Can Zoysia Grow Well in Shade?

Description

• Zoysia grass is a warm-weather grass that grows vigorously from spring through early fall. After the first hard frost, zoysia grass turns brown and remains dormant throughout the cold winter months. It spreads slowly and is usually planted from sod, although some varieties can be sprigged or seeded. Zoysia has stiff leaves and stems and spreads by rhizomes and stolons -- stems that creep above and below the surface of the ground. Once established, this grass forms a dense, carpetlike lawn that is tough and hardy. Zoysia grass is typically heat, drought and salt resistant, making it a good candidate for the coastal regions of the Southeast.

Growing Conditions

• Zoysia grass adapts well to different soil types and pH levels, as long as the soil is well-drained. This grass thrives in full sun; however, zoysia also grows well in partial shade conditions. It grows vigorously in temperatures between 80 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Zoysia requires about 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water weekly, although it can survive with less.

Growing Zoysia in Shade

• Zoysia grows well in light to partial shade, although it may not grow as fast or as thick as grass grown in full sun. Zoysia becomes very thin in dense shade. In sunny areas, zoysia is typically maintained at a height of about 1 to 1 1/2 inches. When zoysia is grown in shady areas, it should be maintained at a slightly higher height of about 2 inches. Frequent mowing, typically every five to seven days, produces the best turf quality. Make sure the mower blade is very sharp and remove no more than one-third of the grass blade at each cutting to avoid scalping the lawn.

Shade Tolerant Varieties

• According to the University of Georgia, zoysia grass is one of the top choices for shady lawns in North Georgia. However, some cultivars of zoysia grass are more shade tolerant than others. Emerald zoysia, characterized by its brilliant, deep green color and fine-textured leaf, is more shade tolerant than other varieties such as Meyer. Zeon has a fine leaf texture similar to Emerald but spreads faster and has good resistance to insects and shade. Other shade-tolerant varieties of zoysia grass include El Toro, Cavalier and Royal.