Best Grass For Full Sun And Drought (2024 Update)
If you're looking for the best grass for full sun and drought, you're in luck! There are plenty of options available, but before making a decision on which type of grass to choose, it's important to consider some factors.
First, consider the climate in your area. Is it consistently hot with little rainfall? If so, you'll want to choose a grass that is drought-tolerant and can handle the high temperatures. Additionally, consider the level of sunlight in the area where you'll be planting the grass. Some grasses thrive in full sun, while others prefer shady areas.
Another key factor to consider is the maintenance required for the type of grass you choose. Are you willing to put in the effort to keep your lawn looking green and healthy year-round? Or do you prefer a low-maintenance option that requires minimal upkeep?
When selecting the best grass for full sun and drought, you may find yourself asking some of these questions: What grass types are best suited for full sun and drought? What are easy-to-maintain options that can handle full sun and drought? Will the grass types withstand the hottest and driest of climates? Is the grass type right for my specific environment? By answering these questions, you can confidently choose the best grass for your needs, ensuring a lush and green lawn no matter what the weather brings.
10 Best Grass For Full Sun And Drought
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The product is ideal for landscaping and adding beauty to gardens. It is drought tolerant and suitable for both sunny and shady areas.
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2
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This product is ideal for growing grass in areas that receive full sun exposure.
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3
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Ideal for planting a full lawn of Zoysia grass with mature roots and individually grown plugs.
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4
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This product is ideal for creating a low maintenance and drought tolerant evergreen grass landscape.
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5
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Ideal for growing a cool weather lawn with great visual appearance and resistance to disease and drought.
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6
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This product is ideal for those seeking a drought-tolerant, fast-growing lawn or turf grass seed.
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7
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This grass seed is ideal for growing a cool season lawn.
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8
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Ideal for sports fields, golf courses, parks, lawns, and yards. Self-repairing tall fescue turf with less water needed.
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9
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This grass seed is ideal for cool season lawns in areas with varying levels of sunlight.
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10
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Ideal for tall fescue lawns in hot, dry climates that require a durable and resilient grass type.
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1. 50+ Blue Fescue Ornamental Grass/perennial Festuca/drought Tolerant/sun Or Shade
Looking for an effortless yet stunning addition to your garden? Look no further than this easy-to-grow perennial plant! This hardy plant is drought-tolerant, making it an ideal choice for those who desire a low-maintenance garden. Whether planted in full sun or full shade, this plant is sure to thrive and impress with its strong and robust growth.
Standing at a height of 10-12 inches, this plant is perfect for adding a pop of color and texture to your garden beds, borders, or containers. With minimal attention required, this plant thrives on neglect and is perfect for those with busy schedules or those who are new to gardening.
Each packet of seeds is fresh for this year's planting season, guaranteeing a successful start to your garden. So, if you're looking for a hardy and versatile plant that adds beauty to any outdoor space, this perennial is the perfect choice!
2. Jonathan Green 10880 Black Beauty Full Sun Grass Seed Mixture, 7 Lb
This product is a premium grass seed that is perfect for those looking to achieve a lush and healthy lawn. With a size of 7 lbs, this package offers excellent value for money. The coverage area is an impressive 5950 sq.ft, making it suitable for large lawns or gardens.
One of the key features of this grass seed is its fast germination time. It typically takes only 10 to 14 days for the seeds to begin to sprout. This is a great benefit for those looking for quick results.
This grass seed is also highly adaptable and can grow in a variety of conditions. It thrives in full sun to lightly shaded areas, making it suitable for a range of different environments. Additionally, it is deeply rooted, which enhances its drought tolerance. This means that your lawn will stay healthy even during periods of low rainfall or water restrictions.
3. Zoysia Plugs – 100 Full Zoysia Grass Plugs | Mature Roots | Individually Grown
The Zoysia Plugs for planting between December and April are shipped when dormant and will arrive in a golden brown state. This ensures that the plugs are in a state of dormancy to prevent damage during shipping and improve the chances of a successful planting. As this product is subject to U.S. Department of Agriculture inspection and certification, there may be a slightly longer lead time to allow for this process to be completed.
To ensure the plugs are healthy and establish well, it is recommended to water them daily for the first 14 days after planting. During this time, it is important to give them 1 hour of water each day. This will help the Zoysia Plugs to grow strong roots and establish well in their new environment.
