Warm-Season Grasses: Tough Turf for Hot Climates

Unlike cool-season grasses, warm-season sorts go partially to completely dormant during winter (depending on cold severity) whether water is available or not. The group includes common Bermuda and hybrid Bermuda, zoysia, St. Augustine, bahia, centipede, and buffalo grasses. All grow most vigorously during hot weather, and most are grown in the warm climates of the South and Southeast, as well as parts of the Southwest and Far West. Buffalo grass has been most widely used in Texas and the Great Plains.

Common and hybrid Bermuda are among the most popular. Both are relatively drought tolerant and very wear-resistant. Hybrid Bermuda is finer textured and doesn't turn brown in winter as readily.

Perhaps the toughest and most drought-tolerant is zoysia. It's also one of the most attractive, but tends to go dormant sooner and stay dormant longer.

Note that both Bermuda and zoysia are so tough and vigorous that eliminating them is difficult if you ever want to replace them. Both are invasive, traveling via underground or aboveground runners. Monitor and remove stray growth regularly.

St. Augustine is another tough (and invasive) variety; it tolerates shade and seaside conditions. Moderately drought tolerant but looks shabby in winter.

Drought-tolerant bahia grass is good for sandy or acid soil; popular in Florida. Centipede grass is widely used in the South where soil is infertile, acid, or both. Needs regular water and doesn't take heavy foot traffic.

Gaining popularity is native buffalo grass. It forms an even, "classic" lawn but survives intense summer heat and retains color much of summer with little extra water (though it browns as summer ends). Thrives in many areas, even where cool-season grasses grow—but gardeners there prefer year-round green. New hybrids hold green longer, widening appeal.

One drawback: warm-season grasses are difficult to establish from seed (except bahia and centipede) and must be started from sod, plugs, or sprigs. Of those, St. Augustine and Bermuda initially spread and fill in faster from plugs or sprigs.