Zoysia tennifolia

No Mow Grass / Korean Velvet Grass / Mascarene Grass / Temple Grass / Petting Grass

Botanical Name: Zoysia tennifolia
Family: Poaceae
Origin: East Asia–Indo-Pacific (widely cultivated)
Plant Type: Evergreen perennial grass / groundcover (hummock-forming)

Overview

A low, fine-textured zoysia that forms soft, dome-shaped mounds and a tight carpet with minimal mowing. Ideal for mass groundcover, between stepping stones, Japanese/zen gardens, and pot toppers. Tough, drought- and heat-tolerant once established; best in full sun with free-draining soil.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.05–0.15 m H (5–15 cm) × spreading by short runners (mounds typically 30–60 cm across)
• Growth Rate: 5-15 cm per year laterally under good conditions
• Foliage: Very fine, bright to mid-green grass blades; dense, soft hummocks
• Flowers: Inconspicuous greenish spikes in warm months (not showy)
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen, textural mounds year-round
• Wildlife Value: Low nectar value; dense cover can shelter small ground insects
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant, heat-tolerant, second-line coastal tolerant; light frost (leaf tip scorch possible in hard frosts)
• Planting Density: Quick cover: 6–9 plants/m² (≈ 30–40 cm centres); Budget cover: 4–6 plants/m²; Between pavers: 20–30 cm apart
• Pet Friendly: Non-toxic to cats & dogs (any plant ingestion may upset tummies)

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to light part shade (best form in sun)
• Soil: Free-draining sandy/loam; mound or raise on heavier soils
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 3–4 weeks in summer (more in heatwaves); minimal in winter
• Maintenance: Rarely needs mowing; light clip/edge to keep mounds tidy; control weeds while young; occasional slow-release feed in spring
• Lifespan: 10–20+ years with basic care
• Climate Zones: Temperate & Mediterranean SA; sheltered coastal sites
• Soil pH: Neutral (tolerates slightly acidic–slightly alkaline)

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Mass groundcover for flowing, moundy texture
• Between stepping stones and in rock/zen gardens
• Pot/topiary mound in shallow bowls
• Foreground contrast with succulents and low natives (not a privacy hedge)

Why You Will Love It

A soft, sculptural living carpet that sips water, stays neat with minimal mowing, and brings unique textural calm to sunny SA spaces.