4. Big Blue Liriope Muscari – 40 Live Plants – Drought Tolerant Low Maintenance Evergreen Grass
The Florida Foliage is proud to present their exclusive product, a stunning evergreen plant with blue flower spikes and black berries. This low-maintenance plant is perfect for edging, borders, and groundcover. With tufted, arching grass-like foliage, it is an excellent choice for those looking to add a touch of elegance to their garden.
This versatile plant is a perennial evergreen that blooms numerous blue spikes followed by groups of black berries in the fall. Its weeping blades grow 1-2 feet tall, making it the perfect choice for slopes and the base of trees. It is also ideal for groundcover, mass planting, borders, and edging.
To ensure a deep, extensive root system, it is recommended to follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season. Once the mature root system is established, watering is required occasionally, except during a drought, where watering should be done regularly. Pruning old foliage, preferably before spring, is recommended to maintain a neat and well-groomed appearance.
This plant is tolerant of a wide variety of well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade. It can also tolerate almost full shade, but its growth is slow and elongated. It is an excellent choice for edging, rock gardens, containers, woodland settings, and groundcover. Furthermore, it is drought and deer-tolerant, moderately salt-tolerant, and can be used as a lawn alternative, although it does not tolerate foot traffic well.
5. Jonathan Green (10870) Black Beauty Sunny Grass Seed – Cool Season Lawn Seed (25 Lb)
Looking for a grass seed that can withstand the heat and drought? Look no further than the Heat Tolerant Grass Seed mix. This cool-season grass seed mix is a combination of perennial rye, Kentucky bluegrass, and tall fescue, making it the perfect choice for those looking for a resilient lawn that can grow in full sun to lightly shaded areas.
One of the standout features of this grass seed is its drought resistance. The grass it produces has a waxy leaf coating, similar to the skin of an apple, that helps preserve moisture by limiting evaporation. This coating also shields the grass leaves, making it more resistant to drought.
If you have a lawn with southern exposure or slopes that dry out easily due to water run-off, the Black Beauty Sunny Grass Seed is a great option. It can tolerate the heat and drought that is common in these areas, ensuring your lawn stays healthy and green.
Not only is this grass seed resilient, but it also provides a dark green lawn that is both healthy and attractive. The best time to apply this grass seed is from mid-August to mid-October or from mid-March through mid-May. With a germination time of 7-14 days, you won't have to wait long to see results.
This 25-pound bag of Heat Tolerant Grass Seed can seed up to 10,625 sq. ft. for new lawns and up to 21,250 sq. ft. for overseeding. The grass seed mixture is specially formulated with the highest-ranking endophytic turfgrass varieties, which help deter damage from insects and other pests.
6. Blackjack Ii Bermuda Grass Seed – 25 Lbs.
Introducing the Blackjack II Bermuda seed, a top-quality seeded Bermuda grass that rewards you with a fine-textured and carpet-like dark green turf. This grass seed is perfect for those looking to grow a beautiful lawn at home, in parks, or on sports fields.
Not only is this grass seed great for new turf applications, but it can also be used for over-seeding an already established Bermuda turf. The vigorous and fine-bladed cultivar of Maya grass seed adds color and density to any warm-season blend, making it an excellent choice for those looking to add some variety to their lawn.
Maya lawn seed produces a sun-loving turf that performs exceptionally well throughout the hottest summer months. Additionally, it shows remarkable cold tolerance even in cold winter areas, making it a versatile choice for a range of climates.
Applying 3 to 5 pounds of nitrogen per 1000 square feet per growing season is adequate for maintaining a Maya Bermuda Grass lawn. It can be maintained at mowing heights from 0.5 inches to 2 inches. It's essential to avoid removing over 1/3 of the leaf blade per mowing to keep the turf healthy.
Seeding Rate: For new turf applications, sow 2 – 3 lbs. of coated Maya Bermuda Grass seed per 1000 sq. ft. Coated seeds are easier to spread and retain moisture better, which improves germination.
One of the best things about the Maya seeded Bermudagrass is that it saves you from planting sprigs or plugs, which can be a hassle. Instead, you can get a dense green lawn all summer long with ease.
Bermuda Grass Adaptation: Across the Southern 1/3 of the U.S., including Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Hawaii.
