![\"blue](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/27035188264_f232e288e8_o-1.jpg\")
You can enjoy a fantastic garden in Lilac City by planting native plants that are adapted to the city’s warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Need a guide? Let’s take a look at the 10 best native plants for Spokane. In this article: Advantages of Native Plants Over Non-Natives Native plants belong to a specific […]
\n","content":"\nYou can enjoy a fantastic garden in Lilac City by planting native plants that are adapted to the city’s warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Need a guide? Let’s take a look at the 10 best native plants for Spokane.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nNative plants belong to a specific region and have been growing there for several years. They are well-adapted to a region’s weather and soil conditions.
\n\n\n\nHere’s why native plants are better than non-natives.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommon camas is beautiful with its star-like violet-colored florets. It blooms from April to June and goes dormant for the rest of the year. When in full bloom, this flower attracts pollinators such as mason bees, bumblebees, and hoverflies.
\n\n\n\nCommon camas prefers full sun and grows best in moist, humus-rich soil. Plant the camassia bulb with the pointy end facing up. Also, leave a 6-inch gap between each bulb.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 2.5 feet tall and a foot wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green, with violet blooms
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rich, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Sierra](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Sierra-Shooting-Star.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSierra shooting star earns its name from the tiny “shooting stars” that appear to shoot flames from the end. Sierra shooting star blooms from April to June and looks attractive with lavender or bluish flowers. Bumblebees love this flower, and they are its primary pollinator. Sierra shooting star grows best in full sun and humus-rich, well-drained soil.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deep green, with purple flowers
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rich, moist, and well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: N/A
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Red-Flowering-Currant-Ribes-sanguineum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Mark Robinson from Williton, UK / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRed flowering currant grows best in full sun and blooms from May to June. The red flowers are a treat to hummingbirds and butterflies and have a distinctive sweet, spicy, and resinous scent.
\n\n\n\nIn the fall, red flowering currant produces small dark blue fruits that songbirds love. These berries are edible, and you can use them to make jam or syrup.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 10 feet tall and 10 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Medium to dark green, with red flowers
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, loamy, clay, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Salal-Gaultheria-shallon.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Wing-Chi Poon / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSalal has shiny dark green leaves with bell-shaped pinkish-white flowers that appear in spring. Once the blooming season ends, the flowers transform into dark edible berries that you can use to make jellies. Birds love these berries, too, so, make sure you get them before the birds do.
\n\n\n\nSalal grows best in partial to full shade, reaching heights up to 6 feet. It has a deep root system and can grow in most soil types. Salal can spread up to 5 feet over time, creating a thicket that birds love.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 6 feet tall and 5 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rich, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Indian](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Indian-Plum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: USFWS – Pacific Region / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIndian plum has a delicate appearance with pale green leaves. It blooms during early spring, displaying white flowers that attract native bees, hummingbirds, and moths. Indian plum grows best in partial shade and can reach up to 15 feet in height.
\n\n\n\nIndian plum produces fruits during summer that are edible for humans. They have a bitter taste even when fully ripe.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 15 feet tall and 12 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic to humans. Toxic to pets.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/28535744074_4feede8509_k-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Kirt Edblom / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOregon grape blooms in spring, producing bright yellow flowers that are lightly scented. These flowers attract bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. The flower matures into fruits during summer. It grows best in full sun and can tolerate almost all soil types.
\n\n\n\nOregon grape berries are edible for humans, but they have a sour taste to them. The shiny green leaves of this shrub look unique with its wavy spine-tipped edges.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 10 feet tall and 5 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green. Turns hues of red and purple in the winter.
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Grows in most soil types
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/39114468694_a55e6cddd3_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Rusk / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvergreen huckleberry blooms in spring, producing pinkish-white flowers that hummingbirds and butterflies love. These flowers mature into edible, tasty berries during fall.
\n\n\n\nEvergreen huckleberry grows best in shady conditions and prefers sandy, well-drained soil. It can also grow in sunny conditions, but the growth rate will be slower and limited to 6 feet. Evergreen huckleberry is an attractive shrub with oval to lance-shaped glossy green leaves.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic to humans. Toxic to pets.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Redosier-Dogwood.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jason Hollinger / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRed-osier dogwood is an attractive shrub that grows best in full sun. It grows quickly and can reach up to 9 feet tall. Red-osier dogwood blooms during late spring, producing clusters of small white flowers.
\n\n\n\nThis shrub stands out among other plants during winter with its bright red stems. The leaves look simple, with a dark green appearance on top and a paler appearance below.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 9 feet tall and 12 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Medium to dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, loam, clay, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/15037160035_4ed81031c8_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Rusk / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVine maple is a small deciduous, multi-stemmed tree that grows up to 30 feet in height. It grows best in full sun and prefers humus-rich, moist, and well-drained soil.
\n\n\n\nVine maple blooms during late spring, producing red and whitish-green flowers. It features distinctive bright green leaves during spring, but they become red, orange, and yellow during fall.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rich, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8090352658_f3dbbefe27_c-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: brewbooks / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWild ginger is a good ground cover for shady areas. It blooms from April through July, producing cup-shaped, brownish-red flowers that specifically attract pipevine swallowtails. Wild ginger prefers humus-rich, moist, and well-drained soil. It can’t tolerate direct sun. In fact, the leaves can even burn when exposed to the summer sun.
\n\n\n\nWild ginger doesn’t produce ginger as you’d imagine. But, when you crush the leaves, they release a ginger-like odor, thus the reason behind its name.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Ground cover
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 10 inches tall and 24 inches wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deep green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rich, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans
\n\n\n\nNative plants naturally thrive here, so they require little maintenance and are more eco-friendly than non-natives.
\n\n\n\nSpokane’s hardiness zone is 6, meaning the summers are warm, and the winters are cold and snowy. All plants listed here are native to Washington and can thrive in Spokane’s climate. So now it’s a matter of choosing the ones that suit your taste and your maintenance needs.
\n\n\n\nAlso, don’t forget to consider a plant’s toxicity, especially if you have kids and pets.
