Zoysia Types

Empire Zoysia

• Empire zoysia is native to Brazil and thrives in hot, humid climates. It is not as cold-tolerant as other types of zoysia, but it is, once the root system has been established, one of the most drought-tolerant varieties. The grass has a natural defense against cinch bugs and chemicals. Empire zoysia is both softer and lower maintenance than other varieties.

Emerald Zoysia

• Emerald zoysia, which is a hybrid between Zoysia japonica and Zoysia tenuifolia, was created in Georgia. While it has a faster growth rate than other varieties, it is not as cold-tolerant. Emerald zoysia is considered to be the most attractive variety of zoysia, though it can be prone to brown thatch, dollar spot and leaf spot diseases. Emerald zoysia is known for its higher density levels, but that can also lead to areas with excessive amounts of thatch.

Zoysia Japonica

• Zoysia japonica is also known as Japanese or Korean lawn grass. It is among the more cold-hardy types of zoysia and it can be grown outside of the southeastern United States in areas such as Maryland. Zoysia japonica is the only type of zoysia that can be grown by seeds rather than sod. It has a coarse texture and may not look as nice as other varieties. It can also be susceptible to pests such as hunting billbugs and nematodes.

Meyer Zoysia

• Meyer zoysia was created to improve upon Zoysia japonica. It is the most cold-tolerant of the zoysia grasses and can be grown in northern states such as Pennsylvania. A Meyer zoysia lawn will be among the first to turn green in the spring and the last to turn brown in the winter. Its other qualities, such as density, color and shade tolerance, are neither significantly better or worse than the other varieties.