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Differences Between Bitter Blue, Palmetto & St. Augustine Grass

St. Augustine grass is native to the Gulf region of the United States. This grass is well-suited for hot, humid climates and is cultivated for lawn use in southern coastal regions of the United States. Bitter blue and palmetto grasses are cultivars of St. Augustine grass. Cultivars are bred and grown by horticultural scientists, whose aim is to create plant varieties that have specific qualities, such as cold tolerance or pest resistance, while retaining the positive aspects of the parent species.

  1. St. Augustine Grass

    • St. Augustine grass is grown from plugs or sod. This grass propagates via its root system and isn't successfully grown from seed. St. Augustine grass is used in hot, humid climates and has a low tolerance for cold. Even in regions such as central and southern Florida, this grass can become dormant during cooler months. Another benefit of St. Augustine grass is its shade tolerance.

    Bitter Blue

    • Bitter blue was developed in the 1930s. This grass is coarse, dark and dense, and boasts a high shade tolerance and a very good tolerance to cool temperatures. Since bitter blue is not a certified cultivar, some lawn owners may find that their bitter blue has a greater bluish cast than others, as well as a finer texture. Regardless of this cultivar's integrity, it isn't capable of withstanding cinch bug infestations, and it may also be prone to diseases such as gray spot. Keep your bitter blue healthy by providing it with good soil aeration, adequate water supply and mild to hot temperatures. Irrigation is considered adequate when leaves show no sign of stress, such as folding or wilting. Should these symptoms occur, immediately irrigate with 1 inch of water. This cultivar should be kept at a height of 3.5 to 4 inches.

    Palmetto

    • Palmetto is a certified St. Augustine grass cultivar that was developed in the 1980s and first marketed in the 1990s. Like bitter blue, palmetto should be kept at a height of approximately 4 inches. Unlike bitter blue, palmetto is light green. It's not as shade-tolerant as bitter blue, preferring full to partial sun. Palmetto is considered a "semi-dwarf" grass because it doesn't grow as high or as rapidly as other St. Augustine grass cultivars. Palmetto's disease and pest resistance aren't high, especially in extreme heat and humidity.

    Considerations

    • Before choosing and planting a grass cultivar, ensure that your lawn is capable of supporting the variety. Check for shaded areas, sunny areas, slopes and irrigation access. Consult with local master gardeners and nursery owners and learn about the best types for your particular climate, as well as your traffic conditions. Some varieties may need to be special ordered.

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Lawn Basics
  1. Sapphire vs. Palmetto Grass
  2. Palmetto Grass Problems
  3. Sapphire Vs. Palmetto St. Augustine Grass
  4. How to Sod a Yard With St. Augustine Palmetto Grass
  5. When to Plant Palmetto Grass in St. Augustine, Florida?
  6. Kinds of St. Augustine Grass
  7. Ornamental Blue Grass
  8. What Is the Difference Between Blue & Bent Grass?
  9. Does Floratam & Palmetto St. Augustine Grass Look the Same?
  10. The Difference Between Bermuda & St. Augustine Grass
  11. Bahia vs. St. Augustine Grass
  12. The Differences Between Blue & Green Spruces

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