\n\n\n\nNow that you have chosen the best native plants, it’s time to work on other factors to make your landscape look the best in your neighborhood. Also, don’t forget to select a grass that thrives here.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to experience a lush, green, and healthy lawn without breaking a sweat, Wikilawn Spokane lawn care pros can help.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Riverside, Spokane / Roman Eugeniusz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"10 Best Native Plants for Spokane, WA","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5151515151515151,"src":"/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/1789c/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/107df/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.jpg 320w,\n/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/293e9/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.jpg 500w,\n/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/f2cbb/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.jpg 800w,\n/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/1789c/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.jpg 960w,\n/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/c26c2/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/1dd6e/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/67b76/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.webp 320w,\n/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/8df11/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.webp 500w,\n/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/98a65/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.webp 800w,\n/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/1dd6e/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.webp 960w,\n/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/3cc96/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"10 Best Native Plants for Spokane, WA","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"You can enjoy a fantastic garden in Spokane by planting native plants that adapt easily to the city's warm summers and cold, snowy winters."}}},{"node":{"id":"04a743b0-4e21-586f-8896-2a48328c606a","slug":"best-grass-seeds-portland","path":"/lawn-care/oregon/portland/best-grass-seeds-portland/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Descendant of the Fulani tribe, Gettysburg-obsessed Marine Corps brat, and lover of all things writing and editing, Andréa Butler has penned articles for Sesi magazine and sites, such as LivingSocial, Talbot Digital, Xickle, and Rachel Ray. Andréa holds a B.A. in English from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and an M.A. in magazine journalism from Kent State University.","name":"Andréa Butler","id":"dae2e109-3ba9-5073-a19a-e341e567190e","path":"/author/andrea-butler/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c671545b46efb40d2596d32a775f26a1?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"b01c7937-99d7-5473-926c-97b8b9c1c454","name":"Oregon","count":5,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oregon/"},{"id":"c32f974b-3776-5b5e-9d95-bf0f285dc5e4","name":"Portland","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oregon/portland/"}],"date":"May 22nd, 2023","excerpt":"Portland’s official nickname may be “The Rose City,” but those sweet-smelling blooms aren’t the only major growers ‘round this way. Turfgrasses are a big, big deal here, too. In fact, the Willamette Valley has a little nickname of its own — the “grass seed capital of the world.” With a reputation like that, securing a […]
\n","content":"\nPortland’s official nickname may be “The Rose City,” but those sweet-smelling blooms aren’t the only major growers ‘round this way. Turfgrasses are a big, big deal here, too. In fact, the Willamette Valley has a little nickname of its own — the “grass seed capital of the world.” With a reputation like that, securing a fantastically green lawn this side of Oregon should be easy peasy. Achieve those ambitions with the help of our roundup of the five best grass seeds for Portland.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nWarm-season and cool-season grasses differ from one another mostly due to their varied biologies, which affect how each one completes photosynthesis. This, in turn, also determines the sort of weather in which each distinct grass type can thrive.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses include bermudagrass, Zoysia, and buffalograss, to name a few. They like air temperatures up to 95 degrees Fahrenheit because they can turn carbon dioxide into oxygen more readily in hot conditions. Due to their drought tolerance, love of full sun, and dislike of freezing temperatures, these grass types thrive from early summer to early fall.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses include tall fescue, fine fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass, all of which do well in Oregon. Ideally suited for air temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, this grass seed is resistant to frost and has a growing season from fall to early spring.
\n\n\n\nOregon’s cold winters are way too taxing for those warm-season grasses, which are not known to have much of a cold tolerance. That’s why cool-season grasses, and cool-season grasses only, are the right choice for Portland-area lawns.
\n\n\n\n![\"Backyard](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere’s nothing better than stepping barefoot onto a thick, soft, carpet-like lawn on a warm, summer day. No wonder homeowners in Portland often want to plant this grass type — not only does it feel incredible underfoot, but it’s also appreciated for its dark green color with a hint of blue at the tip.
\n\n\n\nA quick note, though: As a standalone turfgrass, Kentucky bluegrass thrives best in the Eastern part of the state, while in Portland, Kentucky bluegrass is best used as part of a blend of perennial ryegrass and/or different types of fine fescues.
\n\n\n\nIt’s also a high-maintenance lawn seed that craves lots of water and sun and is prone to thatch, so be sure you’re up for the challenge.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing frequency and high fertilization needs
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Between 2.5 and 3.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high; prone to several diseases, such as dollar spot, leaf spot, necrotic ring spot, summer patch, and stripe smut
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6 – 7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Performs best in well-drained, heavy soils with high fertility
\n\n\n\nOther notes: In Portland specifically, Kentucky bluegrass works best in a grass seed mix that includes perennial ryegrass and/or varieties of fine fescues. This grass is often used on golf courses.
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fine-Fescue-Grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Aaron Patton / Purdue’s Turfgrass Science Program
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis type of lawn seed really refers to a number of distinct grass species, including creeping red fescue, Chewings fescue, hard fescue, and sheep fescue, each of which grows differently depending on the environment — some fare better in shade and others in full sun. Color also varies depending on the type of fine fescue, ranging from medium green to dark green.
\n\n\n\nA low-maintenance option adapted to the Pacific Northwest, fine fescues are typically sold in grass seed mixes, blending sun and shade lovers together for the best lawn outcome. Many seed mixes also include perennial ryegrass for an added germination speed boost. Once established, your new lawn will feel comfy underfoot, as the short, fine blades are soft to the touch. It’ll also be OK for average yard use, just not heavy foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Creeping red fescue spreads by rhizomes, while other fine fescues are bunch-type grasses, such as Chewings, hard, and sheep fescues.
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate to high, depending on species
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to high, depending on species
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate, depending on species
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low fertilizer and mowing needs
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Between 2.5 and 4 inches, depending on species
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate; common diseases include red thread, leaf spot, dollar spot, summer patch, and powdery mildew
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6 – 6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Will not perform well in wet soil conditions; prefers drier soils and tolerates a wide range of soil types and fertility
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Adapted to the entire state; does best when mixed with other fine fescues or with perennial ryegrass
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Aaron Patton / Purdue’s Turfgrass Science Program
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith its deep root system and coarser texture, turf-type tall fescue is good for high traffic areas, as it can recover pretty well. Plant this grass seed in September or October, and with proper care, homeowners can expect it to remain green all year long.
\n\n\n\nAnother low-maintenance, disease-resistant lawn seed, turf-type tall fescue is the most resistant to heat and drought than the other cool-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nNote: It’s not a good idea to mix this type with grass seeds of a finer texture — that can make it too clumpy.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-style growth habit or rhizomes, depending on variety
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate; grows well in partial shade and full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Weekly mowing; low water and fertilization needs
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Between 2 and 4 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Tolerant of most diseases when properly maintained; use fungicide to fight brown patch
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5–7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Dry, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Higher shade tolerance than Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis quickly germinating, Oregon-grown grass seed produces bunch-style growth with blades that are a bright green to dark green color. It’s adaptable to many different soil conditions (including clay and poorly drained soils), quite disease-resistant, soft on bare feet, and so durable it stands up well to heavy traffic and can maintain its green color throughout winter. Of the cool-season grasses, it is not the most drought-tolerant or resistant to extreme cold.
\n\n\n\nNot only does perennial ryegrass work well for a new lawn, especially when mixed with Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescues, and/or colonial bentgrass, but it’s also a top choice for overseeding an existing lawn. Why? Germination can happen in as little as seven to 10 days.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing and fertilization requirements; thatch is not significant
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Between 1.5 and 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High; common diseases include gray leaf spots, red thread, and leaf spot/melting-out
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Can grow in soils with a pH between 5 and 8 but prefers between 6 and 7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Prefers good drainage and fertility but can tolerate some poor drainage
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Grown in Oregon and used in most major sporting event fields across the country
\n\n\n\n![\"Colonial](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Colonial-Bentgrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOvertaking practically every other grass type it comes in contact with, colonial bentgrass is fast-growing and well-suited to Portland’s coastal conditions. Despite its seemingly effortless, relentless growth — if you plant a seed mix of colonial bentgrass, perennial ryegrass, and/or fine fescues, the bentgrass will be the dominant grass type within two years — this species is a bit high-maintenance. It’s susceptible to disease and insects, doesn’t do well under heavy foot traffic, and is prone to thatch.
\n\n\n\nCaring for this soft, bright green grass type involves detaching every spring, mowing low, and watering two to three times a week for the best aesthetics. Colonial bentgrass can withstand drought and cold winters; it just goes dormant and turns brown.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Short rhizomes that may bring about short stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nTraffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high; best when mowed short, at least once weekly
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: Between 0.5 and 1 inch
\n\n\n\nPotential for Disease: Moderate; susceptible to fusarium patch in the winter/vulnerable to take-all patch when young but severity decreases as turf develops
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates poor soil conditions, but prefers moist and fertile soil
\n\n\n\nOther Notes: Colonial bentgrass is naturalized throughout the state because of its ability to dominate other grass types.
