Southern Grass for Shade & Sun

Zoysia

• Zoysia is one of the most shade-tolerant of the warm-season grasses. Able to grow well in both full sun and shaded areas, zoysia can also withstand both the high temperatures in the deep South and the cooler temperatures in the transitional zones. Homeowners also like the fact zoysia is one of the first warm-weather grasses to turn green in the spring after going dormant in the winter. Zoysia is an aggressive grass that will overtake other grasses in the area. It is also tough and durable with the ability to handle plenty of foot traffic. Zoysia grows slowly, meaning it does not require as much mowing as most other grasses.

St. Augustine

• A grass commonly found in the tropics, St. Augustine is a good choice for the areas in southern states near the Gulf of Mexico. Among the warm-season grasses, St. Augustine is one of the best at thriving in shaded areas as well as full sun. It does not do well when exposed to frosts and prefers hot and humid areas that receive plenty of rainfall. St. Augustine will grow in various types of soils. Usually established from plugs, it makes an attractive lawn because its thick turf inhibits weed growth. It has wide leaves that are dark green with a coarse texture.

Centipede

• Centipede is a warm-weather grass that grows well in areas with high shade, including under pine trees where sunlight can filter through. It does not do well under trees with a thick canopy that blocks the sun. Centipede, which also grows well in full-sun areas, is commonly used along the Gulf Coast due to the fact it thrives in soil with sand and plenty of drainage. Its dark-green color makes an eye-catching lawn. Centipede requires little maintenance, including water and fertilizer, and can handle high heat. It spreads quickly and develops a thick turf considered very good for choking off weeds.

Carpetgrass

• Although it is not considered at the top of the list for warm-season grasses that do well in shade, carpetgrass will grow in both shaded and full-sun areas. It is a particularly good selection for coastal areas because it thrives in wet soil that contains sand. It also does not require soil rich with nutrients. Carpetgrass, which can be established from both seed and sprigs, is often used in parks and roadsides where the soil lacks fertility. It is durable grass that forms a dense turf. Southern homeowners in dry areas should probably avoid carpetgrass because it has shallow roots and is not considered very drought-resistant.