Before telling the individual grass variants, you need to understand the basic classification of grasses growing in hot climates. This classification is based on how a grass is grown in the landscape or how they appear within it. So, basically, grasses for hot climates are of two types. Lawn grass and ornamental grass.
In Lawn Grass Category
Lawn grass is the one you see as the green carpets. They are short grasses that you come across in sports turfs and recreational parks. These grasses are characterized by lush growth throughout the surface. Even though mainly grown on ground, you can see them in vertical walls as well. Lawn grasses need to be mowed regularly to keep them in appealing appearance. Here is the list of 5 most famous lawn grasses for hot climate.
Zoysia
Coming from Korea and the islands of Japan, zoysia has become the favorite worldwide. Especially in wetlands. However, they are grown in hot climates as well. They require very low maintenance as their growth rate is very low. Even though water consumption is on a bit higher side for zoysia when compared to other lawn grasses, they can remain lush more than any other variants. Also, zoysias are found in various species.
Since we are talking about Dubai landscaping, places with less water availability also need to be considered. In such cases, other options may be tried. Otherwise, zoysia serves the purpose the best way possible.
Buffalo grass
This North American green-star is a perennial grass. Its scientific name is Buchloe dactyloides. And, one thing, the North American buffalo grass is different from the Australian buffalo grass which is from an entirely different species. However, buffalo grass is present in Australia as well but with the name, prairie grass.
This species is well known for its temperature tolerance. Their tolerance range is so wide that they are suitable for both cold and hot climates. They are widely used as turf grass where drought resistance is demanded. Just like zoysia, buffalo grass also grows lush. Also, being hot and cold temperature tolerant, they are very much suitable for a Dubai Landscape.
Bermuda grass
This grayish-green grass is found in almost every part of the world. It is a very short grass with a maximum height of 15cm. However the stem in between can grow up to 30cm. Scientists call it Cynodon dactylon. The blade of bermuda grass is characterized by rough edges.
These are widely grown in warm climates. In countries like India and Nepal, this variant of grass is widely used for medicinal as well as ceremonial purposes. In the state of Kerala in India, It is called ‘karuka’ and its flower is counted in ‘dashapushpa’ which is the elite list of ten sacred flowers.
St. Augustine grass
Being popular as warm season grass in tropical and subtropical regions, St. Augustine grass is a suitable contender for grass types suitable for hot climates. It’s a short and dark green grass with the scientific name Stenotaphrum secundatum. And, this is the variety being called buffalo turf in Australia. It is also called buffalo grass in some parts of Africa as well.
Bahia grass
Known by various names yet, ‘bahia’ is common in all of them. The most common among those names is common bahia for which scientists gave the name, Paspalum notatum. These green creepers are very short grass with longer stems. The stems will grow up to 75 cm while blades remain too short. Even the width will only come up to a few millimeters. Being largely grown in dry lands of American continents, bahia is a suitable lawn grass for hot climates.
In the Ornamental Grass Category
Ornamental grass, on the other hand, is used to add that extra charm to your garden landscaping. They are the decorative, relatively long grasses grown in between plants and in regular intervals of lawn grass. While lawn grasses come in shades of green, ornamental grasses are found in other colors as well. Also, unlike lawn grasses, ornamental grasses need not be mowed regularly. They are expected to grow in length. Following are the five most famous ornamental grasses.
Mexican feather grass
This ornamental long grass has its scientific name as Nassella tenuissima. They grow in thick bunches and provide a large and beautiful feather-like appearance. Like bahia, Mexican feather grass is also known by various names. Being grown in the American continents and Australia, this grass is proven suitable for Dubai climate as well.
Tall fescue
Even though it is forage grass, it can be used as a garden grass as well. Being scientifically named as Festuca arundinacea, tall fescue is a superstar among the gardens of Europe and New Zealand. It is quite long, as the name indicates, and resistant to climate. However, it is mainly grown in cold climates. It grows in bunches and is perennial in nature.
Blue fescue
Festuca glauca is what scientists call blue fescue. You may come across other grasses as well as blue fescue. They are also having similar characteristics except for appearance. Also, being the most common one, Festuca glauca is generally referred to as blue fescue. Unlike other ornamental grasses, it is a short grass and has a color not close to regular green grasses.
Lovegrass
Several species of Eragrostis genus are called lovegrass. Even though it is a common livestock fodder, its ornamental appeal is no lesser. They are characterized by stems and seeds on the top. They have different appearances for different species. However, being grown in other warm areas of different parts of the world and temperature resistant, they would suit the Dubai climate as well.
Fountain grass
A favorite in tropical and warm regions in different parts of the world, fountain grass is just the perfect choice for a Dubai landscape. They are characterized by stems with beautiful cones. Scientific name for fountain grass is Pennisetum setaceum. However, there are other species of Pennisetum genus also with similar characteristics. Still, setaceum species are the most common.
The Decision Making
Even though there is a list of 10 grass types, you may need to confirm the suitability of each with your landscape. Since appearance is a major factor here, personnel preference does matter. In case of confusion, get help from the best landscaping company nearby to get inputs in finalization.