\n\n\n\nIdeally, you’ll want to reseed (or initially seed) your lawn between mid-August to mid-September. The temperatures during this time generally see lows in the 60s and highs in the 80s, and these mild conditions are prime for supporting fast germination. The other option for reseeding falls between early May and mid-June, but germination tends to be slower during this period.
Homeowners looking for a no-mow yard can opt for groundcover plants like sedum, minicolver, Irish moss, sedge, and liriope, to name a few. Or, try an “eco-lawn,” which also cuts down on fertilizer and water usage and limits mowing to once per month. Eco-lawns include wildflower grass mixes, which blend wildflowers with cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass.
Rather than planting non-native grass types with more water and fertilization needs, opt for native grasses that are already acclimated to Portland’s climate. In doing so, you’ll also be contributing to cultivating biodiversity, helping prevent erosion, and reducing pollution. Grasses native to the Portland area include blue grama grass (bouteloua gracilis) and Pacific reed grass (calamagrostis nutkaensis).
Consider your property’s growing conditions while choosing turfgrasses, flowers, and shrubs for your lawn, as shade, sun, and soil tolerance vary per variety. You’ll also want to purchase the grass seed or grass seed mix and other plants that best fit the amount of maintenance you’re willing to do. Not into yard work? Don’t plant Kentucky bluegrass or colonial bentgrass.
\n\n\n\nVisit places like Forest Park, Leach Botanical Garden, and The Grotto for inspo if you still have no idea where to begin. Of course, you can hire a local lawn care pro for more personalized assistance with maintaining your yard.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: The Fields Park in Portland / M.O. Stevens / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"5 Best Grass Seeds for Portland, OR","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5267175572519085,"src":"/static/4794c0267709fa38c6e7000fb63296ac/1789c/The-Fields-Park-grass-Portland-Oregon.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4794c0267709fa38c6e7000fb63296ac/107df/The-Fields-Park-grass-Portland-Oregon.jpg 320w,\n/static/4794c0267709fa38c6e7000fb63296ac/293e9/The-Fields-Park-grass-Portland-Oregon.jpg 500w,\n/static/4794c0267709fa38c6e7000fb63296ac/f2cbb/The-Fields-Park-grass-Portland-Oregon.jpg 800w,\n/static/4794c0267709fa38c6e7000fb63296ac/1789c/The-Fields-Park-grass-Portland-Oregon.jpg 960w,\n/static/4794c0267709fa38c6e7000fb63296ac/c26c2/The-Fields-Park-grass-Portland-Oregon.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/4794c0267709fa38c6e7000fb63296ac/1dd6e/The-Fields-Park-grass-Portland-Oregon.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4794c0267709fa38c6e7000fb63296ac/67b76/The-Fields-Park-grass-Portland-Oregon.webp 320w,\n/static/4794c0267709fa38c6e7000fb63296ac/8df11/The-Fields-Park-grass-Portland-Oregon.webp 500w,\n/static/4794c0267709fa38c6e7000fb63296ac/98a65/The-Fields-Park-grass-Portland-Oregon.webp 800w,\n/static/4794c0267709fa38c6e7000fb63296ac/1dd6e/The-Fields-Park-grass-Portland-Oregon.webp 960w,\n/static/4794c0267709fa38c6e7000fb63296ac/3cc96/The-Fields-Park-grass-Portland-Oregon.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"5 Best Grass Seeds for Portland, OR","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Ready to revamp your Portland-area lawn? We’ve broken down the five best grass seeds for the Willamette Valley based on yard conditions, maintenance, and more."}}},{"node":{"id":"f8c210b5-862c-5745-97a0-66a5a23c6ca4","slug":"best-grass-types-tulsa","path":"/lawn-care/ok/tulsa/best-grass-types-tulsa/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Caleb Leonard is a freelance writer and marketing professional. A graduate of the University of North Texas, his interests include gardening, podcasts, and studying Spanish.","name":"Caleb Leonard","id":"1c332919-8490-5383-95ec-6ae90855221c","path":"/author/caleb-leonard/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4ac26f4a5bb894df76f4af23dd100da4?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"d2d6ff96-cc14-5d0f-bbfe-f7eac3bba6d9","name":"Oklahoma","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ok/"},{"id":"105f656f-2e37-56d3-ad23-147a8a48d26a","name":"Tulsa","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ok/tulsa/"}],"date":"May 22nd, 2023","excerpt":"Whether you’re patching an existing lawn, or starting a new lawn from scratch, choosing the best grass type for your Tulsa lawn is key if you want it to survive the harsh temperature swings of the Sooner State. This article will look at the four best grass types for Tulsa, Oklahoma. Cool-Season vs. Warm-Season Grasses […]
\n","content":"\nWhether you’re patching an existing lawn, or starting a new lawn from scratch, choosing the best grass type for your Tulsa lawn is key if you want it to survive the harsh temperature swings of the Sooner State. This article will look at the four best grass types for Tulsa, Oklahoma.
\n\n\n\nTulsa is home to both warm and cool-season grasses. Understanding the differences between the two grass types will help you choose the grass most suitable for your lawn.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses have adapted to grow in climates with extreme temperature fluctuations. A cool-season lawn emerges when the temperature drops between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. If your yard’s soil temperature drops below 45 degree Fahrenheit in winter, expect your lawn to enter dormancy. Cool-season grass also enters dormancy in summer as temps rise.
\n\n\n\nBecause cool-season grass prefers mild summers and cool weather, it performs best in northern states.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses grow optimally in climates where temperatures routinely stay above 75 degrees Fahrenheit. These grasses thrive throughout Oklahoma but can be damaged by an extremely harsh winter. Many warm-season grasses are sold as established sod, a perk for many homeowners looking to skip the seeding process.
\n\n\n\nWhen winter arrives, your warm-season lawn will fade from green to brown; resilient grass will green up beautifully with warmer weather and spring rains.
\n\n\n\nBecause warm-season grass prefers long summers and mild winters, it performs best in southern states.
\n\n\n\nSince Tulsa falls in the transition zone (which means it experiences both hot summers and frigid winters), it accommodates both grass types. When selecting a grass, it’s essential to understand the sun, soil, and water requirements for each species. Let’s take a closer look at the best grasses for Tulsa.
\n\n\n\nWarm-Season Grasses:
\n\n\n\nCool-Season Grasses:
\n\n\n\n![\"Bermudagrass\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bermudagrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Robert McPherson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOften found on golf and tennis courts, bermudagrass grass is quick to bounce back from underwatering and heavy foot traffic. It has the fastest growth rate of any warm-season grass, which makes it a viable choice for homeowners starting lawns from seed. This grass is heat- and salt-tolerant, but be sure to give bermudagrass proper drainage to avoid water-logging the grass.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass has an extensive root system, making it more resilient against environmental stresses than other warm-season turf grasses. This highly drought-tolerant grass only needs about an inch of water each week.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is so successful in Oklahoma that multiple cultivars have taken root across the state. Arizona Common, Guymon, Sunturf, Tifgreen, Tifway, and U-3 are all specially cultivated to succeed in the Sooner State.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low; thrives in full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set the mowing height between 0.5 and 1.5 inches for hybrid Bermudagrass cultivars. Mow common Bermudagrass down to 1.5 to 2.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease, although diseases are common; low resistance to insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bermuda’s stolons and rhizomes spread aggressively and outcompete many weeds. However, it can sometimes be considered an invasive species and a nuisance. Many species tunnel underground and spread to neighboring flower beds and lawns.