7. Jonathan Green (10323) Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed – Cool Season Lawn Seed (25 Lb)
The Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed is a top-performing product that can quickly establish new yards and fill in bare spots, making it an essential tool for those looking to invigorate thin or damaged lawns. This grass seed mix is a combination of tall fescues, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass, which produces a healthy, dense, and attractive turf with a dark-green color.
One of the most notable features of this grass seed mix is its ability to retain moisture. With roots that can grow up to 4-feet deep and a waxy leaf coating, Black Beauty Ultra preserves moisture and limits evaporation. It also has the capacity to withstand heavy traffic, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas.
Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed requires full sun to partial shade, and the best time to apply is mid-August to mid-October while the ground is still warm and the nights are cooler. The next best time to plant is mid-March through mid-May. This grass seed mix is perfect for those who want to achieve a healthy and attractive lawn.
This 25 lb bag of Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed can seed up to 5,000 sq. ft. for new lawns, ensuring complete coverage for your yard. For overseeding, this bag can seed up to 10,000 sq. ft. The germination time is 7 – 14 days, which means that you can expect to see the results of your efforts in no time.
8. Self-Repairing Turf: Barenbrug's Tall Fescue Grass Seed
Introducing RTF, the only tall fescue grass with genuine rhizomes that enable it to quickly recover from damaged and bare patches by producing fresh shoots of grass. This amazing grass seed blend includes BarRobusto, a lush dark green tall fescue with high brown patch resistance and certified above average drought tolerance by the Turfgrass Water Conservation Alliance. In addition, it includes Bonfire, a tall fescue with a high ranking from the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP).
RTF establishes quickly, providing excellent uniformity and density for your lawn. It is coated with Yellow Jacket, a starch-based super-absorbent that can hold up to 600 times its weight in water. Research conducted by the University of New Mexico shows that Yellow Jacket enhanced seed establishes faster than raw seed and requires less water.
With RTF, you can enjoy a beautiful, healthy lawn that is resistant to drought and brown patch disease. The rhizomes in RTF allow it to recover quickly from damage, ensuring that your lawn looks its best all year round. The BarRobusto and Bonfire varieties included in this grass seed blend are of the highest quality and provide exceptional performance in a variety of conditions.
9. Jonathan Green (12006) Black Beauty Sun & Shade Grass Seed – Cool Season Lawn Seed (25 Lb)
The Sun & Shade Grass Seed Mix is an excellent choice for homeowners who want a lush and healthy lawn. It thrives in both full sun and partial shade, making it suitable for almost every lawn. This lawn seed mixture is perfect for overseeding your yard and fills in bare spots quickly, resulting in a thicker and more uniform lawn.
One of the most significant benefits of this grass seed mix is that it produces a dark-green color, giving your lawn an attractive and healthy appearance. The mix contains four families of cool-season turfgrasses, including turf-type tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial rye, and fine fescues. These grasses work together to create a healthy, dense, and visually appealing turf that will make your lawn stand out.
This 25 lb bag of Sun & Shade Grass Seed Mix can seed up to 9,375 sq. ft. for new lawns and up to 18,750 sq. ft. for overseeding. The germination time is 7 – 14 days, and the best time to apply is mid-August to mid-October, or mid-March through mid-May. With its complete coverage and fast germination time, you can expect to have a beautiful lawn in no time.
10. Southern Gold Tall Fescue: Unbeatable Lawn Protection.
The Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Southern Gold Mix for Tall Fescue Lawns is the perfect solution to keep your lawn lush and green even in the harshest conditions. This southern grass seed mix is specifically engineered to withstand the toughest summer weather conditions, including heat, drought, and high traffic.
With a medium-coarse bladed texture and high drought resistance, this grass seed mix is designed to thrive in areas with sun, shade, and high traffic. The Southern Gold Mix is ideal for those who want a beautiful, healthy lawn without the stress of constantly worrying about maintenance.
The exclusive 4 in 1 WaterSmart PLUS Coating feature is an added bonus. It absorbs more water, feeds the seedlings with essential nutrients, and protects them from disease. This feature ensures that the seeds grow healthy and strong, and your lawn remains green and vibrant.
The Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Southern Gold Mix comes in six 3lb. bags, with each bag being able to seed up to 750 sq. ft. This makes it the perfect choice for those who have a large lawn area to cover.
