If you’re looking for a way to spruce up your backyard and add some greenery, Florida grass for shade is a great option. This type of grass is specifically designed to grow in shaded areas, making it ideal for those who may have trees or other objects blocking out the sun. However, before you go out and buy any type of grass, there are a few factors you need to consider.
First, think about the climate in your area. Certain types of grass may not thrive in extremely hot or cold temperatures. Additionally, you should think about how much maintenance you’re willing to do. Some grasses require more watering or mowing than others. Finally, consider the look and feel you’re going for. Different types of grass have different textures and colors.
Do you want to create a lush, green oasis in your backyard? Or are you hoping to have a low-maintenance area that still looks great? Whatever your goals may be, the right type of Florida grass for shade can help you achieve them. Some questions to consider include: What are the best types of grass for shaded areas? How do different types of grass handle different weather conditions? And what kind of maintenance is required for each type of grass? With the right research and preparation, you can find the perfect grass to suit your needs.
10 Best Florida Grass For Shade
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Ideal for growing a lush and tolerant turf grass that can withstand drought, salt, and shade conditions.
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The product is ideal for growing drought, salt, and shade tolerant turf sod in St. Augustine lawns using 18 live extra large grass plugs.
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The product is ideal for a turf grass that is drought, salt and shade tolerant.
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Ideal for quickly growing lush, green grass in both sunny and shady areas of your lawn.
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Ideal for growing grass in areas with limited sunlight or heavy shade.
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This product is ideal for patching and repairing areas with both sun and shade exposure on a lawn.
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Ideal for repairing bare spots in areas with dense shade, promoting quick and easy grass growth.
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The product is ideal for growing grass in areas with dense shade.
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Ideal for covering shaded areas with dense, low-growing evergreen ground cover.
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Ideal for use as a shade-loving evergreen ground cover.
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1. St. Augustine 'seville' Sod – 72 Live Plugs – Drought, Salt & Shade Tolerant Turf Grass
Florida Foliage exclusively packages and ships the St. Augustine Seville cultivar, which arrives dormant during the winter months. This dwarf cultivar is finer in texture than Floratam and boasts a unique blue-green color with excellent color retention. Seville is known for its ability to tolerate salt, shade, and drought well, making it a favorite among landscapers for lawns with moderate shade.
This St. Augustine grass is considered one of the most shade-tolerant turf grasses, able to persist in areas with only 6 to 7 hours of sunlight. Seville also thrives in various pH ranges, from acidic soils to the high pH soils of coastal areas. It establishes quickly in most environments and can be found in full sun locations as well as shady conditions.
Homeowners can enjoy the beauty of greenery without high maintenance with Seville St. Augustine grass. With proper routine maintenance during the establishment period, Seville will take root in the soil and fill out to a beautiful, natural-looking lawn.
- Finer texture than Floratam
- Tolerates salt, shade, and drought well
- One of the most shade-tolerant turf grasses
- Establishes quickly in most environments
- Can thrive in various pH ranges
- Low maintenance with proper routine care
2. St. Augustine Palmetto | 18 Live Extra Large Grass Plugs | Drought, Salt & Shade Tolerant Turf Sod
Palmetto St. Augustine grass is a native grass cultivar that has been specially selected by Florida Foliage for its superior color and texture. It is a versatile turfgrass that can tolerate various climate and soil conditions, making it an ideal choice for both residential and commercial use.
This semi-dwarf grass has a plush appearance similar to Seville and Delmar, but it is less prone to becoming thatchy even in full sunlight. The leaf blade width is similar to Bitterblue and Raleigh, and finer than Floratam. The leaf blades are tapered at the tip with a rounded end and are soft to the touch, unlike the prickly feel of Floratam.
Palmetto St. Augustine grass is known for its superior shade, cold, frost, heat, and drought tolerance. It remains green much longer than Bermuda grass and Centipede grass and will slowly become dormant after several heavy frosts. Additionally, it has demonstrated very good drought tolerance in field tests.
Despite being a living plant, Palmetto St. Augustine grass is easy to maintain and provides an aesthetically pleasing and functional lawn for years. It has been used in thousands of lawns since 1994 and is rapidly becoming a landscaping standard.