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zoysiagrass-4.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Russbach at the English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA fine-textured warm-season turfgrass, Zoysiagrass spreads by rhizomes and stolons. This grass is sought-after because of its winter hardiness and ability to grow in light shade. However, its slow establishment rate makes it less desirable for some homeowners needing to patch a lawn in a hurry.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass and fine-textured Bermudagrass should be considered when a top-quality, high-maintenance lawn is desired. Zoysiagrass’ dense growth makes it highly durable against foot traffic and weeds.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High, but recovers slowly from damage
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low nitrogen fertilization requirements, although it’s prone to thatch build-up.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 1 and 2 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good disease tolerance overall
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-draining, some cultivars are more tolerant of a wide range of soils than others.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: The grass is moderately salt tolerant; it should be cut with a sharp mower blade; if it is in partial shade, it needs to be cut taller.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKBG, or Kentucky bluegrass, is a cool-season grass well-suited to Tulsa, Oklahoma. This grass is a favorite among homeowners because of its winter resilience and ability to self-repair. A sun-loving grass, Kentucky bluegrass weakens in shaded areas. KBG can easily grow from seed and develops emerald to blue-green leaves with a medium to fine texture.
\n\n\n\nSpring and fall are optimal for growing KBG, while the summer heat slows its growth dramatically. Kentucky bluegrass durability depends on the cultivar. To create a more robust turf, mix in some tall fescue with your KBG. This grass requires 1 inch of water a week.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing frequency and high fertilization needs.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 2.5 and 3.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high; prone to several diseases, such as dollar spot, leaf spot, necrotic ring spot, summer patch, and stripe smut.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Performs best in well-drained, heavy soils with high fertility.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Kentucky bluegrass is the most winter-hardy turfgrass available. Seeds are best planted in early fall. For shaded lawns, choose varieties like Glade and Bensun.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Aaron Patton / Purdue’s Turfgrass Science Program
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis resilient grass grows well in various climates and is highly resistant to drought, heat, and shade. Tall fescue lawns are an excellent option for homeowners looking to improve their lawn’s resilience and durability. This versatile grass may be an excellent choice for you, depending on where you live and your lawn goals.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue is one of the most drought-tolerant cool-season grasses. It only needs 1.25 inches of water a week.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue is an effective option for shaded lawns too. This cool-season grass grows best in fall and spring but may lie dormant in the summer, unless given supplemental water and fertilizer, especially in areas with full sun.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Produces short rhizomes but has a bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Frequent mowing. Does not produce significant thatch.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 2 inches when grass reaches 3 inches tall.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Tolerant of most diseases when properly maintained.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adapted to a wide range of soil conditions, but prefers fertile clay soils with good drainage.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: The ideal mowing height for Tall Fescue is 3–3.5 inches. Using the highest setting on most lawnmowers will ensure your tall fescue is always maintained at a healthy height. Your tall fescue can be mowed at this length any time of the year.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is the most durable turfgrass for homeowners with rowdy dogs. Bermudagrass’ deep roots and quick recovery time make it an excellent playing field for children and dogs. Tall fescue is the more urine-resistant choice if you are concerned about pets damaging your grass while marking their territories on your property.
Oklahoma lawns commonly use tall fescue to cover shady areas since it is more shade-tolerant than warm-season grasses and more drought- and heat-tolerant than other cool-season grasses.
Warm-season grasses should be planted between May 1st and July 1st in Oklahoma, while late September and October are ideal for planting cool-season grasses.
Selecting a turfgrass that can withstand Tulsa’s temperature swings is the first step toward creating your best landscape. Many of Oklahoma’s native plants are perfectly adapted to Tulsa’s climate, too. Explore native flowers, shrubs, trees, and vines to create a drought-tolerant landscape as rugged and beautiful as Oklahoma.
\n\n\n\nRegardless of the grass type you install, you may discover you need maintenance help from a lawn care professional near you. We have trusted pros in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and many other cities across the state.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Woodward Park / I, Tim Morgan / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"Best Grass Types for Tulsa, OK","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/27152ad74a3467271029e9f19c49221b/1789c/Tulsa-Oklahoma-Woodward-Park-Lily-Pond.jpg","srcSet":"/static/27152ad74a3467271029e9f19c49221b/107df/Tulsa-Oklahoma-Woodward-Park-Lily-Pond.jpg 320w,\n/static/27152ad74a3467271029e9f19c49221b/293e9/Tulsa-Oklahoma-Woodward-Park-Lily-Pond.jpg 500w,\n/static/27152ad74a3467271029e9f19c49221b/f2cbb/Tulsa-Oklahoma-Woodward-Park-Lily-Pond.jpg 800w,\n/static/27152ad74a3467271029e9f19c49221b/1789c/Tulsa-Oklahoma-Woodward-Park-Lily-Pond.jpg 960w,\n/static/27152ad74a3467271029e9f19c49221b/c26c2/Tulsa-Oklahoma-Woodward-Park-Lily-Pond.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/27152ad74a3467271029e9f19c49221b/1dd6e/Tulsa-Oklahoma-Woodward-Park-Lily-Pond.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/27152ad74a3467271029e9f19c49221b/67b76/Tulsa-Oklahoma-Woodward-Park-Lily-Pond.webp 320w,\n/static/27152ad74a3467271029e9f19c49221b/8df11/Tulsa-Oklahoma-Woodward-Park-Lily-Pond.webp 500w,\n/static/27152ad74a3467271029e9f19c49221b/98a65/Tulsa-Oklahoma-Woodward-Park-Lily-Pond.webp 800w,\n/static/27152ad74a3467271029e9f19c49221b/1dd6e/Tulsa-Oklahoma-Woodward-Park-Lily-Pond.webp 960w,\n/static/27152ad74a3467271029e9f19c49221b/3cc96/Tulsa-Oklahoma-Woodward-Park-Lily-Pond.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"4 Best Grass Types for Tulsa, OK","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Tulsa homeowners can choose between warm and cold-season turf grasses. Here are the 4 best grass types for Tulsa, Oklahoma."}}},{"node":{"id":"669a157f-11d9-5a5b-922c-7e43291b39cc","slug":"great-perennials-for-north-carolina","path":"/lawn-care/nc/great-perennials-for-north-carolina/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Stuart Kushner is a writer and aspiring product designer based in New York City. When he isn’t doing either, Stuart enjoys heavy metal music, exercise, and trying new food and drinks.","name":"Stuart Kushner","id":"82e51515-0cd6-5b19-a026-570eb408a24e","path":"/author/stuart-kushner/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/159400686ba92aeb1f5d3503e0246fc1?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0946c7b5-fa0e-522f-b876-ff6b33c2d842","name":"North Carolina","count":17,"path":"/category/lawn-care/nc/"}],"date":"May 22nd, 2023","excerpt":"Want a garden that is both beautiful and low-maintenance? Try these 10 great perennials for your North Carolina landscape, which are both beautiful and hardy enough to thrive in our temperate climate and its four distinct seasons. In this article: 1. American Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) Photo Credit: Kevin Kenny / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0 […]
\n","content":"\nWant a garden that is both beautiful and low-maintenance? Try these 10 great perennials for your North Carolina landscape, which are both beautiful and hardy enough to thrive in our temperate climate and its four distinct seasons.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"American](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/American-Boneset.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Kevin Kenny / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAmerican boneset distinguishes itself by the small white flowers it sprouts between late summer and early fall. These flowers provide pollen and nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Once pollinated, they sprout seeds that attract songbirds.
\n\n\n\nAnother cool fact: The American Boneset, which was awarded the 2003 NC Wildflower of the Year, was historically used as a medicine for the flu, fevers, and colds.
