Home » Finding Your Perfect Plants » Mondo Grass » Lilyturf (Monkey Grass)

Lilyturf (Monkey Grass)

Example of approximately what these plants look like when shipped. See the eighth photograph of any plant to see a photo of what it looks like when shipped.
Monkey Grass and Lilyturf are synonyms for Ophiopogon and Liriope. With lovely and graceful fountains of slim-speared foliage, Liriopes and Ophiopogons are the perfect living border, creating stately outlines for formal gardens. In southern gardens, when other plants wilt, they thrive.

Of course they are famous as low-maintenance turf substitutes, and with the exception of Big Blue and Liriope spicata (both are creepers), they stay in clumps, offering flowers and berries for birds.

See also:
  • Acorus gramineus (Sweet Flag)
  • Liriope muscari (Lily Turf)
  • Liriope spicata (Creeping Lily Turf)
  • Ophiopogon (Mondo Grass, Monkey Grass)

    • See photographs comparing average sizes of some bare roots and potted plants
    Product
    Black Mondo Grass {3 1/2 in. Pots min 25}
    25 - 249: $19.97 each  |  250 - 999: $18.97 each
    (Black Dragon, Ebony Knight) Stylish, statement-making evergreen carpets the ground in deep ebony leaves with lavender flowers in summer. Splendid in rock gardens, border edging, highlighting and contrasting. Mature height 6-10"
    In stock.
    Black Mondo Grass {flat of 18 Pots - 3 1/2 in}
    On Sale!: $269.46
    Discount: 21%
    (Black Dragon, Ebony Knight) Stylish, statement-making evergreen carpets the ground in deep ebony leaves with lavender flowers in summer. Splendid in rock gardens, border edging, highlighting and contrasting. Mature height 6-10"
    In stock.
    Creeping Lily Turf {3 1/2 in. Pots min 25}
    25 - 249: $4.97 each  |  250 - 999: $4.77 each
    (Liriope) Pale lavender to white flower spikes bloom in late summer amidst dense arching, evergreen (in southern zones) mat-forming tufts of narrow grassy foliage, 12-15" tall.
    In stock.
    Creeping Lily Turf {Bare Root Plants, min 50}
    50 - 249: $1.97 each  |  250 - 999: $1.77 each
    (Liriope) Pale lavender to white flower spikes bloom in late summer amidst dense arching, evergreen (in southern zones) mat-forming tufts of narrow grassy foliage, 12-15" tall.
    In stock.
    Creeping Lily Turf {2 1/2 in. Pots min 54}
    54 - 107: $3.97 each  |  108 - 1025: $3.67 each
    (Liriope) Pale lavender to white flower spikes bloom in late summer amidst dense arching, evergreen (in southern zones) mat-forming tufts of narrow grassy foliage, 12-15" tall.
    In stock.
    Creeping Lily Turf {flat of 18 Pots - 3 1/4 in}
    1 flat of 18 3 1/2" pots: $85.86 ($4.77 per plant)
    (Liriope) Pale lavender to white flower spikes bloom in late summer amidst dense arching, evergreen (in southern zones) mat-forming tufts of narrow grassy foliage, 12-15" tall.
    In stock.
    Creeping Lily Turf {flat of 32 Pots - 2 1/2 in}
    1 flat of 32 2.5" pots: $127.04 ($3.97 per plant)
    (Liriope) Pale lavender to white flower spikes bloom in late summer amidst dense arching, evergreen (in southern zones) mat-forming tufts of narrow grassy foliage, 12-15" tall.
    Temporarily out of stock. Expected date unknown.Email when available
    Creeping Lily Turf {flat of tray of 72 cells}
    $214.38 for 1 pack of 54 plants ($3.97 per plant)
    (Liriope) Pale lavender to white flower spikes bloom in late summer amidst dense arching, evergreen (in southern zones) mat-forming tufts of narrow grassy foliage, 12-15" tall.
    In stock.
    Dwarf Mondo Grass {3 1/4 in. Pots min 25}
    25 - 249: $5.37 each  |  250 - 999: $5.07 each
