Liriope is commonly known as monkey grass or spider grass. It is a versatile and easy to grow ground cover that tolerates heat well and can be divided easily. Transplanting monkey grass is a simple process if you keep just a few things in mind. As far as growing perennials is concerned, it is one of my favorite easy care plants.
Tips for Transplanting Monkey Grass
If you have monkey grass (liriope) in your garden now, you have the opportunity to have more of this perennial plant for free. It multiplies readily, and runners can be dug up, and placed in another area of the garden in no time at all. The plant sends out underground runners which form into smaller new plants easily.
When to plant monkey grass
The best time for transplanting monkey grass is the same as for most perennials – when the plant is dormant. Typically this would be in the beginning of the spring before new growth starts. It is easily moved, though, and can be transplanted right through mid summer. It does need to establish rooting well before cold weather so it should not be moved too late in the fall.
Spacing
The plant will fill in quickly so be sure to plant the babies about a foot apart or so. This will give it room to grow without being over crowded. This border was planted last year at this spacing and is filled in well.
Types of Monkey grass
The most common type of liriope has plain green leaves – liriope sipcata, but there are also variegated – liriope muscari variegata, and pure white varieties – Liriope muscari ‘Monroe’s White’.
. The green plant is easier to grow and multiplies faster than the variegated versions. All types do multiply and can be planted as divisions in other garden areas.
These two plants are the same age but the plain green one on the left is much larger and has babies growing already.
Soil Needs
Monkey grass likes well draining soil, so it’s a good idea to dig around the area when you want to place it to loosen the nearby soil. Adding organic material such as compost or manure will also be beneficial to the plant.
Flowers
Liriope is grown more for the leaves than the flowers but it does flower in summer. If you transplant then, cut off the flowers to encourage the plant to use its energy for developing the root system. Flowers look almost like small grape hyacinths.
Size of Transplant
Liriope multiplies like mad so if you have one plant, you will likely have plenty in no time at all. Because of this, don’t take a clump that is too large. Liriope can be invasive, so starting with a smaller sized piece of it will mean that it can be more easily maintained. If you have a large clump, gently pull apart the roots to give you several plants. Be sure each piece has a crown section and plenty of roots. Don’t you just love plants for free?
After Transplanting
I cut back all my monkey grass early in the spring and this goes for transplants, too. I generally do this just before the new growth starts. The plant can get a bit ragged looking in the winter months and cutting back old growth gives it a haircut and encourages lush new growth.
If you are looking for an easy care evergreen perennial plant that will give you more plants for years to come, you can’t go wrong by transplanting Monkey Grass!
Invasive Nature of Monkey Grass
Some varieties of monkey grass, particularly liriope spicata are quite invasive and can take over a yard. If you have more of it that you would like in your garden, see my tips for controlling monkey grass.
Kimberly
Friday 20th of November 2020
I am going to have to transplant my monkey grass due to some excavation work I need to have done. I am in Benton, ARK (7B) and it's late November here. What is the best way of doing this with winter coming up?
Carol Speake
Sunday 22nd of November 2020
I don't give individual landscaping advice for other areas of the country since I am not familiar with all planting zones. Consulting a professional landscaper in your area is the best way to go.
Susan
Wednesday 4th of November 2020
Thank you for this article! I was curious about the Monroe White variety, but it appears that with that type, the blooms are white but the leaves are variegated green & white.
Mary Raynor
Wednesday 22nd of July 2020
In my daughters yard, I have transplanted twice but looks as if they have been stripped or cut, then some die. Grows poorly. No evidence of insects. One rabbit. Could one little rabbit eat all this monkey grass? Or clay soil? I have transplanted very successfully in my yard but my daughters yard is a challenge. Please help.
Diane
Monday 10th of May 2021
@Mary Raynor,
Renay Willis
Thursday 21st of May 2020
I've planted young monkey grass I cannot tell if it growing .I still see green. Planted them about a foot apart for room to grow. Any information be helpful.
Carol Speake
Friday 22nd of May 2020
it will take a while for the roots to take hold in new soil conditions, but monkey grass is very tough, so I'm pretty sure it will grow. The roots will grow first and then you will see evidence of it growing on top of the earth. Young monkey grass takes a while to get established. I don't consider it a fast grower as far as size of individual plants goes. It is just invasive with its underground runners, so the patch just gets larger and larger over time.
Lissa
Thursday 14th of May 2020
I have path that is overgrown with monkey grass. Can I take my shovel and cut the whole clump in half and just dig up half to transplant it somewhere else, or do I have to dig up the whole clump, divide it and replant half in the original spot and half in my transplant spot?
Carol Speake
Saturday 16th of May 2020
You can use a shovel to dig parts of it, and continue until the whole thing is out. I did that in one garden bed that had become overrun with it. As long as it has some root system, it will grow elsewhere.