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, sand, high organic matter
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Pleasant floral scent
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late summer to early fall
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Frequent standing water
\n\n\n\nMature height: 4 to 6 feet.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Black-Eyed-Susan.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe bright yellow black-eyed Susan is popular due to its long bloom time, giving a garden bed a long-lasting splash of color. Bees and butterflies use it as a source of both nectar and pollen, and songbirds eat their seeds when they’re ripe.
\n\n\n\nThe black-eyed Susan reseeds readily, but other plants keep it in check. It adapts to numerous soils, making it easy to plant in North Carolina.
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, sand, loam, acidic, moist, well-drained
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring, summer, early autumn
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium. It has moderate drought tolerance
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 3 feet.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. Can self-seed freely. Black-eyed Susan can become aggressive if given too perfect an environment and insufficient competition.
\n\n\n\n![\"Cardinal](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cardinal-Flower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: linnaeus / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCardinal flower sets itself apart with its brilliant red flowers, a nod to the red robes worn by Roman Catholic cardinals. Cardinal flowers are generally low-maintenance. However, they require frequent watering to maintain the moist soil they prefer. Some afternoon shade will shield them from the heat and prevent them from drying out.
\n\n\n\nWhile historically used for medicine, all parts of the plant are poisonous, so it’s not the best choice for parents or pet owners. The cardinal flower was selected as the 1982, 1983, and 2001 NC Wildflower of the Year.
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade, full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sand, loam, clay, limestone-based
\n\n\n\nBloom time: July to October
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to high
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1-6 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low.
\n\n\n\n![\"Foamflower\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Foamflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Evan M. Raskin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFoamflower can get up to a foot tall, making it a good ground cover. In spring, spiked flowers bloom, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. These flowers range from cream-colored to light pink.
\n\n\n\nIn early summer, black fruits bloom, which can be dried. Foamflower was named the 1986 NC Wildflower of the Year.
\n\n\n\nSun: Part to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist, hummus-rich, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 5 to 12 inches
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Garden-Phlox.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Keith Pomakis / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGarden phlox is a perennial growing in woodlands, thickets, gardens, prairies, and forests. In summer, dome-shaped pink, purple, or white flowers sprout, and the entire plant blooms in the fall. It attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.
\n\n\n\nHowever, garden phlox has disease and pest problems. It’s vulnerable to powdery mildew and root rot and attracts spider mites in hot and dry conditions.
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, high organic matter, good drainage, moist
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Mid-summer to mid-fall
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water in dry summers. Avoid overhead watering.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 4 feet.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium
\n\n\n\n![\"Indian](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Indian-Pink.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Mark Levisay / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nClassified as a NC threatened species, Indian Pink stands out with its red and yellow flowers that bloom in spring. These tubular flowers see hummingbirds as their main visitor. Its fruits develop after the flowers, which provide a food source for songbirds.
\n\n\n\nIndian Pink is poisonous to humans, deer, and rabbits. It usually grows in moist woods and along wooded stream banks.
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist, well-drained
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late Spring to Summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1-2 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"New](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/New-England-Aster.jpg\")
Photo Credit: The Cosmonaut / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5 CA
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe fabulously showy New England aster grows in moist meadows, prairies, low valleys, and stream banks. It sprouts large, purple flowers with yellow centers in late summer and early fall. These flowers attract wildlife like bees and butterflies while also making great cut flowers for arrangements.
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, high organic matter, good drainage, moist, occasionally dry
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late Summer and Fall
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water weekly or when the topmost layer of soil dries out
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 7 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Purple-Coneflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PumpkinSky / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPurple coneflowers are popular pollinator plants. They bloom pink-purple flowers with spiky cone-shaped centers. Bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies visit them in the growing season, and songbirds eat the seeds after they sprout in the fall and winter.
\n\n\n\nPurple coneflowers are favorites at the garden center. Native Americans use their roots to treat coughs and fevers, and its ingredients are still used in teas and medicines today.
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy, clay, rocky
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April to September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Swamp](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Swamp-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs its name suggests, swamp milkweed likes wet, moist, and swampy areas. It grows clusters of pink or white flowers in mid to late summer. They attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators while being deer resistant.
\n\n\n\nIn 2005, the swamp milkweed was named the North Carolina Wildflower of the Year. It’s a critical host for monarch butterflies, which have declined due to habitat loss.
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, moist, wet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Mid to late summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Virginia](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Virginia-Bluebells.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ryan Hodnett / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVirginia bluebells bloom in spring and go dormant by late summer. Due to the sap in their petals changing pH over time, their trumped-shaped flowers change from pink to blue. Long-tongued pollinators like mason bees, digger bees, and butterflies pollinate them. Deer and rabbits avoid Virginia bluebells.
\n\n\n\nVirginia bluebells work best surrounded by later-blooming flowers, which will take over after they die. They are self-seeders, meaning they drop seeds for other Virginia bluebells to grow.
\n\n\n\nSun: Part shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Moist but well-drained
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Light, sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average. It does its best when moisture is abundant and will decline when the soil is too dry.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium. This plant self-seeds but is challenging to propagate. It should be cut back after flowering.
\n\n\n\nAn annual lives for only one growing season before dying, while a perennial regrows every spring.
The best planting time is in the spring or fall, but perennials can be planted any time the ground can be worked and when there’s no danger of frost.
The biggest dangers to perennials are:
• Lack of, or too much, sunlight
• Not enough, or too much, water
• Too much or not enough fertilizer
• Weed killers
• Freeze damage
• Transplant shock
Need help with finding and planting the right perennials? Contact a Wikilawn lawn care professional, and we’ll get your plants growing beautifully in no time.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: brillianthues / Flickr / Public Domain Mark 1.0
\n","title":"10 Great Perennials for Your North Carolina Landscape","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7777777777777777,"src":"/static/d7a37cd2f82af9716ec763c7e2051b9c/1789c/Perennials.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d7a37cd2f82af9716ec763c7e2051b9c/107df/Perennials.jpg 320w,\n/static/d7a37cd2f82af9716ec763c7e2051b9c/293e9/Perennials.jpg 500w,\n/static/d7a37cd2f82af9716ec763c7e2051b9c/f2cbb/Perennials.jpg 800w,\n/static/d7a37cd2f82af9716ec763c7e2051b9c/1789c/Perennials.jpg 960w,\n/static/d7a37cd2f82af9716ec763c7e2051b9c/c26c2/Perennials.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/d7a37cd2f82af9716ec763c7e2051b9c/1dd6e/Perennials.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d7a37cd2f82af9716ec763c7e2051b9c/67b76/Perennials.webp 320w,\n/static/d7a37cd2f82af9716ec763c7e2051b9c/8df11/Perennials.webp 500w,\n/static/d7a37cd2f82af9716ec763c7e2051b9c/98a65/Perennials.webp 800w,\n/static/d7a37cd2f82af9716ec763c7e2051b9c/1dd6e/Perennials.webp 960w,\n/static/d7a37cd2f82af9716ec763c7e2051b9c/3cc96/Perennials.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"10 Great Perennials for Your North Carolina Landscape","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Perennials can be great additions to your landscape because they are native to North Carolina and come back year after year"}}},{"node":{"id":"d02f197a-1d69-562c-a3c8-63f90e8cee6d","slug":"best-grass-seeds-kansas","path":"/lawn-care/kansas/best-grass-seeds-kansas/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"LaShonda Tucker is a freelance writer, poet, and spoken word artist in Atlanta. She earned her masters from the University of Georgia and enjoys playing her violin.","name":"LaShonda Tucker","id":"f7fdb6d3-a89a-5295-963a-aac47afa7cee","path":"/author/lashonda-tucker/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ce61747b62dbfb82f56a8611f2835988?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"daa9a0d5-f2d7-5874-a2a1-2ce417a82733","name":"Kansas","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/kansas/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"May 22nd, 2023","excerpt":"A fruitful walk on one of the Tallgrass Prairie National Reserve’s hiking trails is invigorating. So is returning home to a beautiful lawn reminiscent of the recreational and enlightening journey. This article highlights four of the best grass seeds for Kansas, so you can bring as much of the nostalgia home with you as possible. […]
\n","content":"\nA fruitful walk on one of the Tallgrass Prairie National Reserve’s hiking trails is invigorating. So is returning home to a beautiful lawn reminiscent of the recreational and enlightening journey. This article highlights four of the best grass seeds for Kansas, so you can bring as much of the nostalgia home with you as possible.
