Are you considering adding Kurapia to your lawns but unsure if it fits well in your USDA zones? Do not worry! I got you.
Thus, read on to learn the Kurapia zones profile, so you can enjoy all year-long green Kurapia.
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What Is Kurapia?
Kurapia (Lippia nodiflora) is a popular sturdy ground cover thanks to its easy and low-maintenance nature. It is a perennial plant native to Japan.
With a fast growth rate, it can easily cover barren spaces with beautiful green grass.
The dense, deep green leaves with slightly lighter tips make it an excellent choice for lawns and golf courses.
Besides that, Kurapia grass is popular for its legit resilience. It can handle weeks of drought and heat with ease.
Likewise, it stays happy in full sun or partial shade. But still, it leans more toward full sun for optimal growth.
Further, it stays close to the ground giving a carpet-like effect. So, no wonder it is replacing other traditional lawn grasses.
Is Kurapia Cold Hardy?
Kurapia is a relatively cold, hardy plant that can handle temperatures as low as 10°F. That said, they are not frost-hardy.
Unlike other regular lawn grass, Kurapia stays all green in all mild winters. So, they stay green in areas without harsher winters, flaunting their beauty.
However, in areas with harsher winter climates, Kurapia grass slowly fades away and stays dormant.
They stay dormant when the temperature begins to dip below 35°F. The small leaves turn brown and eventually drop due to dormancy.
But they wither and die off under extreme cold for too long. Thus, Kurapia needs proper winter protection in zones with harsh winters.
Meanwhile, Kurapia grass remains evergreen, thriving for more in warmer zones.
Did you know in a scientific experiment amongst 19 turfgrass species, Kurapia performed best?
What Are Kurapia Zones?
USDA 7b and above zones with relatively warmer winters are the Kurapia Zones.
In these zones, Kurapia can easily handle the winter. So, you can expect your Kurapia grass to be all green.
The minimum winter temperature in zone 7b is 5°F. And it gradually increases in other warmer zones. For instance, 10°F and 20°F are the lowest temperature for zones 8 and 9.
In these Kurapia zones, the average temperature is relatively warm. So they favor the ideal growth of Kurapia grass.
However, once the winter starts, you can notice slower growth even in these Kurapia zones.
Do you know Kurapia is also famous with names like Saw tooth fruit, Turkey tangle and Frog fruit?
Meanwhile, in zones 6 or below, the minimum temperature drops below -10°F. So, the sturdier Kurapia begins to waver in these regions.
They require utmost winter care to stay sane. Without proper care, they may die off and may not come back in spring.
Therefore, here are some winter care tips for Kurapia in USDA zones below 7.
- Mulch around the plant to help insulate the roots. You can use straws or wood chips as mulch.
- If the temperature is too low, you can use burlap clothes or frost blankets.
- Avoid overwatering as it may cause root rot.
- Regularly cut damaged, dead leaves using a sharp shear.
- Plant Kurapia grasses in spring or early summer to mature before winter arrives.
Editor’s Note
Resilient Yet Relatively Expensive Cost!
Perhaps cost is the only disadvantage of choosing Kurapia grass. They are relatively more expensive than other common turfgrasses.
Nevertheless, Kurapia grasses rule the present turfgrass market for their resilient traits.
All The Best!
