10 Best Florida Grass For Shade (2025 Update)

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When it comes to choosing the right grass for your Florida lawn, there are several factors to consider. One of the most important is shade tolerance, especially if you have trees or other structures that block out the sun for much of the day. Fortunately, there are several varieties of grass that are well-suited to shady conditions in Florida, including St. Augustine, Zoysia, and Bahia.

If you're looking for Florida grass for shade, here are five key points to keep in mind:

1. Shade tolerance: Look for grasses that are specifically designed to thrive in shady conditions. These varieties have adapted to lower light levels and will be better able to survive and grow in areas that don't get much sun.

2. Maintenance requirements: Some types of grass require more maintenance than others, so consider how much time and effort you're willing to put into caring for your lawn. Some varieties may need more frequent mowing, watering, and fertilizing, while others are more low-maintenance.

3. Climate compatibility: Make sure the grass you choose is well-suited to the climate in your area. Some varieties may do better in cooler or warmer temperatures, so do your research to find the best option for your region.

4. Soil type: Different grasses have different soil requirements, so consider the type of soil you have in your yard. Some grasses do well in clay soils, while others prefer sandy or loamy soils.

5. Cost: Grass seed or sod can be expensive, so consider your budget when choosing a variety of grass. Some types may be more cost-effective than others, depending on the size of your yard and other factors.

By keeping these key points in mind, you'll be better equipped to choose the right Florida grass for shade for your lawn. Consider consulting with a local lawn care expert or gardening center for more personalized advice and recommendations.

10 Best Florida Grass For Shade

1. 60 Live Black Mondo Grass Plugs – Ophiopogon Japonicus Nigrescens – Shade Loving Ground Cover.

The Black Mondo Grass Plugs, also known as Ophiopogon Japonicus Nigrescens, are an exceptional choice for anyone looking for a ground cover that thrives in shade. The 60 live plants come packaged and shipped exclusively by Florida Foliage, ensuring high-quality, healthy plants for your garden.

The Black Mondo Grass Plugs offer a stunning contrast to any garden with their dense, purple-black, grass-like foliage. In the summer, they produce dark lavender flowers that are followed by purple berries in the fall, adding even more interest to your landscape. These evergreen plants can be used en masse as edging or tucked into mixed containers for an eye-catching display.

The Black Dragon Mondo Grass, a variety of Ophiopogon planiscapus, is a circular mound of truly black 1/4" wide foliage that grows to 6" tall. It spreads by rhizomes, and a single plant will make a nice 20" wide mat in just two years. For fast coverage, plant on 8" centers. This easy-to-grow groundcover makes a great backdrop for blues, golds, and other colors that pop against its dark foliage. It's also an excellent candidate for a terrarium or fairy garden.

These dense tufts of lush, exotic foliage are perfect for Asian gardens, modern looks, and high-contrast foliage effects. They add a pop of color to containers and are an exciting shade garden plant with diverse applications, from singles to groups and masses. The Black Mondo Grass Plugs thrive in humus-rich, evenly moist, well-drained soils and can take cool sun, but they need bright shade in hot climates. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system, and for a neat appearance, remove old foliage before new leaves emerge. Divide clumps every 2 to 3 years in early spring.

In conclusion, the Black Mondo Grass Plugs are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a unique ground cover that thrives in shade. With their dense, purple-black, grass-like foliage, they offer a stunning contrast to any garden, and their dark lavender flowers and purple berries add even more interest. These easy-to-grow plants are perfect for Asian gardens, modern looks, and high-contrast foliage effects, and they thrive in humus-rich, evenly moist, well-drained soils. Order your 60 live plants today from Florida Foliage and enjoy the beauty and versatility of the Black Mondo Grass Plugs in your garden.

2. St. Augustine Palmetto | 36 Live Extra Large Grass Plugs | Drought, Salt & Shade Tolerant Turf Sod

Palmetto St. Augustine grass is a versatile and highly sought-after turfgrass that is native to the southern United States. It is a cultivar that has been carefully selected for its superior color and finer texture when compared to ordinary St. Augustine grass. Palmetto grass is highly tolerant of shade, cold, frost, heat, and drought, making it the ideal choice for residential and commercial use.

Florida Foliage is the exclusive supplier of Palmetto St. Augustine grass plugs. The 36 live extra large grass plugs are carefully packaged and shipped to ensure that they arrive in prime condition. This turfgrass has been used in thousands of lawns since 1994 and has rapidly become the landscaping standard due to its aesthetic appeal and functional benefits.

Palmetto grass is a semi-dwarf grass that has a plush appearance similar to Seville and Delmar, but with the added benefit of being less prone to becoming thatchy, even in full sunlight. Its leaf blade width is similar to Bitterblue and Raleigh, and finer than Floratam. When mowed high, it can be mistaken for fescue. The leaf blades are tapered at the tip with a rounded end, providing a soft texture that is comfortable to walk on.