    (Dwarf Monkey Grass, Dwarf Lilyturf, Kyoto) Great foot-tolerant, no-mow turf substitute choice. A low-growing, dense and lush evergreen ground cover with dark green grass-like clumps of leaf blades that will thrive in sun or shade. 2-3" tall.
    In stock.
    Dwarf Mondo Grass {Bare Root Plants, min 50}
    50 - 249: $1.87 each  |  250 - 999: $1.57 each
    (Dwarf Monkey Grass, Dwarf Lilyturf, Kyoto) Great foot-tolerant, no-mow turf substitute choice. A low-growing, dense and lush evergreen ground cover with dark green grass-like clumps of leaf blades that will thrive in sun or shade. 2-3" tall.
    In stock.
    Dwarf Mondo Grass {2 1/4 in. Pots min 54}
    54 - 107: $4.17 each  |  108 - 1025: $3.97 each
    (Dwarf Monkey Grass, Dwarf Lilyturf, Kyoto) Great foot-tolerant, no-mow turf substitute choice. A low-growing, dense and lush evergreen ground cover with dark green grass-like clumps of leaf blades that will thrive in sun or shade. 2-3" tall.
    In stock.
    Dwarf Mondo Grass {flat of 18 Pots - 3 1/4 in}
    1 flat of 18 3 1/2" pots: $85.86 ($4.77 per plant)
    (Dwarf Monkey Grass, Dwarf Lilyturf, Kyoto) Great foot-tolerant, no-mow turf substitute choice. A low-growing, dense and lush evergreen ground cover with dark green grass-like clumps of leaf blades that will thrive in sun or shade. 2-3" tall.
    In stock.
    Dwarf Mondo Grass {flat of 32 Pots - 2 1/4 in}
    1 flat of 32 2.5" pots: $127.04 ($3.97 per plant)
    (Dwarf Monkey Grass, Dwarf Lilyturf, Kyoto) Great foot-tolerant, no-mow turf substitute choice. A low-growing, dense and lush evergreen ground cover with dark green grass-like clumps of leaf blades that will thrive in sun or shade. 2-3" tall.
    In stock.
    Lily Turf 'Big Blue' {3 1/2 in. Pots min 25}
    25 - 249: $4.97 each  |  250 - 999: $4.67 each
    (Liriope) Tall, thin and vivid evergreen grass-like foliage and slim spikes of lavender to periwinkle toned hyacinth-like blooms, followed by ebony-blue berries. 12-15" tall, spreads moderately fast.
    In stock.
    Lily Turf 'Big Blue' {Bare Root Plants, min 50}
    50 - 249: $1.97 each  |  250 - 999: $1.77 each
    (Liriope) Tall, thin and vivid evergreen grass-like foliage and slim spikes of lavender to periwinkle toned hyacinth-like blooms, followed by ebony-blue berries. 12-15" tall, spreads moderately fast.
    In stock.
    Lily Turf 'Big Blue' {2 1/2 in. Pots min 54}
    54 - 107: $4.17 each  |  108 - 1025: $3.97 each
    (Liriope) Tall, thin and vivid evergreen grass-like foliage and slim spikes of lavender to periwinkle toned hyacinth-like blooms, followed by ebony-blue berries. 12-15" tall, spreads moderately fast.
    In stock.
    Lily Turf 'Big Blue' {flat of 18 Pots - 3 1/2 in}
    1 flat of 18 3 1/2" pots: $89.46 ($4.97 per plant)
    (Liriope) Tall, thin and vivid evergreen grass-like foliage and slim spikes of lavender to periwinkle toned hyacinth-like blooms, followed by ebony-blue berries. 12-15" tall, spreads moderately fast.
    In stock.
    Lily Turf 'Big Blue' {flat of 18 Pots - 3 1/4 in}
    1 flat of 18 3 1/2" pots: $85.86 ($4.77 per plant)
    (Liriope) Tall, thin and vivid evergreen grass-like foliage and slim spikes of lavender to periwinkle toned hyacinth-like blooms, followed by ebony-blue berries. 12-15" tall, spreads moderately fast.
    In stock.
    Lily Turf 'John Burch' {3 1/2 in. Pots min 25}
    25 - 249: $5.67 each  |  250 - 999: $5.37 each
    (Liriope) A cascade of arching, lush green variegated foliage edged in gold. Lavender blossoms resemble grape-hyacinths add color and interest. 12-15" tall.
    Temporarily out of stock. Expected 05/05/2025.Email when available