- Superior shade, cold, frost, heat, and drought tolerance
- Plush appearance similar to Seville and Delmar
- Less prone to becoming thatchy even in full sunlight
- Soft to the touch leaf blades
- Remains green much longer than Bermuda grass and Centipede grass
- Easy to maintain
- Ideal for both residential and commercial use
3. Zoysia Sod Plugs – 72 Large 3" X 3" Plugs – Drought, Salt & Shade Tolerant Turf Grass
Introducing Zoysia, the perfect grass for your yard, exclusively packaged and shipped by Florida Foliage. During the winter months, the grass is shipped dormant. Zoysia is an excellent choice when you want a thick layer of deep green grass that makes a stunning impression on your yard. The grass has superior performance and beauty that welcomes people to take barefoot walks across its lush carpet of densely packed blades. Zoysia is designed especially for family outings and backyard picnics, and it can withstand various activities without showing extensive wear and tear. It performs best when it receives at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight and has year-round color in frost-free climates. However, it may experience seasonal dormancy. Zoysia absorbs impact, tolerates wear, and resists weeds. It thrives in hot weather and is excellent for high traffic areas. The Grass plugs are intended to be planted 15 inches apart and grow together over time. The coverage of these Grass plugs is 32 square feet when planted and cared for, resulting in a beautiful, minimal maintenance lawn. Zoysia plugs are already producing runners, so you can expect a healthy and mature lawn. Note that Zoysia plugs ordered in fall/winter will arrive dormant and won't reach full color until the warmer weather returns.
- Superior performance and beauty
- Thick carpet of densely packed blades
- Can withstand various activities without showing extensive wear and tear
- Absorbs impact, tolerates wear, and resists weeds
- Thrives in hot weather and is excellent for high traffic areas
- Minimal maintenance lawn
- – Ships dormant during winter months
- – May experience seasonal dormancy
- – Zoysia plugs ordered in fall/winter will arrive dormant and won't reach full color until warmer weather returns
4. Rapid Green 16lbs: Sun & Shade Grass Mix
Achieve a lush lawn in just a few weeks with Scotts Turf Builder Rapid Grass Sun & Shade Mix. The combination of seed and fertilizer in this proprietary mix grows up to 2x faster than seed alone when applied at the new lawn rate and with proper care. This unique blend of sun and shade mix of seed and fertilizer produces a full green lawn that grows in just weeks. The grass will start to grow in as little as 12 days and will reach full maturity in 21 days. Scotts Turf Builder Rapid Grass Sun & Shade Mix is the perfect solution for problematic areas in your lawn that need extra attention as well as establishing new grass.
The best time to plant grass seed is during the fall or spring when temperatures are between 60°F and 80°F and the threat of frost has passed. To ensure optimal results, prepare the soil by lightly raking it to remove debris. Apply the grass seed using a Scotts spreader and water daily or as needed to keep the soil surface moist until the seedlings reach 2 to 3 inches tall. With one 16-lb. bag, you can seed up to 8,000 sq. ft. of lawn. Please note that this product may not be available in all states.
- Produces a full green lawn that grows in just weeks
- Grows up to 2x faster than seed alone when applied at the new lawn rate and with proper care
- Ideal for problematic areas in your lawn as well as establishing new grass
- One 16-lb. bag can seed up to 8,000 sq. ft. of lawn
- – May not be available in all states
5. Pennington Smart Seed Dense Shade Grass Mix 7 Lb
Looking for a grass seed that can thrive in shady conditions? Look no further than this Tall Fescue and Fine Fescue mix. With just 2 to 6 hours of sunlight, this grass seed is the perfect solution for areas of your lawn that don't receive much sun. Not only that, but it's also disease and traffic-resistant, making it a smart choice for anyone who wants a strong, durable lawn.
This grass seed contains the perfect amount of fertilizer to help your lawn succeed. Plus, it can save you up to 30% more water year after year compared to ordinary grass seed. And with a guaranteed growth rate, you'll see results in as little as 8 to 16 days.