This turfgrass will remain green longer than any other variety of St. Augustine and will stay green much longer than Bermuda grass and Centipede grass. It slowly becomes dormant after several heavy frosts, but will remain evergreen in temperatures below freezing if there are no hard frosts. Palmetto grass has demonstrated very good drought tolerance in field tests, making it a great choice for areas with limited water availability.

St. Augustine grasses are known for their shade tolerance, and Palmetto has exceptional shade tolerance, even when compared to the most shade tolerant varieties of St. Augustine. It is ideal for use in areas with partial to full shade, such as under trees or in areas with buildings that block the sun.

It is important to note that Palmetto St. Augustine grass, like all turfgrass, is a living plant and requires proper maintenance to thrive. When properly maintained, however, it will deliver years of an aesthetically pleasing and functional lawn. Overall, Palmetto St. Augustine grass is a versatile and durable turfgrass that is well-suited for a wide range of climate and soil conditions, making it a popular choice for homeowners and landscapers alike.

3. Zoysia Sod Plugs – 72 Large 3" X 3" Plugs – Drought, Salt & Shade Tolerant Turf Grass

Florida Foliage offers a package of 72 large 3" x 3" Zoysia Sod Plugs that are drought, salt, and shade tolerant turf grasses. These sod plugs are shipped exclusively by Florida Foliage and remain dormant during the winter months. Zoysia is an excellent choice when seeking a thick, deep green lawn that provides superior performance and beauty. It invites people to take barefoot walks across its plush carpet of densely packed blades.

Zoysia grass is perfect for family outings and backyard picnics as it can handle a variety of activities without showing extensive wear and tear. This grass performs best with at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight and provides year-round color in frost-free climates. It may experience seasonal dormancy, but it grows back in full force when the warmer weather returns.

Zoysia absorbs impact, tolerates wear and resists weeds, making it perfect for high traffic areas. It thrives in hot weather and is great for those who live in warmer climates. The sod plugs are intended to be planted spaced 15 inches apart, and they grow together over time. The coverage of these Grass plugs is 32 square feet when planted and cared for.

Zoysia plugs grow into beautiful minimal maintenance lawns, and mature plugs are already producing runners. Zoysia plugs ordered in fall/winter will arrive dormant and won't be in full color until warmer weather returns. However, with proper care and attention, they can establish a thick, lush lawn that requires minimal maintenance.

In conclusion, Zoysia Sod Plugs from Florida Foliage are an excellent investment for those who want a beautiful lawn that can handle high traffic areas and various activities. With their drought, salt, and shade tolerance, they are perfect for any climate. Plant them spaced 15 inches apart and watch them grow together to create a thick, deep green lawn that requires minimal maintenance.

4. Mondo Grass – 40 Live Plants – Ophiopogon Japonicus – Shade Loving Evergreen Groundcover

Mondo grass, also known as monkey grass, is an evergreen perennial that makes an excellent groundcover or standalone grass-like plant. With its attractive clumps of stemless, dark green, grass-like leaves, it makes a beautiful small-scale groundcover or low border. Mondo grass is a care-free, easy-to-grow perennial that is ideal for adding texture to the garden.

Grown, packaged, and shipped exclusively by Florida Foliage, growing mondo grass is easy, as the plant withstands neglect in regions where plentiful moisture is naturally available. Once established, you can pretty much forget about the plant unless you want to go check out its seasonal beauty. Tiny spikes of lilac flowers appear in summer, adding a touch of color to the garden.

An easy-to-grow, attractive groundcover, mondo grass makes a great turf alternative. This grass-like foliage forms dense tufts that slowly spread over time and require no mowing. Moreover, these plants perform well in almost any soil and lighting condition, making them a versatile addition to any landscape design.

Mondo grass is a great choice for those looking for an evergreen groundcover that thrives in shade. The plant's low-growing habit makes it perfect for planting under trees or shrubs, where other plants might struggle to thrive. Its dense tufts also help to suppress weeds, making it an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance groundcover.

When it comes to care, mondo grass is relatively easy to maintain. The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade. While it can tolerate some drought, it does best with regular watering. Fertilization is not necessary, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring can help to promote healthy growth.

In conclusion, mondo grass is an easy-to-grow, attractive groundcover that makes a great alternative to traditional turf. With its grass-like foliage and lilac flowers, it adds texture and interest to any garden or landscape design. Whether used as a standalone plant or as a groundcover, mondo grass is a versatile addition to any garden.

