two distinct types of liriope. Liriope muscari is a clumping plant and the second is Liriope spicata; it grows by rhizomes. The important part is that they are two spreading plants and the Liriope spicata spreads much faster and is therefore the most likely to be invasive in some places.

Liriope muscari

This type grows in clumps and will spread 12-18″ wide. Below is a list of varieties.

Varieties of Liriope muscari To Choose From

• Liriope muscari ‘Aztec” -variegated, green and silver, very tough, good edging material to 15″ High, hardy in zones 7-11.
• Liriope muscari ‘Big Blue’-tall blue flower spikes, black, berries, plant blades are 14″ high. Use in zone 5-10.
• Liriope muscari “Christmas Tree’-has dense lavender flowers in Christmas Tree shape, 12″-15” H. zone 6-10.
• Liriope muscari ‘Densiflora’-lavender flowers, 12″-18″ H.,zone 6-10.
• Liriope muscari “Evergreen Giant’-purple flower, 12″-24” H. zone6-10.
• Liriope muscari ‘John Burch’-green leaves with yellow to white edges. Grows 12′-15″ H and is hardy in zones 5/6-11.
• Liriope muscari ‘Majestic’-dark green foliage, violet flower grows to 18″ H. hardy in zones 5-11.
• Liriope muscari ‘Monroe White’-grow in part sun, with forest green foliage and white flowers. 14-18″ H. zone 5/6-10.
• Liriope muscari ‘Royal Purple’-purple flower, use in zone 5-11, grows 12″-15″ H.
• Liriope muscari ‘Silver Midget’-purple flower, green leaves have yellow edges. Shorter variety grows 10-12″ H. zone 5-11.
• Liriope muscari ‘Variegata’-leaves are distinctively striped with yellow, use in zones 5/6-11″ grows 12-15″ H.
• Liriope muscari ‘Webster’- This plant has the widest leaf grows in zone 5-9 and reaches 12-15″ H.

Is There A Dwarf Liriope?

Look above for Liriope muscari “Silver Midget’ it is called a small or sometimes dwarf liriope but at 1′ in height, it does not give you the small size (3″-6”) you will get from Dwarf Mondo Grass Nana. If you need a low ground cover, dwarf mondo grass is the one!

Binomial Nomenclature -Why Are The Plant Names Written This Way?

*Why the varieties of spelling? This is Binomial Nomenclature and it tells you about the plant. Liriope ( written in italics and capitalized) tells you the genus of the plant. The plants above are all the same genus and will have similar features, they are herbaceous perennials that live in sun-to-sun/shade conditions and are not fussy about soil as long as it drains.

muscari-is the specific species (it is italicized and not capitalized). So you know the plant is a Liriope muscari, the clumping variety, and not the one that spreads rapidly.

Aztec Grass

‘Written in regular text and surrounded by single quotation marks, this tells you that this is not a naturally occurring variety (which would be Latinized and in italics) but an intentional cultivar, designed by humans to suit a certain purpose.

If you would like to know more try this “Latin for Gardeners: How To Read And Remember Plant Names.”

Liriope spicata

Liriope spicata (also called lilyturf) is a ground cover that spreads rapidly using rhizomes, which are underground stems. In some territories, this is considered invasive. Check with your county Agricultural Extension Service. Here is how to find yours.

This link will take you to a UF/IFAS article on the subject.

Varieties Of Liriope spicata To Choose From

• Liriope spicata ‘Silver Dragon’- narrow leaf, highly variegated grows 12-16″ H. zone 7-10
• Liriope spicata ‘Franklin Mint’-a wider green leaf, lavender flower zones 4-10 to 18″ H.

Impact on Use

The muscari species makes an excellent ground cover. Simply choose from the table below based on features you can use. The one distinction, and an error to avoid, is that Liriope muscari will grow in neat rows, can be used as an edging for planting beds, and is graceful along walkways. On the other hand, Liriope spicata will spread widely and is not suitable for that purpose. Liriope spicata tends to be less dense than Liriope muscari, has narrower leaves (1/4″ ), and produces a more turf-like appearance.

Growing Requirements For Liriope

The plant is extremely forgiving, and it is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, from sand to clay. It grows in the sun to shade. Also, it accepts heat, drought, salt spray, and is disease-resistant. Note that Liriope has one firm requirement, and that is drainage. It will not accept constant wetness or soggy roots. If that is a problem, amend the soil with organic matter. For soil types and ways to amend them, this article on soil may be helpful.