It's important to note that this product is not available in all states. Please check with your local retailer to see if it's available in your area.
Best Grass For Full Sun And Drought FAQs
Are there any grass varieties that can tolerate extreme temperatures and drought conditions?
Yes, there are several grass varieties that can tolerate extreme temperatures and drought conditions. These grasses are known as "drought-tolerant" or "drought-resistant" grasses. Some examples of these grass varieties include Bermuda grass, Zoysia grass, and Buffalo grass.
Bermuda grass is a popular warm-season grass that is commonly used in southern regions of the United States. It can tolerate extreme heat and drought conditions, making it an ideal choice for areas that experience long periods of hot, dry weather. Zoysia grass is another warm-season grass that is known for its drought tolerance and ability to withstand extreme temperatures. It is commonly used in golf courses, sports fields, and residential lawns.
Buffalo grass is a native grass species that is commonly found in the Great Plains region of the United States. It is known for its ability to withstand extreme temperatures and drought conditions. Buffalo grass is a low-maintenance grass that requires little water and can thrive in areas with low rainfall.
In addition to these grass varieties, there are also several other types of drought-tolerant grasses that can be used in a variety of settings. It is important to choose the right grass variety for your specific climate and soil conditions to ensure the best results.
Can I plant grass during a drought, or should I wait until conditions improve?
Planting grass during a drought can be challenging, but it is not impossible. However, it is important to keep in mind that the success of your grass planting will depend on a few factors. Firstly, you should choose a drought-resistant grass variety that is suitable for your region. Secondly, you should prepare the soil properly by removing any weeds or debris and adding compost or fertilizer to improve the soil's moisture retention capacity.
After planting, it is important to water the grass regularly, preferably in the early morning or late evening to reduce water loss through evaporation. You should also avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other problems. It is also a good idea to mulch around your grass to help retain moisture in the soil.
If the drought is severe and ongoing, you may want to consider postponing your grass planting until conditions improve. However, if you take the necessary precautions and choose the right grass variety, you can successfully establish a lawn even during a drought.
Can you recommend a grass variety that can thrive in a hot, dry climate?
Yes, there are several grass varieties that can thrive in hot and dry climates. One of the best options is Bermuda grass. It has a deep root system that allows it to withstand drought conditions and can handle high temperatures. Another good option is Zoysia grass, which is also drought-tolerant and can handle heat well. Buffalo grass is another option that is native to hot and dry regions and can withstand drought and high temperatures. Finally, if you are looking for a low-maintenance option, you can consider planting ornamental grasses such as fountain grass, blue fescue, or maiden grass. These varieties are also drought-tolerant and can add texture and interest to your landscape. It is important to note that even drought-tolerant grasses require some water to thrive, so make sure to water them regularly during the growing season.
How can I tell if my grass is suffering from drought stress, and what should I do about it?
If your grass is suffering from drought stress, there are a few signs you can look for to confirm your suspicion. The first sign is the color of the grass. If it is turning brown or yellow, it is a clear sign that it is not getting enough water. The second sign is the texture of the grass. If it feels dry and brittle, it is a sign that it is not getting enough water. The third sign to look for is footprints on the grass. If footprints remain on the grass after being walked on, it is a sign that the soil is too dry to support the weight.
To address drought stress, there are a few things you can do. The first step is to make sure your lawn is getting enough water. Depending on the severity of the drought, you may need to water your lawn more frequently or for longer periods of time. Second, consider aerating your lawn to allow water to penetrate deeper into the soil. Third, avoid mowing your lawn too short, as longer grass can help retain moisture. Finally, consider applying a fertilizer to help promote root growth and overall health of the grass during times of drought stress.
How often do I need to water a full sun grass lawn during a drought?
Watering a full sun grass lawn during a drought can be a challenging task, as the lawn needs more water than usual to stay healthy. Generally, a lawn needs to be watered deeply once a week, but during a drought, watering frequency should be increased. It is recommended to water the lawn two to three times a week, depending on the severity of the drought and the type of grass. The best time to water is early in the morning when the sun is not too hot, and the wind is calm. This will allow the water to soak deeply into the soil, without evaporation or runoff. It is also important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other problems. To determine whether your lawn needs water, you can perform a simple test by stepping on the grass. If the blades spring back, it means the lawn has enough water. If the blades do not spring back, it's time to water the lawn.
