Ozbreed Zen Grass® Zoysia

Ozbreed Zen Grass Zoysia (Zoysia hybrid) is a low mow lawn alternative sold as plants, not seed. A cross between Zoysia macrantha and Zoysia matrella, it forms a dense, undulating surface about 10cm high that needs mowing only once every one to two years. Bred by Ozbreed for lawns and verges, it tolerates drought, frost, heat, wear and shade.

Why you'll love it

• Mow once every year or two. It needs only yearly trimming and rarely a mower, which cuts lawn work to almost nothing.
• Dense and weed resistant. Thick growth keeps weeds out, and Ozbreed notes most weeds can be sprayed out selectively.
• Fills in at pace. Traditional Japanese temple grass can take years to cover. Zen Grass is not slow to fill in.
• Tough. It is extremely tolerant of drought, frost and heat, with good wear tolerance. It survived floods and is tough in shade.
• Soft, wavy look. The rippling surface looks deliberate, and the leaves are not prickly underfoot.

Where it works best

Lawns and verges. For fast cover, plant 7 to 9 plants per square metre, about 35cm apart. Wider spacing works but takes longer to join.

Shaded courtyards and under trees. The low surface is easy to rake clear of leaves beneath trees.

Understory and Japanese gardens. Use it as a green carpet beneath shrubs and around stepping stones.

Growing Ozbreed Zen Grass Zoysia in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade, and Ozbreed calls it tough in shade. It is likely suited Australia wide, with trials in Queensland and the ACT. Like other zoysias it grows hardest in warm weather and may slow and colour off in a cold winter.

Soil. It has low fertiliser requirements. Clear existing weeds and level the ground before planting.

Water and feed. Water for 4 to 8 weeks until established. Plant any time from spring through to autumn.

Pruning. Trim once a year. Mow only if you want a closer finish, and once every one to two years is enough.

What to expect when it arrives

Ozbreed Zen Grass Zoysia is sold as tube stock, in 100mm pots in packs of 10 and in 200mm pots in packs of 6. Tubes are the economical way to cover a large area, since 7 to 9 plants per square metre means 140 to 180 plants for 20 square metres, while the 200mm plants give quicker cover per plant. Plants travel upright and settle within a few weeks.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse groundcover plants
• Ground covers for low maintenance gardens
• See the full Ozbreed range
• More drought tolerant plants

Common questions

Is it grown from seed?

No. Zen Grass is sold as plants, as tube stock or in pots, and planted at 7 to 9 per square metre for fast cover.

How often do I mow it?

Ozbreed says only once every one to two years, with a yearly trim.

Will it handle shade and wear?

Ozbreed describes it as tough in shade, with good wear tolerance. Deep shade thins any lawn, so keep it in part shade or better.