Are you a homeowner looking for lush warm-season grass that withstands heavy foot traffic and drought? You can meet your needs with Korean velvet grass. With its low-maintenance requirement, emerald-green carpet, and exceptional resilience, this turf has become a preferred option for creating gorgeous lawns. This article discusses everything you need to know about this Korean grass. Let’s dive in!
Korean velvet grass is a perennial, warm-season turf ideal for embankments, rockeries, pots, and between pavers or stepping stones. The grass is native to Korea and Southeast Asia and doesn’t require mowing. It forms unique, finely textured mats and moss-like mounds and has soft and fine emerald-green leaves. The grass requires regular watering, especially during drought, and flourishes with regular application of a complete fertilizer. It also does well in full sunlight or partial shade.
Description of Korean Velvet Grass
Korean velvet grass, also known as Zoysia Tenuifolia or Japanese lawn grass, is a slow-growing, warm-season turf used for lawns. It has a dark green appearance and creates a finely textured mat of soft and dense low-growing foliage.
This sod-forming perennial turf is usually grouped with other Zoysia grass species and requires low water, fertilizer, and mowing practices.
How to Grow Korean Velvet Grass
Korean velvet grass is ideal for your lawn if you’re a no-mow enthusiast. Before planting it, you need adequate site preparation to encourage its establishment. So, clear all rocks, undesirable debris, and vegetation, and amend your soil if it has low fertility or drains poorly. You can establish this grass from seeds, sprigs, sod, or plugs.
For the grass to thrive, it requires well-drained soil, full sun, or partial shade. However, it does well in various climatic and soil conditions. Most homeowners prefer this grass as it exhibits excellent drought tolerance without sacrificing its emerald-green appearance.
Typical Uses of Korean Grass
i. The grass is a beautiful and durable turf ideal for ornamental purposes.
ii. You can also use this grass as a maintenance-free lawn.
iii. The turf is wonderful for difficult-to-mow landscapes.
iv. It is perfect for rooftop gardens or green roofs.
v. You can use it in rockeries and between pavers as an outstanding ground cover.
Korean Velvet Grass Care
Follow this simple yet practical guide to care for your grass:
1. Watering
Although drought tolerant, Korean grass blooms with an inch of water weekly. Water your lawn deeply early in the morning to encourage a deep root system. This helps your grass endure brief droughts and prevent fungal diseases.
2. Mowing
This is a no-mow grass with a low-growing growth habit, which makes it an excellent ground cover. However, you can mow it occasionally for a more trimmed appearance.
3. Fertilizing
Korean grass flourishes with regular application of a complete fertilizer every 6 to 8 weeks or throughout the summer growing season. Also, apply potassium treatment during fall for winter hardiness.
4. Light
This grass does well in full sunlight but can also grow in parts of the lawn with light shade.
Which Fertilizer is Best for Korean Velvet Grass?
For quick greening and a boost in growth for Korean grass, apply Scotts Green Max Lawn Food (pictured above). It is a high-nitrogen fertilizer with a 27-0-2 NPK ratio and contains iron, which helps your grass green up quickly.
Will Korean Grass Take Over Other Grasses?
Korean Velvet grass is a slow-growing turf. However, it can be an aggressive spreader, taking over other grasses and weeds.
My Thoughts on Korean Velvet Grass
Consider growing Korean velvet grass if you’re looking for lush, ornamental grass for your outdoor space. This creeping, perennial grass makes a perfect ground cover around pots, rockeries, between pavers or stepping stones, and for a fairy garden.
For the grass to thrive, plant it in areas receiving full sunlight and water it deeply, especially during drought.
Also, feed the lawn with a complete fertilizer every six weeks to two months during the growing season.