Each bag covers up to 1,750 sq. ft., making it a great option for anyone who wants to grow thick, green grass in a shaded area. So why wait? Order your bag of Tall Fescue and Fine Fescue grass seed today and start enjoying a beautiful lawn in no time!
- Thrives in shady conditions with only 2 to 6 hours of sunlight
- Disease and traffic-resistant for a strong, durable lawn
- Contains the perfect amount of fertilizer to help your lawn succeed
- Can save up to 30% more water year after year compared to ordinary grass seed
- Guaranteed growth rate with results in as little as 8 to 16 days
- Each bag covers up to 1,750 sq. ft.
6. Scotts Ez Seed Patch And Repair Sun And Shade For Grass: Covers Up To 225 Sq. Ft., 10 Lb.
Achieve a lush green lawn in any area with the revolutionary Scotts seeding mix. This product includes high-performance grass seeds, absorbent mulch, exclusive controlled-release fertilizer, tackifier, and protectant that ensures guaranteed growth (subject to proper care). The mulch can absorb up to 6 times its weight in water and expands to create a moist protective layer around the seed. The fertilizer is designed with controlled-release technology to provide essential nutrients for the seedlings' jumpstart growth.
Scotts seeding mix is an ideal solution for growing grass in full sun, dense shade, high traffic areas, and slopes. It can cover up to 225 sq. ft. and can be used in areas that are newly planted. The tackifier helps prevent the seed from washing away while the protectant keeps the seedlings safe from harmful diseases that can attack newly planted areas. This product is not available in Hawaii.
- Revolutionary seeding mix that guarantees grass growth in any area (subject to proper care)
- Includes high-performance grass seeds, absorbent mulch, exclusive controlled-release fertilizer, tackifier, and protectant
- Mulch can absorb up to 6 times its weight in water and expands to create a moist protective layer around the seed
- Fertilizer is designed with controlled-release technology to provide essential nutrients for the seedlings' jumpstart growth
- Ideal solution for growing grass in full sun, dense shade, high traffic areas, and slopes
- Covers up to 225 sq. ft.
- Tackifier helps prevent the seed from washing away
- Protectant keeps the seedlings safe from harmful diseases that can attack newly planted areas
- – Requires proper care to guarantee growth
- – Not available in Hawaii
7. Pennington One Step Complete Dense Shade Bare Spot Grass Seed, 10 Pounds, White
The grass is always greener on your side with this all-in-one lawn repair solution. In just two weeks or less, bare spots will be a thing of the past. This pre-mixed package contains everything needed to grow lush, thick grass. A combination of premium Smart Seed grass seed, professional-grade fertilizer, and mulch means that the hard work is done for you. Simply open the package and apply. With a coverage area of up to 150 sq. ft., this product is perfect for repairing small to medium-sized areas of lawn. Seed germination occurs within 7-14 days, so you can enjoy a beautiful lawn in no time.
Say goodbye to unsightly, patchy grass and hello to a vibrant, healthy lawn. This easy-to-use solution is perfect for both seasoned gardeners and beginners. The pre-mixed formula ensures that the correct amount of seed, fertilizer, and mulch is used, taking the guesswork out of lawn care. With this product, you can have confidence in your ability to grow a beautiful lawn.
The combination of premium Smart Seed grass seed and professional-grade fertilizer ensures that your lawn will receive the nutrients it needs to thrive. Meanwhile, the mulch helps to retain moisture, giving your new grass the best possible chance to grow. With this product, you can trust that you are giving your lawn the very best care.
- Repairs bare spots in two weeks or less
- Pre-mixed and ready to use
- Combination of premium Smart Seed grass seed, professional-grade fertilizer, and mulch
- Covers up to 150 sq. ft.
- 7-14 day seed germination
8. Jonathan Green Jog10600 40600 Dense Shade Grass Seed, 3 Lb, 3-Pound
This 3-pound bag of superior grass seed is perfect for those looking to enhance their lawn's appeal. With a coverage of up to 1,800 square feet, this grass seed is the ideal solution for those looking for a lush and green lawn. The seed is 100% pure and has been carefully selected to ensure that it results in a healthy and vibrant lawn. It is perfect for use in both sunny and shady areas.
