Oba-korai (broad-leaf Manila grass)
Zoysia matrella
A broader-bladed Korai selection chosen for toughness over fineness. A good fit for public green space, or any garden where durability matters more than a manicured look.
At a glance
| Family | Poaceae |
|---|---|
| Season type | Warm-season |
| Heat tolerance | ●●●●● |
| Cold tolerance | ●●●●● |
| Shade tolerance | ●●●●● |
| Wear tolerance | ●●●●● |
| Drought tolerance | ●●●●● |
| Mowing height | 15–30 mm |
| Propagation | Sod |
| Upkeep | Low upkeep |
| Native range | Japan |
Growing conditions
| USDA hardiness zones | 6–10 |
|---|---|
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Low |
| Growth rate | Slow |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Common problems | Large patch / Thatch build-up / Weed invasion |
How to grow it
Climate and sun
A broad-leaved Manila grass that behaves closer to Noshiba in toughness. It wants full sun and free-draining soil. Its wear tolerance makes it a good choice for gardens where children run about or ball games get played.
Planting
Lay sod from late March to June. It spreads vigorously and closes gaps quickly, so you can space the pieces about 3 cm apart and use fewer of them.
Watering
Rainfall covers it once established. It handles drought well, including several dry summer weeks.
Mowing
Cut at 15–30 mm, roughly twice a month. The wide blades never look dense when cut short, so a slightly higher cut actually reads as greener.
Feeding
Twice a year — late spring and early autumn. Extra nitrogen mainly buys you extra mowing.
Problems and winter
Watch for large patch in hot, humid spells. Vigorous growth also means thatch, so rake it out every second or third spring. It goes dormant and brown in winter.