\n\n\n\nWhether it’s the humid, rainy, and warm eastern region of Kansas, the drier, cooler western side of the state, or the central region that has a climate in between, you’ll find grass that is a good match for your home and lifestyle.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nOptions for grass types include warm-season grasses and cool-season grasses. Kansas is in the transition zone, where both types of grasses thrive.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses grow best in the summer. This grass type prefers humid and hot climates and thrives in regions with short, hot summers and mild winters. Warm-season grasses go dormant in the winter and turn brown in cold temperatures. These grasses are commonly found in the southern part of the United States.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses grow best in the spring and fall. Like warm-season grass, cool-season grass goes dormant in freezing temperatures, too. However, the grass goes dormant later in the winter than warm season-grasses. Cool-season grasses, unlike warm-season grasses, also go brown and dormant in the summer.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grass prefers air temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This grass type is typically found in the northern regions of the country where the climate is cool to mild.
\n\n\n\nSince Kansas is in the transition zone (which means it experiences both hot summers and freezing winters), both warm-season and cool-season grasses can grow in the state. Let’s take a look at the traits, advantages, and disadvantages of each.
\n\n\n\nCool-Season grasses:
\n\n\n\nWarm-Season grasses:
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Aaron Patton / Purdue’s Turfgrass Science Program
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTall fescue has the most heat and drought tolerance of the cool-season grasses, making it ideal for the transition zone. It adapts to a variety of soil types and soil pH levels. Its versatile nature makes it an excellent choice for the Kansas climate, since tall fescue is both heat and cold-tolerant.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue is well-adapted to shady conditions, so if your property has trees blocking the sunlight, tall fescue grass seeds will still produce a beautiful lawn.
\n\n\n\nThis grass is low maintenance compared to other grasses. For example, it requires regular mowing, but unlike Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue does not have high fertilization requirements. Thatch and diseases are also not significant problems for tall fescue.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue has a glossy, dark green color and coarse texture. It has moderate foot traffic. This grass can tolerate occasional physical activity, but it does not recover from damage like Kentucky bluegrass.
\n\n\n\nDuring long dry spells, tall fescue requires frequent mowing and irrigation to keep it healthy.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Produces short rhizomes but has a bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Frequent mowing. Does not produce significant thatch.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 2 inches when the grass reaches 3 inches tall.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Tolerant of most diseases when properly maintained.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adapted to a wide range of soil conditions, but prefers fertile clay soils with good drainage.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Choose turf-type tall fescue grass seed and avoid forage-type varieties, as they do not produce quality lawns. Rebel tall fescue turfgrass is an ideal option for establishing a lawn because the variety spreads quickly, meaning fewer grass seeds are required for a full canvas.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is not as drought-tolerant as tall fescue. Bluegrass also does not perform well in high heat and requires a lot of irrigation in dry, hot weather. It is not recommended for the transition zone as a monostand. While bluegrass may not be the best choice to use alone, it is a good option as a grass seed mix with tall fescue.
\n\n\n\nCombining the two types of grass seeds makes both types of grass stronger for an overall, healthier lawn that can withstand diseases better. For example, diseases that affect tall fescue may not affect Kentucky bluegrass, and vice versa. Mix at a 9 to 1 ratio of tall fescue to Kentucky bluegrass for optimal results.
\n\n\n\nAlthough it is not recommended for the transition zone, Kentucky bluegrass is used in the northeastern part of Kansas where there is ample rainfall. Bluegrass is also used in the northwestern parts where the summer nights have cooler temperatures. Supplemental irrigation is required in the northwestern region.
\n\n\n\nBluegrass has some qualities that are complementary to tall fescue. For example, bluegrass has moderate foot-traffic tolerance and quickly recovers from damage. Bluegrass also helps prevent erosion.
\n\n\n\nCombining bluegrass, with its soft texture and quick recovery from damage, with tall fescue can give you a lawn that is ideal for children running, playing, and falling on the grass regularly.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing frequency and high fertilization needs.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 2.5 and 3.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high; prone to several diseases, such as dollar spot, leaf spot, necrotic ring spot, summer patch, and stripe smut.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Performs best in well-drained, heavy soils with high fertility.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Use the less aggressive cultivars when mixing with tall fescue. Some cultivars that do well under low-maintenance and minimal watering are Caliber and Northstar.
\n\n\n\n![\"lush](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/zoysiagrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Russbach at the English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is commonly used for golf courses and by many American homeowners in home lawns. It has high traffic and wear tolerance. Zoysia also adapts well to different soil types.
\n\n\n\nThis grass type grows slowly. So although it has moderate to high maintenance needs, you will not have to run the lawn mower as often to keep the grass low-cut and well-groomed. Another advantage is that its dense turf tends to suppress weeds.
\n\n\n\nMeyer Zoysia is known for being a quality turf with more winter hardiness than other warm-season grasses typically found in the Midwest. This variety also has good drought and heat tolerance.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass will grow well on properties with moderate shade. If your home has a lot of trees or does not get a lot of sun, this grass type is a better choice than some other warm-season grasses, like buffalo grass. However, too much shade causes zoysia to thin.
\n\n\n\nAlthough zoysia is drought tolerant, it needs supplemental irrigation during long dry spells. Be mindful that thatch can be a problem if this grass type is watered or fertilized too much.
\n\n\n\nZoysia comes with some ambivalence. Its high traffic quality makes it a good choice for homes with a lot of physical activity on the lawn, but it recovers slowly from damage. If you want grass that can withstand frequent lawn parties and recover quickly from the traffic, a mixture of tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass seeds is a better choice.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High, but recovers slowly from damage
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to High. It needs to be watered, mowed, and fertilized properly to reduce the need for pesticides. Over-fertilizing it with nitrogen may produce a thick layer of thatch.
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1 and 2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for Disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Thrives in well-draining soil, some cultivars are more tolerant of a wide range of soils than others
\n\n\n\nOther Notes: It is susceptible to dollar spot and large patch disease. Zoysia grass is vulnerable to white grubs and mole crickets, which attract critters that also cause damage.
\n\n\n\n![\"California](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/UC-Verde-Buffalograss-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Susan Harris / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBuffalograss thrives best in the western area of Kansas where there is less rainfall. This drought-tolerant grass is ideal for homeowners who want a low-maintenance lawn. It requires very little fertilizer or water.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss prefers full sun and will not grow at its best on shady properties. Unlike zoysiagrass, buffalograss requires weed management. Mowing regularly, however, can decrease certain types of weeds, like broadleaf weeds. Buffalo is disease and insect tolerant, so it does not need the maintenance that some grasses, like zoysia, require to keep it pest free.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss has a unique blue-green color and soft texture. It’s a good option for homes with children who like to walk barefoot across the grass. On the other hand, its low traffic tolerance makes it a less inviting choice for frequent sports activities or gatherings on the lawn.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low fertilizer and mowing needs. Develops thatch and requires weed control.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set the mowing height between 2 and 3 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good insect and disease resistance
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6.5-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Native clay soils, not sandy soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: It has no rhizomes or underground stems and is easily destroyed by cultivation. But these qualities make buffalograss easier to remove from your garden and flower bed.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: John Robert McPherson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is commonly used throughout the United States. This grass has mixed reviews about its suitability for Kansas.
