Varieties of Zoysia

Zoysia japonica

• Zoysia Japonica is a medium-textured grass. It’s popular in the southern states because it requires less maintenance than other varieties, and makes it easier to maintain your lawn throughout the year.
• It doesn’t grow as densely as some other types of zoysia, and is most commonly found in sunny areas that receive at least 4 hours of sun per day.
• It grows to a mature height of 1-3 inches, and has a mature spread of 2-4 feet.
• This type grows best in warm climates with moist soil conditions, but it can also adapt to dry climates if given enough water. Its growth slows down or stops altogether when temperatures drop below 60°F—so don’t expect this grass to flourish anywhere where winters are long or harsh!

Zoysia matrella

• Zoysia matrella is a species closely related to Zoysia japonica.
• It has also been known as Zoysia macrantha, Zoysia latifolia and Eulalia japonica.
• It is native to Southeast Asia including, China, Japan and Korea.
• This species of grass is commonly used on golf courses throughout the world, however it is not recommended for residential lawns because of its slower growth rate and coarser leaf texture.

Zoysia tenuifolia

Zoysia tenuifolia is the most common type of zoysia grass. It is a perennial grass, which means it comes back year after year. It is native to Japan and Korea and is also known as Korean lawn grass. This particular zoysia grass is a warm season grass, meaning it grows best in temperatures higher than 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Zoysia tenuifolia has a medium texture, which means its blades are not coarse but they are not fine. The number of blades per square inch depends on the mowing height; it will have more blades per square inch if you keep the blade on your lawnmower set at a height between 1/2 and 3/4 inches tall.

This slow growing, low maintenance grass does not require much water or fertilizer to grow well but it does require full sun for optimum growth, so make sure you select a planting site that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day.

Meyer zoysia grass

Meyer zoysia grass is a warm-season grass with a medium to coarse leaf texture. It is one of the most shade tolerant of all the zoysia grasses and does particularly well in wet areas that are prone to flooding. It has a medium growth rate, but it spreads faster than other types of zoysia grass. Meyer zoysia grass develops very tight, dense sod and requires less fertilizer than other types of warm-season grasses.

This type of turfgrass can be challenging to establish from seed, making propagation by sprigging or sod more popular for homeowners looking for an instant lawn. If you’re interested in taking on the challenge of seeding your lawn, expect germination to take up to four weeks or longer during cooler periods.

Matrella zoysia grass/ Manila grass

Manila grass is also known as Matrella zoysia. It has a very fine texture, is drought tolerant and grows in a dense, thick mat. It’s very shade tolerant and slow growing. This species of zoysia grass is good for golf course tees, fairways and home lawns. Because it’s such a low maintenance grass, it’s good for erosion control and high traffic areas.

Mascarenegrass

Mauritiusgrass (cynodon dactylon) is native to the islands of Mauritius, Réunion, and Rodrigues, in the Mascarene Islands of the Indian Ocean. It is naturalized in many tropical and subtropical areas. It is a perennial warm-season grass that reproduces by seed and stolons (shoots). It grows well in a wide range of soils and tolerates saline conditions. This grass has been used for turfgrass, pasture, roadside stabilization and erosion control. The foliage is grazed as forage for cattle, sheep and goats.

Emerald zoysia grass

You’ll want to choose Emerald zoysia grass for these lawns because this type of zoysia grass is shade tolerant and will grow well in full sun. Emerald zoysia grass will tolerate a wide range of soil conditions and temperatures, but can’t be expected to survive the coldest winters.

Emerald zoysia grows in a dense, vertical-growing sod with a deep green color and fine texture. It’s beautiful, it’s strong, and it’s one of the fastest-growing types of grasses you can buy today.

Belaire zoysia grass

Belaire zoysia grass (Zoysia x tenuifolia ‘Belaire’) is a fine-bladed variety that offers deep green color and uniform growth habit.

Its ability to adapt to a number of different soil types as well as its drought tolerance makes it a desirable lawn grass.

Additionally, Belaire zoysia is one of the better varieties for high-traffic areas and can be used on golf courses or other areas where consistent use will take place.

El Toro zoysia grass

El Toro zoysia grass is a medium-bladed, drought-resistant variety. It grows very thick and requires less water than other types of zoysia grasses. It also grows very slowly and requires less maintenance than other varieties. Once established, it can withstand extended periods of drought and still remain green in color. El Toro is known for its ability to thrive in shady areas due to its dense nature and for its resistance to diseases such as brown patch.


Cashmere zoysia grass

Cashmere Zoysia grass is best for medium to high traffic areas. It’s one of the softer varieties and is most commonly used in residential lawns. Its dark green color makes it a popular choice for many homeowners. It has moderate shade tolerance and it is resistant to drought and disease, but it can be sensitive to cold temperatures, so it’s best adapted to northern Texas along the I-35 corridor up through Oklahoma City, Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex, Houston/Galveston area and Austin/San Antonio metro area in Texas.

When mowed at 1/2 to 3/4 inch, Cashmere forms a dense, attractive turf that requires little fertilizer or pesticides to maintain its lush appearance.

All of these types of grass are wonderful for creating a backyard oasis.

Zoysia is a warm season lawn grass that is used in many areas of the country. It thrives in warm, humid weather and is dormant during colder months. Zoysia grass spreads laterally by rhizomes and stolons (called runners). As it grows, the shoots interlock with each other to create a dense turf. There are several different species of Zoysia grass. They are Japonica, Matrella and Tenuifolia. The following cultivars have been bred from these species:

• Amazoy – has an extensive root system that allows it to grow well in poor soil conditions
• Cavalier – has a wide leaf blade which makes it ideal for landscaping purposes as well as for use on golf courses and lawns
• Emerald – is one of the most popular types of Zoysia grass due to its tolerance of both heat and drought
• El Toro – is one of the best varieties available for erosion control because it can withstand heavy traffic
• Meyer – has fine blades that make it ideal for growing on golf courses