Zoysia Grasses have been taking the landscaping industry by storm in recent years. There’s a raft of new varieties and older ones like Gateway Zoysia on the market, and there’s more to come!
With a number of new zoysia’s recently hitting the marketplace, there is a misconception that every variety of zoysia is the same or similar.
Zoysia Macrantha
Zoysia macrantha’s are the only zoysia which are considered Australian natives and are commonly referred to as prickly couch. Some examples of macrantha which are available on the Australian market are Nara Native Zoysia and Stockade Native. Macrantha generally performs better in the warmer climates of Australia and in full sun areas. Macrantha’s leaf shape and colour varies depending on the variety but are medium to coarse and light green in colour. The wear tolerance and shade tolerance of Zoysia macrantha’s are inferior to the other types of zoysia.
Zoysia Japonica
Zoysia japonica originates and is native to the coastal grasslands of South East Asia. Japonica’s have been introduced and used as a popular choice for home lawns and public areas around the world. The common types of Zoysia japonica which are available around Australia are Zoysia Australis, Empire Zoysia and Platinum Zoysia. Japonica’s have a medium leaf texture, fair shade and wear tolerance and again are more suited to the warmer climates of Australia. Japonica’s will struggle through the colder months in southern areas of Australia.
Zoysia Australis is the latest Zoysia japonica to be released to the market proving to be an exceptional example of a superior japonica strain.
Zoysia Matrella
Like Japonica’s, Zoysia matrellas are native to South East Asia. Unlike their Japonica counterparts, matrella’s have a very fine leaf and have high shade tolerance. Until just recently, matrella’s were primarily used in golf, but now their qualities have proven they are perfect for home lawns and commercial applications. They require less mowing, less fertiliser, less water and have higher density than the other zoysia’s. matrella’s that are on the Australian market include Sir Grange (Zeon Zoysia), Primo Zoysia (greens grade) and Shadetuff. Zoysia matrella can be successfully installed all around Australia and make for a fantastic lawn both domestically and commercially.
Some zoysia’s like a Gateway Zoysia, haven’t been publicly identified as to what species they are. Most likely as a way to confuse consumers about what species they are receiving. This information is important to understanding which zoysia is going to have the right traits that are required for you area.
Make Sure Your Gateway to Zoysia is Certified
To ensure you are getting the right zoysia for your space, choose a zoysia grass that is certified by Australia’s leading turf certification program – AusGAP. The only Zoysia grasses certified by AusGAP are Sir Grange Zoysia and Zoysia Australis.