Caring for Your Ground Cover

Mondo grass and liriope can both suffer from cold damage during bad winters; foliage can turn brown and look rough. You can run a lawnmower set on its highest setting or a string trimmer over them in late February to remove discolored foliage before new growth appears. When trimming, don't cut too close to the crowns of the plants or you may hurt new foliage. Even when cold damage isn't a problem, it helps to cut these plants back every few years to rejuvenate tattered foliage and promote new growth.

These ground covers are good for more than just edging. They make a nice sweep of green in the landscape and can be used as a low-maintenance lawn substitute. They excel under trees where many turf grasses struggle. Planted on steep banks, they help hold the soil and prevent erosion. Drought tolerant and rarely bothered by pests, they also look good in pots, either planted alone or in a mix.