Monkey Grass

Monkey Grass (Liriope muscari)

Big Blue Lilyturf, Border Grass

Full sun to full shade, medium to moderately dry moisture, tolerates clay soils and compacted urban sites, pH adaptable from acid to slightly alkaline.

12–18 inches tall and wide; evergreen clumping habit; blooms in late summer with violet to white flower spikes followed by black berries; spreads slowly by rhizome to expand clumps; does not run like Liriope spicata (Creeping Lilyturf).

Native region: Not native to Tennessee; ornamental introduction from eastern Asia (China, Japan, Taiwan).

Liriope muscari is one of the most commonly planted border edging plants across Middle Tennessee. It tolerates the range of conditions that defeat most ornamentals: dense shade under mature trees, compacted clay along driveways, and dry summer conditions along the I-65 corridor. In full sun, foliage may show scorch during extended heat above 95°F — part shade is preferred for sustained appearance. Spider mites (Tetranychus spp.) can be a problem under drought stress. Clumps benefit from shearing to the ground in late winter before new growth emerges; this removes winter-damaged foliage and maintains a cleaner appearance through the growing season.