    Lily Turf 'John Burch' {Bare Root Plants, min 50}
    50 - 249: $2.37 each  |  250 - 999: $2.07 each
    (Liriope) A cascade of arching, lush green variegated foliage edged in gold. Lavender blossoms resemble grape-hyacinths add color and interest. 12-15" tall.
    In stock.
    Lily Turf 'Majestic' {flat of 18 Pots - 3 1/4 in}
    1 flat of 18 3 1/2" pots: $89.46 ($4.97 per plant)
    (Liriope) Ample amethyst flowers form on spikes above cascading blades of evergreen emerald blades of foliage on this clump-forming perennial. 12-15" tall.
    In stock.
    Lily Turf 'Monroe White' {3 1/2 in. Pots min 25}
    25 - 249: $7.77 each  |  250 - 999: $7.47 each
    (Liriope, Monroe's #1) Dense, clusters of rare and splendid pearlesque blooms form on flower spikes followed by ebony berries amidst wide blades of deep emerald foliage. 12-16" tall.
    In stock.
    Lily Turf 'Monroe White' {Bare Root Plants, min 50}
    50 - 249: $3.97 each  |  250 - 999: $3.67 each
    (Liriope, Monroe's #1) Dense, clusters of rare and splendid pearlesque blooms form on flower spikes followed by ebony berries amidst wide blades of deep emerald foliage. 12-16" tall.
    In stock.
    Lily Turf 'Monroe White' {flat of 18 Pots - 3 1/4 in}
    1 flat of 18 3 1/2" pots: $125.46 ($6.97 per plant)
    (Liriope, Monroe's #1) Dense, clusters of rare and splendid pearlesque blooms form on flower spikes followed by ebony berries amidst wide blades of deep emerald foliage. 12-16" tall.
    In stock.
    Lily Turf 'Royal Purple' {3 1/2 in. Pots min 25}
    25 - 249: $5.97 each  |  250 - 999: $5.67 each
    (Liriope) Regal emerald blades of evergreen foliage arch gracefully with amethyst flower spikes. Elegant specimen for border/edge plantings. 12-15" tall.
    In stock.
    Lily Turf 'Royal Purple' {Bare Root Plants, min 50}
    50 - 249: $2.87 each  |  250 - 999: $2.67 each
    (Liriope) Regal emerald blades of evergreen foliage arch gracefully with amethyst flower spikes. Elegant specimen for border/edge plantings. 12-15" tall.
    In stock.
    Lily Turf 'Royal Purple' {flat of 18 Pots - 3 1/4 in}
    1 flat of 18 3 1/2" pots: $103.86 ($5.77 per plant)
    (Liriope) Regal emerald blades of evergreen foliage arch gracefully with amethyst flower spikes. Elegant specimen for border/edge plantings. 12-15" tall.
    In stock.
    Lily Turf 'Christmas Tree' {Bare Root Plants, min 50}
    50 - 249: $2.37 each  |  250 - 999: $2.07 each
    (Liriope, Monroe's #2) Famous for unusually lovely, large lavender flower spikes in the shape of a Christmas tree, this lush evergreen groundcover performs well in partial or full shade. 12-15" tall.
    In stock.
    Lily Turf 'Densiflora' {Bare Root Plants, min 50}
    50 - 249: $1.57 each  |  250 - 999: $1.27 each
    (Liriope) Lush, clumping coverage of deep emerald leaf blades with a showy lavender flower spike like miniature grape hyacinths. Easy to grow, tolerates drought and some salt. 18-22" tall.
    In stock.
    Lily Turf 'Emerald Goddess' {3 1/2 in. Pots min 25}
    25 - 249: $8.37 each  |  250 - 999: $7.97 each
    (Liriope) Lilac clusters of blooms on a tough and disease-resistant, evergreen clump-forming groundcover that arches gracefully. 18-24" tall.
    In stock.
    Lily Turf 'Ingwersen' {3 1/2 in. Pots min 25}
    25 - 249: $5.07 each  |  250 - 999: $4.77 each
    (Liriope) Lavish lilac flower clusters stand erect and abundant amidst this lush emerald evergreen groundcover with one of the showiest displays of all liriopes. Performs best in part-full shade. 12-15" tall.
    In stock.
    Lily Turf 'Ingwersen' {2 1/2 in. Pots min 54}
    54 - 107: $4.17 each  |  108 - 1025: $3.97 each
