Forest & Kim Starr
Family
Poaceae
Botanical Name
Zoysia
Plant Common Name
Zoysia
General Description
Zoysia comprises about 8 species of perennial, creeping, warm-season grasses from Southeast Asia, China, Japan, and New Zealand. Zoysias are popular fine-textured turf grasses in regions that are too warm for Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) and other cool-season grasses.
Two zoysias are commonly used: the relatively cold-hardy and vigorous Zoysia japonica (Korean lawn grass), and the finer-textured and somewhat less hardy Zoysia tenuifolia ( Korean velvet grass grass). Korean lawn grass resembles Kentucky bluegrass, forming a dense turf of medium-green leaves. Korean velvet grass is looser and more irregular in growth and is best suited for informal, unmowed lawns. Both species turn parchment tones in winter or during prolonged drought.
These sun-loving grasses grow well in most soils, and tolerate light shade in hot climates. Although drought tolerant, they require regular applications of water are to maintain their vigor and color. They are salt tolerant, moderately wear-tolerant, and slow growing.
Zoysias are usually planted as plugs and sod. Thatch and pests can be serious problems for zoysia lawns. For more information about maintaining zoysias visit the Learn2Grow lawn section at http://www.learn2grow.com/gardeningguides/lawns.aspx .
Characteristics
-
AHS Heat Zone
12 - 6
-
USDA Hardiness Zone
7 - 12
-
Plant Type
Grass
-
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
-
Height
0"-0" / 0.0cm - 0.0cm (5)
-
Native To
South-Eastern Asia, Eastern Asia, Southeastern Asia, China, Japan, New Zealand
Growing Conditions
-
Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
-
Soil Drainage
Average
-
Soil type
Loam
-
Tolerances
Drought, Salt, Soil Compaction
-
Growth Rate
Slow
-
Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
-
Habit
Spreading
-
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