Plant Liriope one foot apart, being careful not to plant too deeply, and ensure that the plant’s crown is no lower than at the soil level.

Water and Fertilizer for Liriope

Liriope should be kept uniformly moist for the first year. Once established, the plant is drought tolerant and is a light feeder. However, the plants will benefit from a time-release fertilizer in spring. Water each week, during drought periods, including your mature plants.

Maintenance

Liriope is evergreen in the southern end of its hardiness zones. In the colder range of the zone, the plant will die back in winter and should be mulched for protection.

You can trim your plants in the early spring if they become ragged in appearance. You can cut them using hand or electric shears or with a sharp lawnmower blade to as low as 3″ in height.

Propagation

Liriope can be easily propagated by simple division; The plant does not require separation for its health. To create new plants, dig up the section of the plant and separate it by cutting using a spade or secateurs.

Pests

Liriope Scale-scale is a pest that damages the foliage by sucking the plant juices. It appears on the underside of the leaf. Look for yellow areas on the foliage to identify the presence of scale.

Treat the scale with a combination of alcohol and insecticidal soap every three days for two weeks.

Slugs– are snails without shells. They leave a telltale slime, however, you can capture them with traps. Identify the problem and begin trapping as early as possible in spring. They are most damaging during rainy times and in cases of excess mulch. Do not allow mulch to be put too close to the plants.

Spider Mites-these are tiny red, sucking insects. The damaged foliage will appear faded; there are commercial treatments that you spray on every seven days. Remember to spray both the top and bottom of the leaves.

Deer and Rabbits-liriope is resistant to these two. For a project to grow ground cover that is unattractive to rabbits see this: ‘How to Find a Low Maintenance Ground Cover That Rabbit Won’t Love.’

Diseases

Aranthnose-this is a fungal disease that appears as reddish-brown spots on both leaf margins and leaf tips. The problem tends to appear during times of heavy rainfall or overhead watering. The result can be rapid foliage dieback, and the fungus can remain over the winter. If discovered early, treat with the fungicide Bacillus subtilis. Ensure that you apply enough product to drip from the sides of the plant. Start at the first sign of spots and repeat at the manufacturer’s suggested intervals.

You can mow or trim last year’s growth to a height of 3″. This will prevent the spreading of the disease. In more advanced stages, your only option is to remove and destroy any affected plants.

A water mold pathogen causes leaf and Crown Rot. This begins with a yellowing of the interior foliage, and the discoloration will extend throughout the foliage. Fungicide treatment will delay but not cure the problem.

Mondo Grass

Mondo Grass Ornamental Value

Mondo grass is a graceful, curving low groundcover, usually appearing in a dark green color. Of particular value to homeowners is its low-maintenance nature. This means that it is an ideal covering and weed defense for awkward and hard-to-reach spots. Mondo grass requires more water than Liriope but is otherwise low maintenance. It will grow well in the shaded areas under trees, including spots between tree roots and rocks or other obstructions.

You can plant mondo grass, particularly the dwarf variety, in patterns. Then, use it around patios or stepping stones to create a more organic appearance for your hardscape.

Size Range

Mondo grass is available in size ranges from as little as 2-3″ to about 12″ tall. The plant grows as much as 15″wide.

Three Main Types Of Mondo Grass-With Impact On Use

Black Mondo Grass

Black mondo grass begins green and matures to black; it has a black appearance that may appear green in deep shade. If you like the black effect, ensure that a reasonable amount of sun reaches the plant.

Dwarf Mondo Grass

Dwarf mondo grass is a highly specialized mondo grass, an elegant and very low growing, low maintenance, dark green ground cover. Use it in a lot of problem areas. This includes places too shady for turf, with rocks and tree roots, steep slopes, and erosion-prone areas.

Ophiopogon japonicus-Both Green And Variegated

This mondo grass ranges from 6-10″ and possibly higher. It is the most commonly used mondo grass. It covers the ground with a dark green, drooping habit.

See more details on these plants in the chart below.

