Does Zoysia Grass Grow In The Shade?

In challenging, warmer climates, zoysia grass (Zoysia spp.) is often the answer to a lawn-lover's prayer. The warm season grass type is celebrated for being low maintenance and drought tolerant. It also stands up to foot traffic and high temperatures — and certainly revels in the sun. But what if your yard also has shady patches?

The good news is you can grow lush green grass in the shady spots in your lawn, even with zoysia grass. The trick is to grow the right type of zoysia. Of the three main species of zoysia grass, Z. matrella boasts the most shade-friendly cultivars. This species is also known as Manila grass, and is akin to Bermuda grass in terms of its finer texture and color. The tradeoffs are that this grass isn't as winter hardy as other zoysia grasses, and it's also slower to grow. But if shade tolerance is your main consideration, opt for one of the Manila grass cultivars. Because of their finer texture, they're also the softest types of zoysia grass for a barefoot lawn.

As a group, zoysia grasses do best in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 11; however, be sure to check the growing preferences of the species and cultivars within the zoysia family before ordering your sod. In general, zoysia is a low-growing type that grows densely through spreading rhizomes. The blades are stiff and pointed. Shade-tolerant Manila grasses, however, are generally more finely textured than other zoysias.

Growing a lush lawn in the shade with zoysia grass can be successful with the right species and the right cultivar. As noted, Z. matrella, or Manila grass, is the most shade tolerant of the zoysia species, and its cultivars are considered luxe, golf-course quality. These include 'Diamond,' 'Trinity,' 'Taccoa Green,' and 'Cashmere.' Very similar in appearance, all four grasses thrive happily when kept to about a quarter of an inch in height. Of the four, 'Diamond' is the most salt tolerant, while 'Toccoa Green' is a bit faster-growing. Also shade tolerant, although perhaps less safe choices for heavy shade, are the dark green Manila grass cultivars 'Zorro,' 'Zeon,' and 'Geo.' Their preferred mowed height is between one-half and 2 inches.

If you prefer a different zoysia grass, look for a Z. japonica cultivar that's more shade tolerant than others in the "japonica" species. Good options include 'Empire Turf' and 'El Toro.' These grasses, though not quite as reliable in shade as Z. matrella choices, are tougher overall in terms of cold hardiness and growth speed.

Most zoysia grasses, including the shade-tolerant Manila grass cultivars, are most readily available as sod rather than seed. Because zoysias grow more slowly than other turf grasses, they don't have to be mowed as often. They are also unlikely to need extra irrigation, due to their drought tolerance. In fact, watering less frequently will strengthen their root systems. A zoysia lawn also appreciates a yearly application of nitrogen fertilizer, at a rate of 2 to 4 pounds per 1,000 square feet of grass.