5. Dwarf Mondo Grass – 40 Live Plants – Shade Loving Evergreen Ground Cover Ophiopogon Japonicus Nanus

Florida Foliage proudly presents the Dwarf Mondo Grass, a shade-loving evergreen groundcover that comes in a package of 40 live plants. This ornamental grass is grown, packaged, and shipped exclusively by Florida Foliage to ensure the best quality for your landscape needs.

This particular variety of Mondo Grass is a dwarf version, meaning it is only half the size of other Mondo Grass species. However, don't be fooled by its small size as it creates a lush groundcover of dense, dark green grass-like clumps. It is an excellent edging plant or tucked into rocks for a pleasing contrast. The dwarf Mondo Grass is striking in mass plantings in the landscape and is evergreen, making it an excellent choice for your garden year-round.

The Dwarf Mondo Grass has a slow and clumping growth habit that 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 water schedule to ensure the growth of a mature root system. Once the mature root system is established, watering is needed occasionally, except during a drought, where watering is needed regularly.

Pruning old foliage is recommended to maintain a well-groomed appearance. It is similar in appearance to a ground cover commonly called Lilyturf (Liriope muscari), but has thinner leaves and a finer texture. If you're looking for an ornamental grass that is easy to maintain, the Dwarf Mondo Grass is an excellent choice.

In conclusion, the Dwarf Mondo Grass is a low-maintenance, shade-loving, and evergreen groundcover that is half the size of other species. It creates a lush groundcover of dense, dark green, grass-like clumps and is striking in mass plantings in the landscape. It is widely used in rock gardens, seashore plantings, borders, and groundcovers. This ornamental grass is grown, packaged, and shipped exclusively by Florida Foliage to ensure the best quality for your landscape needs.

6. Dwarf Mondo Grass – 30 Live Plants – Shade Loving Evergreen Ground Cover Ophiopogon Japonicus Nanus

Dwarf Mondo Grass is a beautiful and low-maintenance evergreen ground cover that is perfect for anyone who wants to create a lush and dense landscape. This plant is grown, packaged, and shipped exclusively by Florida Foliage, ensuring that it arrives at your doorstep in perfect condition.

This dwarf variety of Mondo Grass is only half the size of others, reaching a height of only 4-6 inches tall and wide. It has a slow and clumping growth habit, creating a dense ground cover of dark green, grass-like clumps that are perfect for edging or tucking into rocks for a pleasing contrast.

This perennial evergreen grass is widely used in rock gardens, seashore plantings, borders, and ground covers. It is similar in appearance to a ground cover commonly called Lilyturf (Liriope muscari), but has thinner leaves and a finer texture, making it a unique and beautiful addition to any landscape.

The Dwarf Mondo Grass is an excellent choice for those who want a low-maintenance ground cover that requires little attention once it is established. It needs a regular water schedule to ensure the growth of a mature root system, but once established, it only needs occasional watering, except during a drought when it needs regular watering.

Pruning old foliage is recommended to maintain a well-groomed appearance, but this is a simple task that can be performed quickly and easily. The Dwarf Mondo Grass is also an evergreen, meaning that it remains green and lush throughout the year, adding color and texture to your landscape even in the dead of winter.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a beautiful and low-maintenance ground cover that will add color and texture to your landscape, the Dwarf Mondo Grass is an excellent choice. It is easy to care for, requires little attention once established, and is a unique and beautiful addition to any garden or landscape.

7. Zoysia Sod Plugs – Large 3" X 3" Plugs – 18 Count Tray – Drought, Salt & Shade Tolerant Turf Grass

Zoysia Sod Plugs are a great choice for those seeking a thick, deep green carpet that can withstand heavy foot traffic and a variety of outdoor activities. These large 3" x 3" plugs come in an 18 count tray and are drought, salt, and shade tolerant. They are packaged and shipped exclusively by Florida Foliage, and ship dormant during the winter months.

Zoysia is a type of turf grass that is known for its superior performance and beauty. It has densely packed blades that make for a plush carpet, perfect for barefoot walks and outdoor activities. This grass is especially created for family outings and backyard picnics, as it can withstand wear and tear without showing extensive damage.

For best results, Zoysia performs best with at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight. It has year-round color in frost-free climates and seasonal dormancy. It absorbs impact, tolerates wear, and resists weeds, making it ideal for high traffic areas. Zoysia also thrives in hot weather, making it a great choice for those living in warmer climates.

Sod plugs are intended to be planted spaced 15 inches apart, and they grow together over time. The coverage of these grass plugs is 32 square feet when planted and cared for. Once grown, Zoysia becomes a beautiful, minimal maintenance lawn. Mature plugs are already producing runners, making it easy to create a lush, green lawn.

It's important to note that Zoysia plugs ordered in fall or winter will arrive dormant and won't be in full color until warmer weather returns. However, this does not affect the quality of the grass, and it will still thrive once planted and cared for.