Note Regarding Your Plant Hardiness Zones

Mondo grass grows in roughly the same geographic territory as Liriope but starts slightly farther south. In all cases, check the hardiness zone of the plant varieties you choose. If you are in an area near the edge of the geographic zone, check with your local County Extension services. To identify your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone, check here, add your zip code.

Growing Requirements For Mondo Grass

Like liriope, mondo grass is adaptable and accepts a variety of soil and light conditions. It also shares with liriope the requirement for good drainage. Plant mondo grass between 4-12″ apart and dwarf mondo grass, 2-4″ apart.

Water and Fertilizer For Mondo Grass

Water mondo grass thoroughly when the top 1-2″ is dry, customarily, depending on weather conditions. This should be about 10-14 days. Water to keep the soil moist but never soggy. Depending on the climate, discontinue winter watering when the plant is dormant. In our South Florida climate, winter is our dry season, and we require irrigation.

Fertilize mondo grass throughout the growing season at three-month intervals. Follow your local ordinances regarding fertilizer use.

Maintenance

Like Liriope, mondo grass is a low-maintenance plant. If your plant becomes ragged over winter, you can trim it to 3″ for a neat, fresh start. Then, remove weeds and water mature plants during the drought season. The color of mondo grass will be lighter green in the sun and darker in the shade.

Propagation of Mondo Grass

The propagation of mondo grass is similar to that of liriope. Simply cut the rhizomes into pieces and plant them.

Pests and Diseases

Pests

Slugs and Snails

These will chew holes in the foliage and cause wilting. For control, you can use a commercially available slug and snail bait.

Diseases

Anthracnose

This fungal disease produces brown or reddish-brown patches along with the plant leaf and tips. As in liriope, it is related to excessive moisture.

Remove and destroy any affected plants. You can treat the disease with a copper fungicide. However, this has limited value as excess amounts build up in the soil and negatively impact soil microbes and earthworms.

Pythium Root Rot

It presents a serious disease as burned tips on leaves that turn yellow and the roots rot. This disease is primarily a problem of planting in overly wet conditions. Biological pesticides can be used. However, the best defense is to plant in well-draining locations only.

How To Use The Table To Select Plants

Liriope Vs Mondo Grass Table

Features	Liriope	Mondo Grass
	Liriope muscari (l-ih-RY-oh–pee mass-KAR-ee)	Ophiopogon japonicus (o-fee-oh-POE-gon jah-PON-ih–KUS)
Plant Hardiness Zone	6-10 (some hardiness z. 5 (ask your County Extension Service)	7-11
Size	10′-18″,	6″-10″ HIgh, Dwarf Var. 1″-4″
Color	Green, Varigated	Green, Black, Varigated
Flower, Berry	above the blades, various colors, the berry is black	within the blades, var colors. Blue Berry
Behavior	Upright blades, wider than Mondo grass	Very narrow blades, drooping
Uses	Edging, ground cover, slopes, erosion control, weed control	Same
Sun/Shade	Sun/part sun/shade	part sun/shade
Soil	well-drained accepts various soils	well-drained accepts various soils
pH	6.0-7, moderately acid-neutral	6.1-6.5, mildly acidic
Water	For new plantings, regular water but less frequently than every day. Drought tolerant when established	Water new plantings thoroughly. Water when hen soil feels dry for 1-2.”
Feed	Light feeder, early spring, 10-10-10.	When planting, Balanced fertilizer10-10-10, early spring, 16-4-8, early fall, 10-10-10
Pests/Diseases	Resistant, Leaf Crown Rot, scale-avoid standing water	Same-avoid over water also
Trimming	in colder areas, trim low before spring growth	same

How To Differentiate between Liriope muscari and Liriope spicata?

Liriope muscari is tall with one-inch wide blades of grass and tall flower spikes, commonly blue or purple It clumps and does not spread by rhizomes.

Liriope spicata is lower, more drooping, with narrow grass blades of 1/4″ and low, flowers in white and lavender, hidden by the blades of grass. It spreads by rhizomes.

Both varieties are not attractive to deer and rabbits and tolerate pollution. Use a garden center that provides appropriate labels with Binomial nomenclature. (Botanical Latin names) This article “Latin for Gardeners”a little help may be useful.