    (Liriope) Lavish lilac flower clusters stand erect and abundant amidst this lush emerald evergreen groundcover with one of the showiest displays of all liriopes. Performs best in part-full shade. 12-15" tall.
    In stock.
    Lily Turf 'Samantha' {Bare Root Plants, min 50}
    50 - 249: $2.07 each  |  250 - 999: $1.87 each
    (Liriope) Scads of cotton candy-pink flower spikes in late spring-early summer with a dense carpet of robust foliage great for suppressing weeds. Vigorous, happy in sun and shade. 12-15" tall.
    In stock.
    Lily Turf 'Variegated' {3 1/2 in. Pots min 25}
    25 - 249: $5.67 each  |  250 - 999: $5.37 each
    (Liriope) Profuse lilac clusters of blooms on a handsome, evergreen clump-forming groundcover with vibrant white to creamy yellow and green variegated foliage that arches gracefully. 12-16" tall.
    Temporarily out of stock. Expected 05/19/2025.Email when available
    Lily Turf 'Variegated' {2 1/2 in. Pots min 54}
    54 - 107: $4.47 each  |  108 - 1025: $4.17 each
    (Liriope) Profuse lilac clusters of blooms on a handsome, evergreen clump-forming groundcover with vibrant white to creamy yellow and green variegated foliage that arches gracefully. 12-16" tall.
    In stock.
    Lily Turf 'Variegated' {flat of 18 Pots - 3 1/4 in}
    1 flat of 18 3 1/2" pots: $89.46 ($4.97 per plant)
    (Liriope) Profuse lilac clusters of blooms on a handsome, evergreen clump-forming groundcover with vibrant white to creamy yellow and green variegated foliage that arches gracefully. 12-16" tall.
    In stock.
    Mondo Grass {3 1/2 in. Pots min 25}
    25 - 249: $4.97 each  |  250 - 999: $4.67 each
    (Monkey Grass, Lilyturf, Japanese Snake's Beard, Kyoto) Evergreen grasslike clumps or mounds with leathery pond-green 1/8" leaf blades dotted by tiny light lilac to white flowers in summer and bright blue berries in fall. Mature height 6-10".
    In stock.
    Mondo Grass {Bare Root Plants, min 50}
    50 - 249: $1.87 each  |  250 - 999: $1.57 each
    (Monkey Grass, Lilyturf, Japanese Snake's Beard, Kyoto) Evergreen grasslike clumps or mounds with leathery pond-green 1/8" leaf blades dotted by tiny light lilac to white flowers in summer and bright blue berries in fall. Mature height 6-10".
    In stock.
    Mondo Grass {2 1/4 in. Pots min 54}
    54 - 107: $4.17 each  |  108 - 1025: $3.97 each
    (Monkey Grass, Lilyturf, Japanese Snake's Beard, Kyoto) Evergreen grasslike clumps or mounds with leathery pond-green 1/8" leaf blades dotted by tiny light lilac to white flowers in summer and bright blue berries in fall. Mature height 6-10".
    In stock.
    Mondo Grass {flat of 18 Pots - 3 1/4 in}
    1 flat of 18 3 1/2" pots: $85.86 ($4.77 per plant)
    (Monkey Grass, Lilyturf, Japanese Snake's Beard, Kyoto) Evergreen grasslike clumps or mounds with leathery pond-green 1/8" leaf blades dotted by tiny light lilac to white flowers in summer and bright blue berries in fall. Mature height 6-10".
    In stock.
    Mondo Grass {flat of 32 Pots - 2 1/4 in}
    1 flat of 32 2.5" pots: $127.04 ($3.97 per plant)
    (Monkey Grass, Lilyturf, Japanese Snake's Beard, Kyoto) Evergreen grasslike clumps or mounds with leathery pond-green 1/8" leaf blades dotted by tiny light lilac to white flowers in summer and bright blue berries in fall. Mature height 6-10".
    In stock.
    Variegated Creeping Lily Turf {flat of 18 Pots - 3 1/4 in}
    1 flat of 18 3 1/2" pots: $99.97 ($5.55 per plant)
    (Liriope) Wispy silver and ivory banded blades of grass-like foliage form a broad, dense cream and green carpet with cloudlike clusters of light lavender blooms. 10-15" tall.
    In stock.