Is there a grass seed mix that is specifically designed for full sun and drought conditions?
Yes, there are several grass seed mixes that are specifically designed for full sun and drought conditions. These mixes often include drought-tolerant grass species, such as tall fescue, Bermuda grass, and buffalo grass, which are able to survive with minimal water and sunlight. Some popular grass seed mixes for full sun and drought conditions include Scotts Turf Builder Bermuda Grass Seed Mix, Pennington Smart Seed Tall Fescue Grass Seed Mix, and Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed Mix. When choosing a grass seed mix for full sun and drought conditions, it is important to consider factors such as soil type, existing vegetation, and climate conditions in your area. It is also important to properly prepare the soil and follow the recommended seeding rates and watering schedule to ensure successful germination and growth of the grass.
What are some tips for maintaining a healthy full sun grass lawn during a drought?
Maintaining a healthy full sun grass lawn during a drought requires a bit of extra effort and attention. Here are some tips to help keep your lawn healthy:
1. Water deeply: Water your lawn deeply once or twice a week instead of lightly watering it every day. This will encourage deep root growth and help your lawn survive longer periods without water.
2. Water in the morning: Water your lawn in the morning when temperatures are cooler and evaporation rates are lower. This will help your lawn absorb the water it needs before the heat of the day sets in.
3. Mow high: Raise the height of your mower blades to at least 3 inches. This will help shade the soil, reduce water loss through evaporation and encourage deeper root growth.
4. Leave grass clippings: Leave grass clippings on your lawn after mowing. They act as a natural mulch, helping to retain moisture in the soil.
5. Fertilize with care: Use a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season, and avoid fertilizing during drought conditions. Fertilizing during a drought can stress the grass and cause it to grow more slowly, which can make it more susceptible to damage.
By following these tips, you can help maintain a healthy full sun grass lawn during a drought and keep it looking lush and green all summer long.
What are the characteristics of a drought-resistant grass variety?
A drought-resistant grass variety possesses certain characteristics that enable it to survive in areas with limited water supply. Firstly, it has a deep root system that can reach water sources deep underground. This allows the grass to access water even during prolonged dry spells. Secondly, it has the ability to tolerate high temperatures and strong sunlight. This is achieved through mechanisms like thick leaves that reduce water loss through transpiration, and reflective surfaces that deflect excess heat. Thirdly, a drought-resistant grass variety has the ability to go dormant during periods of water scarcity. This means that it can survive with minimal water for extended periods of time without dying. Fourthly, it is able to recover quickly from drought stress once water is available. This is achieved through mechanisms like rapid growth and efficient use of available water. In summary, a drought-resistant grass variety has a deep root system, high temperature and sunlight tolerance, dormancy capability, and quick recovery from drought stress.
What is the best type of grass for full sun and drought conditions?
The best type of grass for full sun and drought conditions is a warm-season grass called Bermuda grass. It is known for its excellent heat and drought tolerance, making it a popular choice for areas that experience hot and dry summers. Bermuda grass has a deep root system that enables it to access water and nutrients from deep in the soil. This allows it to survive extended periods of drought without damage. Additionally, Bermuda grass is a low-maintenance option that can withstand heavy foot traffic and recover quickly from damage. Other types of warm-season grasses that are suitable for hot and dry conditions include Zoysia grass and Bahia grass. However, it is essential to note that no grass is entirely drought-resistant, so it is crucial to water and maintain the lawn regularly to keep it healthy and green.
Will a full sun grass lawn require more maintenance than a shaded lawn in a drought-prone area?
Yes, a full sun grass lawn will require more maintenance than a shaded lawn in a drought-prone area. This is because grass in full sun requires more water to keep it healthy and green. During drought conditions, maintaining a full sun lawn can be challenging as it can quickly become dry and brown without enough water. On the other hand, a shaded lawn requires less water and is less prone to drying out during drought conditions. However, a shaded lawn may require more maintenance in terms of pruning trees or bushes to ensure that the grass is receiving enough sunlight to grow properly. Overall, it is important to consider the amount of sunlight a lawn receives and the water requirements before choosing the type of grass to plant and the level of maintenance required in a drought-prone area.