In summary, Zoysia Sod Plugs are a great choice for those seeking a durable, lush lawn that can withstand heavy foot traffic and a variety of outdoor activities. With its drought, salt, and shade tolerance, it is a versatile grass that performs well in a variety of climates. Planted and cared for properly, Zoysia will provide year-round color and a beautiful, low maintenance lawn for years to come.

Best Florida Grass For Shade FAQs

Can Florida grass for shade tolerate foot traffic?

Yes, there are certain types of grass in Florida that can tolerate foot traffic and provide shade. Some of the most common grass varieties that can withstand foot traffic and provide shade include St. Augustine grass, Zoysia grass, and Bahia grass. These grasses are known for their durability and ability to thrive in warm, humid climates like Florida.

St. Augustine grass, for instance, is a popular choice for lawns in Florida. It can grow well in shaded areas and can handle moderate foot traffic. Zoysia grass is another option that is known for its ability to tolerate shade and foot traffic. It's a slow-growing grass that forms a dense mat, making it an ideal option for high-traffic areas.

Bahia grass is a hardy grass that can tolerate a variety of conditions, including foot traffic and shade. It's commonly used in Florida for its ability to thrive in hot and dry conditions.

However, it's important to note that even these hardy grasses can become damaged with excessive foot traffic. To keep your grass looking healthy and lush, it's important to provide proper care and maintenance, such as regular watering, fertilizing, and aerating.

How do I properly install Florida grass for shade in my yard?

To properly install Florida grass for shade in your yard, you need to follow a few steps. First, choose the right type of grass that can grow well in shaded areas, such as St. Augustine or Zoysia grass. Then, prepare the soil by removing any debris, weeds, or rocks and amend it with organic matter to improve its quality. Next, level the ground and install an irrigation system to provide enough water to the grass. You can either lay sod or plant grass plugs or seed, depending on your preference and budget. After planting, water the grass regularly and fertilize it as needed to promote healthy growth. Also, ensure that the grass is not mowed too short, as it can stress the plants and make them more susceptible to disease and pests. Finally, provide adequate shade by planting trees or using shade cloth to prevent the grass from getting too much direct sunlight.

How much sunlight do Florida grasses for shade require?

Florida grasses that are suitable for shade typically require filtered or partial sunlight. They can generally tolerate about four hours of direct sunlight or six to eight hours of filtered sunlight per day. However, it's important to note that different types of grasses have varying sunlight requirements, so it's best to choose a grass that is appropriate for the specific shade conditions in your area.

For example, St. Augustine grass is a popular choice for Florida lawns and can tolerate some shade, but it requires at least four hours of direct sunlight per day. Bahia grass is another option that is more tolerant of shade and can thrive in as little as two hours of direct sunlight per day.

It's also important to consider other factors that can affect grass growth and health, such as soil quality, water availability, and temperature. Proper maintenance, including regular watering, fertilization, and mowing, can help ensure that your Florida grasses for shade are healthy and thriving.

What are the best types of Florida grass for shaded areas?

When it comes to selecting the best types of grass for shaded areas in Florida, it's important to consider a few factors. Firstly, it's essential to choose a grass variety that can thrive in low light conditions. Secondly, it's important to select a type of grass that can tolerate the hot and humid weather conditions that are typical in Florida.

Some of the best grass types for shaded areas in Florida include St. Augustine grass, Zoysia grass, and Bahia grass. St. Augustine grass is a popular choice for shaded areas because it can tolerate low light conditions and is also resistant to pests and diseases. Zoysia grass is another great option because it can grow well in both sun and shade and is also resistant to drought and disease. Finally, Bahia grass is a hardy grass variety that can tolerate both shade and extreme heat, making it an ideal choice for Florida's climate.

Ultimately, the best type of grass for a shaded area in Florida will depend on the specific conditions of the area, including the amount of shade, soil type, and moisture levels. Consulting with a local landscaping professional can help you choose the right grass variety for your shaded area.

What maintenance is required for Florida grass in shaded areas?

Maintaining Florida grass in shaded areas requires a few specific steps. First, it's important to choose a grass variety that is suitable for shady conditions. St. Augustine grass is a popular choice for Florida lawns as it can tolerate some shade. However, it is still important to ensure that the grass receives at least four hours of direct sunlight each day.

Regular watering is also crucial for maintaining healthy grass in shaded areas. The grass should be watered deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Additionally, shaded areas may require more frequent fertilization to ensure that the grass is receiving enough nutrients.

Finally, it's important to mow the grass at the correct height. For shaded areas, the grass should be kept slightly longer to help it absorb more sunlight and promote healthy growth. A professional lawn care service can provide more detailed recommendations for maintaining Florida grass in shaded areas.

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