    Specifications


    General information about Ophiopogon (Mondo Grass):
    A reliable, hardy evergreen with thin blade-like foliage in a dark shade of green, Ophiopogon, often referred to as Lily Turf or Mondo Grass is an excellent ground cover for shady areas where other plants refuse to grow.

    Gardeners love Mondo Grass for reliable texture, color and structure in rock gardens, between between pavers or stepping stones, in seashore plantings and as borders and edging for beds and walkways, around shaded pools and even garden statues because it requires no mowing and offers elegance, structure and definition to any area.

    Where runoff is a problem, its dense mat of roots is exceptional at holding the ground up, preventing erosion. The depth of color contrasts beautifully with the lighter green of a lawn or the grey hues of garden ornaments and works wonderfully as an evergreen in planters where seasonal annuals provide pops of vibrant color.

    If you love to play with shape and design, you will absolutely adore this lush, ornamental grass that creates a dense evergreen ground cover. The deep emerald green leaf blades (1/8 inch wide) form in clumps that need no mowing and will tolerate foot traffic making them a perfect lawn alternative that thrives in shade.

    In the summer there are insignificant white flowers and in fall, bright blue berries will beckon birds. Spreads slowly to moderately fast by underground stolons. One of the all-time favorite effortless grasses, Ophiopogon caresses gardens with color and richness.

    Things to Note
    Our Mondo grasses produce fruit that will drive birds crazy with delight. If you are a birder, this plant is a must have for attracting a variety of species.

    Gardener Tips
    Consider planting clumps of Mondo in year round planters adding forced tulips in early spring, Begonias and Creeping Jenny in summer and autumn, and sprigs of evergreen bows and berries in winter for continual curb appeal.

    Why all the confusion about the common names?
    In 1763, the French botanist Michael Adanson described a plant (probably Liriope) that he called Mondo, which remains a common name today.

    A few years later, Carl Peter Thunberg described a plant, which he named Convallaria japonica. This species is now known as Ophiopogon japonicus.

    A decade later, Portugese botanist Joao de Loureiro described and named the plant we now know as Liriope muscari. Nearly 100 years later Joseph Decaisne described the same species as Ophiopogon muscari.

    Over time there have been numerous discussions regarding these plants and the proper botanical names for them. Today, both Liriope and Ophiopogon are treated as distinct genera. In addition to sharing the name Mondo, the plants are also interchangably called Lilyturf and Monkey Grass.



    Care
    No unusual care instructions for this plant.



    Shipping
    No unusual shipping concerns for this plant.
    FREE SHIPPING - Classy Groundcovers offers free shipping, and your plants never spend more than three days in transit.

    Precise delivery - another benefit from shopping with us is that you know how many days delivery will take and can control exactly when your order will be shipped.

    Shipping information that applies to all plants:
    - Transit Time For Your Shipment (at most 3 days)
    - When We Ship
    - You May Specify Your Shipping Date
    - Lookup Shipping Date and Tracking Information
    - Special Delivery Instructions
    - No Shipments To: AK, AZ, CA, HI, NV, OR, WA or internationally
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    - Unpacking Your Order
    - Returns


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