No Mow Grass – Zoysia tenuifolia – Plant Care Tips

Zoysia Tenuifolia – No Mow Grass Introduction

No Mow Grass, also known as Zoysia tenuifolia, is quickly becoming one of the most popular No Mow Grass varieties in Australia. It is an excellent choice for use as an ornamental grass in Fairy, Balinese and Japanese gardens due to its fluffy, moss-like mounds, which can create a whimsical feel.

It is believed that the Mascarene Islands, in the Indian Ocean, East of Madagascar are where the Zoysia tenuifolia plant first appeared. Mascarene grass is another name for the plant species Zoysia tenuifolia.

It works wonderfully as a showcase Plant in Large Pots, between Pavers or stones, or as a filler plant in smaller containers. Because of its small, dark green leaves and dense, wavy habit, it is an excellent option for weed management when planted in large numbers. Its undulating form makes it an excellent choice in design and architecture.

Zoysia Tenuifolia – No Mow Grass Uses

No Mow Grass is excellent and practical solution for slopes that are tough to mow. It will thrive in regions with more shade when other types of grass struggle to flourish. It is also excellent for placing around the trunks of prominent trees in a courtyard. Best for filling in the spaces between pavers with a low-growing, verdant carpet that helps to soften the hardscape.

Zoysia Tenuifolia – No Mow Grass Lighting and Position

Unlike many grasses, Zoysia tenuifolia is well suited to shadier areas and will do well in partial shade areas. It can be adapted to full sun and will grow best in six to eight hours of sunlight but on extreme hot days it will require an increase in watering. This grass prefers temperatures around 21C but can be quite cold tolerant and once established, handle the occasional frost.

Zoysia Tenuifolia – No Mow Grass Watering

Dense, deep roots make this a drought-tolerant lawn; No Mow turf will thrive with about 100mm of rainfall each month, but once established can tolerate periods of dry and generally requires minimal further watering unless during dry, warmer seasons. In Spring and Autumn it is better to water in the mornings to avoid Zoysia Patch which we explain below.

Zoysia Tenuifolia – No Mow Grass Maintenance

Zoysia Tenuifolia is a grass with deep fibrous roots, increasing its resilience in high-traffic areas. No mow grass makes a smooth, swirling pattern. For a groomed look, trim every four to six weeks to 75mm to 100mm. This shade-tolerant grass should be maintained 75mm or higher in summer to avoid corrosion or burns.

Zoysia Tenuifolia – No Mow Grass Formation

Because it grows so slowly, some people believe that Zoysia tenuifolia is not a suitable choice for areas with a lot of foot activity. In most cases, the issue is caused by the low quality of the growth medium that the plants are rooted in. The plants can withstand moderate pressure well if grown in a decent depth of 100-200mm of quality, friable soil. As a result of the pressure, the plants become lower and denser, which makes it a perfect substitute grass for normal home use.

Growing Zoysia tenuifolia from pots or plugs can take a long time to obtain complete coverage due to the plant’s sluggish growth rate. A potted plant will generally grow around 20cm a year. During this period, you may need to do weeding in the spaces between the plants.

Zoysia Tenuifolia – No Mow Grass Fertilisers

The medium amount of nitrogen that Zoysia needs may be effectively supplied by gradual fertilisers over a prolonged time. Zoysia grasses need more time to mend if they are injured, it also means that it is more costly because of the longer commercial growth cycle.

We recommend using our Plant Food available here. 

Zoysia Tenuifolia – No Mow Grass Pro Care Tip for Growth

Maintain a consistent watering schedule until the plant is fully established, which normally takes about a year. In the spring, you should apply a fertilizer that has a delayed release. If you want the look of a lawn, mow it once a month in the summer and once a month in the winter; otherwise, let it grow uncut.

Zoysia Tenuifolia – No Mow Grass Vulnerability to Pests & Disease

The ‘Zoysia patch,’ which is a browning caused by a fungus may appear on No Mow Grass with insufficient drainage and shade. It will generally appear in Spring or Autumn as it transitions in and out of its growth period and dormancy. Whilst it does not hurt the roots it will slow the grasses growth and is a blight to the usual lush green appearance. Prevention is better than a cure. Consider improving the drainage, aerate annually and water in the morning to give the plant time to drink during the day. Zoysia tenuifolia are generally quite resistant to pests.

For more information on how to manage common plant pests head to our blog here.

Zoysia Tenuifolia – No Mow Grass Toxicity to pets

Zoysias are mildly toxic, which is an effective mechanism to repel pests but it makes it unsuitable as a pasture grass for horses and a risk to other pets.

Zoysia Tenuifolia – No Mow Grass Design Tips

The Zoysia Tenuifolia offers a good deal of versatility, being able to grow from full sun to partial shade, it can be used as a replacement to traditional turf, around paths and rockeries or even as accompanying feature plants below trunks and other larger plants. It’s clumping, moss looking nature can create a fantastical impression and we believe that No Mow Grass is at its best when this is embraced and exaggerated, think Hobbits! It’s fantastic in tighter, undulating spaces like rockeries and around stone paths and steps. As an accompanying plant it could go great as the groundcover of other whimsical plants like Acacia Limelight Standards, which also have that sense of vibrancy and playfulness. These two could look terrific in a big white pot. Or perhaps you want to go less whimsical and more peaceful, using it for a Japanese inspired garden, it look great around feature boulders. rocks and rock gardens, as well as around sculptures.

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