The grass seed has been selected for its superior quality and is highly resistant to disease and drought. It grows quickly and is easy to maintain, requiring minimal watering and fertilization. This makes it the ideal choice for those who want a beautiful lawn without the hassle of constant upkeep. The seed is also suitable for use in a wide range of climates and soil types.
This grass seed is perfect for homeowners, landscapers, and anyone else who wants a beautiful lawn that is easy to maintain. It is a great investment that is sure to pay off in the long run. With its superior quality and ease of use, this grass seed is a must-have for anyone looking to improve their lawn's appearance.
- Superior quality grass seed
- Highly resistant to disease and drought
- Grows quickly and is easy to maintain
- Suitable for use in a wide range of climates and soil types
9. Dwarf Mondo Grass – 40 Live Plants – Shade Loving Evergreen Ground Cover Ophiopogon Japonicus Nanus
The Dwarf Mondo Grass is a slow-growing evergreen grass with dark green foliage that forms dense and lush groundcover, making it an excellent choice for edging plants or for creating a striking contrast when tucked into rocks. This ornamental grass has a clumping growth habit and reaches only 4-6 inches tall and 4-6 inches wide. It is widely used in rock gardens, seashore plantings, borders, and groundcovers.
This low-maintenance evergreen needs a regular watering schedule to ensure the growth of a mature root system. Once the mature root system is established, watering is only required occasionally, except during a drought, where watering is needed regularly. To maintain a well-groomed appearance, pruning old foliage is recommended.
Dwarf Mondo Grass is visually similar to a ground cover called Lilyturf (Liriope muscari), but it has thinner leaves and a finer texture. This evergreen grass is exclusively grown, packaged, and shipped by Florida Foliage.
- Slow-growing and clumping habit that reaches only 4-6 inches tall and 4-6 inches wide
- Excellent as an edging plant or for creating a striking contrast when tucked into rocks
- Low-maintenance evergreen that needs regular watering only until the mature root system is established
- Widely used in rock gardens, seashore plantings, borders, and groundcovers
- Visually similar to Lilyturf (Liriope muscari) but has a finer texture and thinner leaves
- – None
10. Dwarf Mondo Grass Qty 80 Live Plants Shade Loving Evergreen Ground Cover Ophiopogon Japonicus Nanus
The Dwarf Mondo Grass is a slow-growing evergreen that is only half the size of other varieties, reaching a height of 4-6 inches and a width of 4-6 inches. Its lush, dark green grass-like clumps make it an excellent choice as an edging plant or for use in rock gardens and groundcovers. It is also striking when planted en masse in the landscape.
This ornamental grass is low-maintenance and requires a regular watering schedule to establish a mature root system. Once established, it only needs occasional watering, except during droughts when regular watering is necessary. To maintain a well-groomed appearance, it is recommended to prune old foliage.
While similar in appearance to Lilyturf (Liriope muscari), the Dwarf Mondo Grass has thinner leaves and a finer texture. This evergreen is widely used in rock gardens, seashore plantings, borders, and groundcovers. For an impressive collection of plants, check out Florida Foliage.
- Slow-growing and easy to maintain.
- Excellent as an edging plant or for use in rock gardens and groundcovers.
- Lush and dense with dark green foliage.
- Striking in mass plantings in the landscape.
- Widely used in rock gardens, seashore plantings, borders, and groundcovers.
- A great choice for those who prefer low-maintenance plants.
- – May require more frequent watering during droughts.
Best Florida Grass For Shade FAQs
Are there any specific Florida grass varieties that are better suited for shade than others?
Yes, there are specific Florida grass varieties that are better suited for shade than others. In fact, most grasses in Florida require at least some amount of shade to thrive due to the intense heat and sun exposure. Some of the best grass varieties for shade in Florida include St. Augustine grass, Zoysia grass, and Bahia grass. These grasses are known for their excellent shade tolerance and ability to grow well in low-light conditions. Additionally, they are also resistant to pests and diseases, making them a great choice for homeowners looking for low-maintenance grass varieties. When choosing a grass variety for shade in Florida, it's important to consider factors such as the amount of shade in your yard, soil type, and maintenance requirements. Consulting with a local lawn care professional can also help you choose the best grass variety for your specific needs.