Some Varieties

Name/Features-By Height Low-High	Liriope	Mondo Grass
Variety	Liriope muscari ‘Silver Midget‘	Ophiopogon japonous ‘Nana’
Flower Color-Height	Lavender-10″-12″	2″-3″
Growing Zone-Sun/Shade	5/6-10-Full Sun, Part Sun, Shade	6-10- Part Sun/Shade
Growing Style	Shorter, Clumping, Shade	short, clumping, shade in zone 9-10
Leaf	Dark Green, + White Variations	Dark Green, thin blade-like
Variety	Liriope muscari iBig Blue‘	Ophiopogon japonicus
Flower Color-Height	Blue,(Hyacinth Like) -12″-15″	6″-10″
Growing Zone-Sun/Shade	5/6-10-FS, Part Sun, Shade	6/10-Part Sun, Shade
Growing Style	Slender,	prevents erosion,
Leaf	Mid-Green, Tall Blades	Ophiopogon japonicus Silver Mist
Variety	Liriope muscari “Royal Purple.”	Medium-fast, light shade best
Flower Color-Height	Amethyst (Hyacinth LIke)-12″-16″	8″ Tall, 15″ Wide
Growing Zone-Sun/Shade	5/6-10 FS, Part Sun, Shade	7-10
Growing Style	Medium-Fast, light shade best	narrow leaf, green with silver
Leaf	Emerald Green, lush foliage
Variety	Liriope muscari Monroe White
Flower Color-Height	White, Pearl Like-12″-16″
Growing Zone-Sun/Shade	5-10-Part Sun, Shade
Growing Style	Slow grower-may plant more for coverage

How Do I Buy Them

You will see some varieties in your local garden center. More will be available from the growers who sell online. They will sell both bare-root plants, newly picked and trimmed. They will also offer small, potted plants usually in two sizes, both larger than the bare-root plants. The plants are priced accordingly.

How To Choose?

How patient are you? You will see the different plants fill in within 2-3 years. If you are having the party of the year within the next year, use the pots. If you have ambitious plans but lots of time, the bare-root plants can be a bargain.

How Many to Buy?

Here is a handy plant calculator that can help.

How to Plant Them

Prepare the soil by digging to loosen it 6″-12″ down. Add two to four inches of organic material and work it into the soil. When planting pots, make the hole twice the size of the pot. The potted plants are bigger and will fill in faster. Some gardeners buy and divide the pots into 3-4 plantlets.

Ensure that the plants are in the ground after the last average frost date in the spring and at least one month before the average first frost of the fall to protect the roots. How can I estimate frost dates in my area? NOAA Frost Dates.

When planting bare-root plants, add a little more time in spring and plant a little earlier in the fall.

Some More Information

This article discusses the steps to installing ground covers and some choices.

This article is about choosing ground covers that do not appeal to rabbits.

Summary

How to Choose Between Liriope or Mondo Grass

If you answer these questions, you will know which green, grasslike ground cover is best for your location.

• What height do you need? Mondo grass varieties will range from 3″-12.” If you need a low ground cover choose mondo grass.
• Do you need a clumping product that is less likely to spread? Use liriope muscari.
• Do you want a very fine grass that will curve or a broader, more straight variety? Mondo grass is fine. Liriope is broader and straighter.
• Do you need drought tolerance and sun tolerance? Choose Liriope.
• Do you need faster growth? Liriope is your choice.
• Do you want a black ground cover? Only mondo grass has a black variety.
• Do you like to see flowers and berries above the stems? Choose Liriope.
• Are you cost-conscious? Check the offered prices and quantity needed; however, mondo grass is the slower grower and usually is more expensive.
• Do you need to fill very small spaces, such as between stepping stones? Use mondo grass, it is the best fit.
• Do your needs vary in different locations? We rarely see wide spaces of mondo grass or mondo grass in full sun. They are attractive mixed together.

Follow the planting schedule, get the best advice from your dealer, and enjoy your landscape.

Resources

Solve 10 Problems With Groundcovers

How To Find A Low Maintenance Groundcover We Love And The Rabbits Do Not

How To Add Groundcovers In Your Garden

It’s November In The South Florida Garden

‘In Our Spring Garden’

‘Trying Out a Hori-Hori Knife’

‘The Tools You’ll Need if You Want to Love Gardening.’

Garden Herbs– Many of what we consider plants for the kitchen make excellent low groundcovers. Think of stepping on aromatic thyme, for example.

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