\n\n\n\nThe University of Missouri reports that bermudagrass is not recommended for lawns in the transition zone. Varieties are predominantly developed in the south and not adapted for Kansas. This grass type has poor cold tolerance. Most seeded varieties lack the resilience to survive the cold Kansas winters.
\n\n\n\nNevertheless, bermudagrass is used widely in Kansas. According to Kansas State University, bermudagrass is adapted to the northern edge of the state and can grow well in that area. KSU suggests using cold-tolerant varieties and that they must be planted by vegetative means.
\n\n\n\nThe same source reports that seeded cultivars will thrive in southern Kansas. Cheyenne, Sun Devil, and Guymon are some of the recommended cultivars.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is medium-green in color and has a texture that is medium-fine. It is heat and drought-tolerant.
\n\n\n\nThis grass type tolerates a wide variety of soil types and has a low-growth habit. A property that receives a lot of sun will provide good growing conditions for bermuda. It can tolerate a few hours of daily shade, but too much time in the shade reduces the grass’s quality and density. Bermuda grows aggressively and can invade gardens and flower beds.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass has high-traffic tolerance and recovers quickly. It is a wonderful selection for homeowners that host frequent play dates on the grass.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low; thrives in full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nTraffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Improved hybrid cultivars require moderate maintenance
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: Hybrid bermudagrass cultivars should be mowed to 0.5 and 1.5 inches. Common bermudagrass should be mowed to 1.5 to 2.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for Disease: High
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther Notes: Its aggressive growth causes it to invade flower beds and generate thatch accumulation. Mowing too frequently to keep the grass at a height of .5 inches exposes the grass to increased pests and weeds. Mowing 1 to 2 times weekly will maintain a healthy root system and appearance.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass are great seed mixes for overseeding. Bluegrass germinates quickly to fill in bare spots. The best time to overseed using these two seed mixes is in early to mid-September. During this time the nights are cooler, the soil is still warm, and there is ample rainfall.
No grass is best for every condition or purpose. Kansas experiences extreme temperatures in the summer, cold winters, and multiple soil types and precipitation rates. The summer heat along with the humidity breeds multiple diseases to which perennial ryegrass is susceptible. Perennial is best used for athletic fields and golf courses and not home lawns in the state of Kansas.
The most shade-tolerant warm-season grass is St. Augustine. Zoysiagrass is the second most shade-tolerant. The most shade-tolerant cool-season grass is fine fescue. Of the cool-season grasses best suited for Kansas, tall fescue is more shade tolerant than Kentucky bluegrass.
When choosing a grass, consider what area of Kansas you live in, as some grasses have traits that thrive better in some regions than others. Another factor to consider is when you feel it is best for your lawn to thrive and enter dormancy.
\n\n\n\nThe two cool-season grasses will go dormant later in the winter and experience summer dormancy. The two warm-season grasses will go dormant earlier in the winter but remain active and growing in the summer.
\n\n\n\nWhether you’re starting a new lawn or working with an existing one, you’ll want to plant grass seed that fits your lifestyle, your yard’s characteristics, and the time you want to dedicate to maintenance.
\n\n\n\nConsider what your lawn will be used for. If you have a lot of physical activity on your grass, choose quality turf that tolerates heavy foot traffic and, if possible, recovers quickly. How much shade or sun does your property receive? This will affect what type of grass thrives well in your home’s conditions. Select a grass that allows you to work as little or as much as you want in maintaining your lawn.
\n\n\n\nThe sooner you turn your yard work over to someone else, the sooner you can enjoy the water activities at Cheney State Park. Call a lawn care pro near you to do the mowing, fertilizing, and trimming for you. We have trusted pros in Wichita and many other cities across Kansas.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: City Park, Manhattan, Kansas / Wesley Fryer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n","title":"5 Best Grass Seeds for Kansas","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/f5ccd7fffc41e84c208080696f500b6f/1789c/City-Park-Manhattan-Kansas.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f5ccd7fffc41e84c208080696f500b6f/107df/City-Park-Manhattan-Kansas.jpg 320w,\n/static/f5ccd7fffc41e84c208080696f500b6f/293e9/City-Park-Manhattan-Kansas.jpg 500w,\n/static/f5ccd7fffc41e84c208080696f500b6f/f2cbb/City-Park-Manhattan-Kansas.jpg 800w,\n/static/f5ccd7fffc41e84c208080696f500b6f/1789c/City-Park-Manhattan-Kansas.jpg 960w,\n/static/f5ccd7fffc41e84c208080696f500b6f/c26c2/City-Park-Manhattan-Kansas.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/f5ccd7fffc41e84c208080696f500b6f/1dd6e/City-Park-Manhattan-Kansas.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f5ccd7fffc41e84c208080696f500b6f/67b76/City-Park-Manhattan-Kansas.webp 320w,\n/static/f5ccd7fffc41e84c208080696f500b6f/8df11/City-Park-Manhattan-Kansas.webp 500w,\n/static/f5ccd7fffc41e84c208080696f500b6f/98a65/City-Park-Manhattan-Kansas.webp 800w,\n/static/f5ccd7fffc41e84c208080696f500b6f/1dd6e/City-Park-Manhattan-Kansas.webp 960w,\n/static/f5ccd7fffc41e84c208080696f500b6f/3cc96/City-Park-Manhattan-Kansas.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"5 Best Grass Seeds for Kansas","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"The best grass seeds for Kansas includes warm-season and cool-season grasses. Read for more details to determine the best fit for your lawn."}}},{"node":{"id":"f4d73e26-dfaf-5802-9f3e-eb0843e5d31d","slug":"best-grass-seeds-colorado","path":"/lawn-care/co/best-grass-seeds-colorado/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Cecilia Acevedo is a professional writer, translator, and mom who loves God, reading, and a good rainy nap. She combines her passion for writing with her love for the colorful world painted by her children.","name":"Cecilia Acevedo","id":"0fc0b86b-7672-540a-a0af-58a8d66c6781","path":"/author/cecilia-acevedo/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/75c4cb2a06e5f57c7018b7cb365dd82d?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"be8bb3a1-b40c-57ba-87f7-ff69490271a0","name":"Colorado","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/co/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"May 22nd, 2023","excerpt":"Colorado’s grass faces a tough challenge due to its climate. Between the cold winters and dry, hot summers, the extreme temperature shifts can cause your lawn to look withered and brown. Planting the right grass seeds is essential to ensure a resilient and lush-looking landscape. Here you will find the 5 best grass seeds for […]
\n","content":"\nColorado’s grass faces a tough challenge due to its climate. Between the cold winters and dry, hot summers, the extreme temperature shifts can cause your lawn to look withered and brown. Planting the right grass seeds is essential to ensure a resilient and lush-looking landscape. Here you will find the 5 best grass seeds for Colorado and helpful tips to maintain a great-looking lawn throughout the year.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses and warm-season grasses are two broad categories of grasses adapted to different climate conditions.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses grow best in regions with cooler temperatures and moderate rainfall. Typically, they are planted during autumn or the beginning of spring when the ground is moist and cold. These grasses stay green throughout the fall and spring but tend to go dormant and turn brown during hot and dry summer months and extreme winters.