Can Florida grass thrive in partial shade or does it need full shade?
Florida grass can thrive in partial shade, but it is important to choose the right type of grass for the specific conditions. St. Augustine grass is a popular choice for Florida lawns and can tolerate moderate shade, but it still needs at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Bahia grass is another option that can tolerate partial shade, but it is not as drought-tolerant as St. Augustine grass. It is important to keep in mind that even shade-tolerant grasses will grow more slowly and require less water than grasses in full sun. Additionally, regular maintenance such as mowing and fertilizing can help encourage healthy growth in shaded areas. Overall, while Florida grass can thrive in partial shade, it is important to choose the right type of grass and provide proper maintenance to ensure healthy growth.
How do I maintain Florida grass in a shaded area?
Maintaining Florida grass in a shaded area requires taking some specific steps to ensure it remains healthy and lush. The first step is to identify the type of grass you have, as some types of grass are better suited for shaded areas than others. For instance, St. Augustine grass and Zoysia grass are ideal for shaded areas, while Bermuda grass is not.
Once you have identified the type of grass you have, you can take steps to maintain it. One of the most important things you can do is to ensure that the grass is not overwatered. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues that can damage the grass. Instead, water the grass deeply once a week or as needed, and avoid watering during the hottest part of the day.
In addition to watering, you should also fertilize the grass regularly with a high-quality fertilizer that is designed for your specific type of grass. This will help to ensure that the grass is getting the nutrients it needs to thrive in a shaded area.
Finally, be sure to mow the grass regularly, but avoid cutting it too short. Cutting the grass too short can make it more susceptible to damage from the sun and other environmental factors. Instead, aim to keep the grass at a height of 3-4 inches, and avoid cutting more than one-third of the length of the blades at any one time. By following these tips, you can maintain healthy and lush Florida grass in a shaded area.
What are the best types of grass for shady areas in Florida?
In Florida, finding suitable grass for shady areas can be a challenge due to the hot and humid climate. However, some grass types are more tolerant of shade and can thrive in these conditions. The best grass types for shady areas in Florida include St. Augustine grass, Zoysia grass, and Bahia grass.
St. Augustine grass is a popular choice in Florida as it is known for its low maintenance and shade tolerance. It is also resistant to pests and diseases. Zoysia grass is another type that can tolerate shade, drought, and foot traffic. It has a dense growth pattern and requires less watering than other grass types. Bahia grass is a warm-season grass that can grow in sandy soil and withstands heavy rainfall. It is also known for its shade tolerance and low maintenance.
When selecting the best grass type for shady areas, it is important to consider the level of shade and soil conditions. It is recommended to consult with a professional landscaper to determine the best type of grass for your specific needs. With proper care and maintenance, these grass types can provide a lush and green landscape even in shady areas.
What are the common problems with growing Florida grass in shaded areas and how can they be solved?
Growing grass in shaded areas can be a challenging task, especially in Florida, where the weather is hot and humid. The common problems that arise when growing grass in shaded areas are poor growth, sparse coverage, and susceptibility to disease and pests.
One of the main reasons for poor growth in shaded areas is the lack of sunlight, which is essential for the photosynthesis process that produces energy for plant growth. To solve this problem, you can try to prune back trees and shrubs to allow more sunlight to reach the grass. Additionally, you can choose shade-tolerant grass varieties, such as St. Augustine or Zoysia, that can thrive in low light conditions.
Sparse coverage is another issue that often arises in shaded areas. This can be caused by soil compaction, poor drainage, or improper fertilizer application. To solve this problem, you can aerate the soil to loosen it up and improve drainage, add organic matter to enrich the soil, and use a slow-release fertilizer specifically designed for shaded areas.
Finally, shaded areas are more susceptible to disease and pests due to the lack of sunlight, which weakens the grass. To prevent this, you can keep the grass well-watered and properly fertilized, avoid over-mowing, and remove any diseased or dead grass promptly.
In conclusion, growing grass in shaded areas in Florida requires some extra effort and care, but with the right techniques, it can be done successfully.