Submitted 08/13/08 18:36:26 by Phyllis Gillikin from Lincolnton, NC.

Q Should mondo grass be cut back in early spring/late winter, like liriope? One of my gardening books says not necessary, but I've read somewhere else that it should be. Mine is 3 years old, spreading nicely,never cut back, but looking less than wonderful -- some yellowed leaves etc. Will the big clumps put out a full clump of new leaves if I cut it back in early March? Thank you for your advice. Phyllis Gillikin

Answered 08/22/08 21:55:52 by Nancy Brachey

A: Mondo grass does not grow as rapidly as does monkey grass. Let your decision about late winter pruning be determined by the state of the grass. Is it weather beaten? Does it seem crowded? Were the leaves hurt by foot traffic. Mature plants should replenish their foliage well in the spring.