\n\n\n\nOn the other hand, warm-seasons thrive in regions with hot summers and mild winters. They are planted in late spring or early summer when the soil is moist and warm and stay green throughout summer. These types of grasses go dormant and turn brown in the fall and winter when temperatures drop.
\n\n\n\nOverall, the main difference between cool-season and warm-season grasses lies in their adaptation to temperature and moisture conditions and their growth patterns throughout the year.
\n\n\n\nColorado’s common cool-season grasses include tall fescues, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, and fine fescue. Keep on reading to know more about them.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is a great grass option for a Colorado yard. It has a high-quality appearance that adds beauty and value to any property. However, it may require frequent irrigation to maintain its health and vibrancy. While it is prone to thatch formation and some diseases and insects, Kentucky bluegrass is incredibly cold tolerant, making it ideal for the harsh winters in Colorado.
\n\n\n\nIt spreads by rhizomes, which allows it to repair itself, making it a durable option for high-traffic areas. Although it can tolerate drought, it may turn brown during hot, dry summers, and it requires frequent mowing to keep it at a healthy height. Overall, Kentucky bluegrass is an excellent grass choice for a Colorado yard due to its appearance, cold tolerance, and self-repairing abilities.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing frequency and high fertilization needs.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 2.5 and 3.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high; prone to several diseases, such as dollar spot, leaf spot, necrotic ring spot, summer patch, and stripe smut.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Performs best in well-drained, heavy soils with high fertility.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: It has a higher tolerance for close, frequent grazing than other grasses and forms a dense sod.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is a fantastic option for homeowners looking to add a touch of beauty to their Colorado yards. This grass species boasts a gorgeous dark hue that enhances the beauty of any backyard. One of the best features of perennial ryegrass is its quick establishment, making it an ideal choice for homeowners looking for a fast and easy solution.
\n\n\n\nAdditionally, it doesn’t thatch easily and is highly resistant to harsh soil conditions, making it an incredibly low-maintenance option. Perennial ryegrass has rapid growth and a high tolerance for foot traffic, which is perfect for families with active children or pets.
\n\n\n\nIt can even handle partial shade, making it a versatile option for different areas of your yard. However, it’s important to note that perennial ryegrass requires significant water usage and doesn’t tolerate drought well. But with the proper care and attention, this beautiful grass species will thrive in your Colorado yard and leave you with a stunning landscape to enjoy.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Has a bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing and fertilization requirements. Thatch is not significant.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 1.5 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High. Common diseases include gray leaf spots, red thread, and leaf spot/melting-out.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Can grow in soils with a pH between 5 and 8 but prefers between 6 and 7.
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Prefers good drainage and fertility but can tolerate some poor drainage.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: For a more durable and disease-resistant turf, mixing it with Kentucky bluegrass is common.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Aaron Patton / Purdue’s Turfgrass Science Program
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFine fescue is an excellent choice for a Colorado yard for various reasons. Firstly, it is incredibly drought-resistant, a valuable trait in an arid climate like Colorado’s. Additionally, fine fescue is a low-maintenance grass species that requires less frequent mowing and fertilizing, making it an eco-friendly option that saves you time and money.
\n\n\n\nHowever, it’s worth noting that fine fescue isn’t very heat-tolerant. Additionally, it’s not ideal for high-traffic areas. But if you’re looking for a low-maintenance, shade-tolerant, and drought-resistant grass species that adds beauty to your yard, fine fescue is a fantastic option to consider.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Creeping red Fescue spreads by rhizomes, while other fine fescues are bunch-type grasses, such as chewing, hard, and sheep fescues.
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate to High, depending on species
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High, depending on species
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to Moderate, depending on species
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low fertilizer and mowing needs.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 2.5 and 4.0 inches, depending on species.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate. Common diseases include red thread, leaf spot, dollar spot, summer patch, and powdery mildew.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Will not perform well in wet soil conditions. It prefers drier soils and tolerates a wide range of soil types and fertility.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: To create a lush and visually appealing lawn that can tolerate both shade and drought, fine fescue grasses are commonly mixed with other cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass. This combination results in a dense, attractive lawn that is durable and resistant to challenging weather conditions.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Aaron Patton / Purdue’s Turfgrass Science Program
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to finding the perfect grass for a Colorado yard, tall fescue is definitely worth considering. This hardy grass species has an impressive root system that can reach down two or three feet, making it incredibly heat- and drought-resistant. Tall fescue establishes and germinates quickly, so you won’t wait long to see your lawn come to life. Additionally, it doesn’t form much thatch.
\n\n\n\nHowever, it’s worth noting that tall fescue doesn’t self-repair easily from damage, so there may be better choices for high-traffic areas. Despite this, if you’re looking for a grass species that can handle the challenges of a Colorado climate and still look great, tall fescue is definitely one to consider.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Produces short rhizomes but has a bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Frequent mowing. Does not produce significant thatch.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 2 inches when grass reaches 3 inches tall.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Tolerant of most diseases when properly maintained.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adapted to a wide range of soil conditions but prefers fertile clay soils with good drainage.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: After enduring hot and dry summer conditions, many tall fescue lawns tend to become thin, which can result in unsightly clumps. Overseeding tall fescue lawns in the fall is often necessary to avoid this issue. This simple practice can help maintain your lawn’s overall health and appearance.
\n\n\n\nColorado has limited options when it comes to warm-season grass types. Buffalograss is the only grass native to the area and exhibits remarkable natural adaptability to extreme heat, cold, and drought. Thanks to its hardy nature, buffalograss is a good choice for homeowners looking to maintain a beautiful lawn even in the face of challenging weather conditions.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Susan Harris / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBuffalograss is a fantastic choice for homeowners in Colorado who want a low-maintenance lawn that can withstand the state’s harsh climate. With infrequent mowing and fertilization requirements, it’s an excellent choice for those who wish to spend less time tending to their yard. Buffalograss has excellent drought tolerance, making it a great choice for those hot and dry summers.
\n\n\n\nHowever, its low density can result in weed problems, so staying on top of weed control is important. Additionally, there are better options for high-traffic areas. Overall, if you’re looking for a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant lawn, buffalograss could be an excellent choice.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low fertilizer and mowing needs. Requires weed control.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set the mowing height between 2 and 3 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good tolerance against diseases and insects.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6.5-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Native clay soils, not sandy soils.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: While its tolerance for harsh conditions is impressive, buffalograss struggles with thatch buildup and has poor shade tolerance, so there may be better choices for areas with many trees or shaded spots.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is a versatile option suitable for various situations and applications. In Colorado, it is the most commonly used grass type for lawns, and local growers produce top-quality bluegrass sod.
Fine fescues are known for their excellent cold tolerance. Still, among the cool-season grasses commonly used in northern lawns, Kentucky bluegrass is the most cold-hardy and can withstand extreme winter temperatures.
With its fine texture, shade tolerance, and low upkeep needs, fine fescue is a desirable choice for homeowners and landscapers as it is considered one of the most effortless cool-season grasses to maintain.
While all of the grass varieties described in this article can endure Colorado’s hot summers and cold winters, each type possesses distinct characteristics and maintenance requirements. Consequently, choosing the appropriate grass for your lawn is crucial.
\n\n\n\nIt involves considering available space, intended use, and your willingness to perform upkeep to ensure a healthy lawn.
\n\n\n\nIt’s worth noting that grass is only one component of a stunning landscape. Colorado offers many options for low-maintenance landscaping and native plants.
\n\n\n\nNeed help maintaining your outdoor space? Hire a local lawn care expert near you. We have trusted pros in Aurora, Colorado Springs, and many other cities across the state.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: University of Colorado Boulder / sk / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
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