Table of Contents
Florida homeowners are increasingly turning to zoysiagrass for its lush, carpet-like lawn appearance. Zoysia is a warm-season grass known for its dense growth and fine to medium leaf texture, giving a manicured look to the landscape. When well-maintained, a zoysia lawn can be “a verdant outdoor carpet that feels great on bare feet,” offering a beautiful, dark green turf. Zoysia is adapted to Florida’s climate and soils, tolerating heat and a range of soil types. It also has relatively good tolerance for partial shade, salt spray, and foot traffic compared to other warm-season grasses. This means zoysia can handle some tree shade, coastal conditions, and kids or pets playing on it better than many common lawn grasses. Zoysia’s dense sod naturally resists many South Florida weeds by crowding them out, which is a big plus for lawn care.
However, zoysiagrass is not “set it and forget it.” It has a slow growth habit (especially some fine-textured varieties), which means it can take longer to establish and recover from damage. That slow, dense growth can lead to thatch buildup (a layer of undecomposed grass stems) if over-fertilized or not mowed properly. Zoysia also requires balanced care – too little water or nutrients can thin it out, but too much can invite problems. In Florida’s humid climate, pests and diseases can trouble zoysiagrass if mismanaged. For instance, zoysia is susceptible to a fungal disease called large patch (a form of Rhizoctonia blight) that causes expanding brown areas, especially in cooler weather or waterlogged conditions. Insects like the hunting billbug and lawn caterpillars (armyworms, sod webworms) also feed on zoysia. With attentive maintenance – proper mowing, watering, and fertilizing – these issues can be minimized, but they’re important to keep in mind.
Zoysiagrass comes in many cultivars (varieties) with different traits. In fact, several zoysia species (primarily Zoysia japonica and Zoysia matrella, plus hybrids) have been used to breed cultivars suited for various needs. Not all zoysia types thrive in Florida’s environment, so it’s critical to choose a cultivar proven in our climate. Below, we detail the major zoysia cultivars available in Florida, how each performs in our conditions, and their strengths and weaknesses. We’ll focus on characteristics like drought tolerance, pest and disease resistance, shade and salt tolerance, and mowing needs for each cultivar. A comparison table and tips for choosing the right zoysia are also provided.
Empire Zoysia (Zoysia japonica ‘Empire’)
Empire Zoysia (often sold simply as “Empire Turf”) is one of the most popular zoysia cultivars in Florida, and for good reason. It is a coarse-textured (wider-bladed) zoysia japonica variety that forms a very dense, lush green lawn. Empire has a rapid establishment rate for zoysia and performs well on a variety of soil types, from sandy coastal soils to heavier clays. In fact, Empire is currently the most commonly planted zoysia in Florida – you’ll find it used throughout the state in home lawns due to its adaptable nature.
Shade & Drought: Empire handles partial shade reasonably well – its shade tolerance is similar to or slightly better than older varieties like Meyer zoysia. This means it can do fine with a few hours of shade each day (around 5–6 hours of sun minimum), though like all zoysias it prefers full sun for best density. Empire has solid drought tolerance. In Florida’s sandy soils, it will go dormant (brown) during extended dry spells, but it survives and greens up again when rain or irrigation returns. While not touted as the absolute most drought-proof zoysia, Empire has shown it can persist through drought by going dormant if necessary. Many homeowners find that once an Empire lawn is established, it needs less frequent watering to stay healthy compared to St. Augustinegrass.
Pests & Diseases: One advantage of Empire is its relative robustness, but it is not pest-free. Like other zoysia japonica types, Empire is susceptible to the hunting billbug insect. Billbug larvae feed on zoysia roots and can cause brown patches that might be mistaken for drought stress or disease. Preventive insect control or vigilant monitoring in spring and fall can mitigate billbug damage. (Notably, research has found that finer-textured zoysias tend to suffer less from billbugs than coarse types, so Empire may experience more billbug damage than some finer varieties if the pest is present.) Empire and other zoysias are also vulnerable to nematodes (microscopic soil worms) in Florida’s sandy soils; nematodes can cause thinning of the turf in hot, dry periods. There’s no cultivar of zoysia completely resistant to nematodes, so proper lawn care (not over-fertilizing, deep but infrequent watering to encourage deep roots, etc.) is key to coping with them. In terms of diseases, Empire’s main weakness is large patch fungus – it is known to be susceptible, just as many other zoysias are. Homeowners should avoid overwatering, especially as temperatures cool in fall, and may need a preventive fungicide in spring or fall if large patch has been an issue. Despite these concerns, Empire’s overall pest and disease profile is in line with other zoysias – meaning it needs watchful care, but no extraordinary vulnerabilities beyond the norm.
Mowing & Maintenance: A big selling point of Empire is that it has a relatively low growth habit and moderate vertical growth rate. You can maintain Empire at a mowing height of about 1.5–2.5 inches using a standard rotary mower. Many lawn services set their mowers around 2 inches for Empire, which provides a dense, cushiony feel. Empire’s slower growth means you might only mow once every 1–2 weeks in the growing season (depending on rainfall and fertility) – certainly less mowing than a typical bermudagrass lawn would require. Be careful not to cut Empire too low; mowing below ~1.5″ can scalp the lawn and stress the grass. During peak summer, weekly mowing at the proper height will keep it thick and healthy. Empire is noted to produce thatch more slowly than some finer zoysias, but thatch can still accumulate over time, so avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen which accelerates thatch. Vertical mowing or power-raking every couple of years can remove any thatch layer if it becomes thick.
Salt & Traffic: Empire has good salt tolerance for a turfgrass. It can be used near coastlines where it might get some salt spray or occasional brackish irrigation, without significant damage. However, in areas of regular saltwater flooding or heavy salt exposure, a salt-specialist grass (like seashore paspalum or certain bermudas) might perform better. For normal coastal residential conditions, Empire holds up well. Empire also stands up to foot traffic decently thanks to its dense, prostrate growth. It won’t handle sports-field levels of wear in a small area (few lawn grasses will), but for typical backyard use, Empire recovers fairly well from occasional high traffic. Its stolons and rhizomes (above- and below-ground runners) will fill in moderate wear spots if given a little time and care.
Summary: Empire is an all-around performer – it offers a lush look, adapts to most of Florida (from South Florida heat to the cooler Panhandle zones), and balances beauty with relatively easy care. Its strengths are density, decent shade tolerance, and solid drought hardiness (going dormant if needed). Just keep an eye out for large patch in spring/fall and treat any insect issues promptly. Overall, Empire’s wide use across Florida lawns speaks to its reliability as a zoysia choice.
Emerald Zoysia (Zoysia hybrid ‘Emerald’)
Emerald Zoysia is a classic fine-textured zoysia cultivar often called the “Cadillac” of lawn grasses for its soft, delicate leaf and beautiful green color. It was developed way back in 1955 as a hybrid between Zoysia japonica and Zoysia pacifica (also known as Z. tenuifolia, a very fine species). This parentage gives Emerald a combination of traits: it has better cold tolerance and a faster growth rate than pure Z. matrella types (thanks to its japonica blood), but also a very fine leaf texture and high density (thanks to its pacifica parent). Emerald’s leaves are slender and the turf it forms is cushiony and lush, with a deep green hue. It has been a popular choice for high-end lawns and ornamental turf where a premium appearance is desired.
Shade & Climate Adaptation: Emerald is often praised for its shade tolerance. It performs well in partial shade conditions – similar to other fine-bladed zoysias, it can handle areas that get only ~4–5 hours of direct sun or dappled light. In fact, Emerald was one of the more shade-tolerant lawn grasses available in the mid-20th century, and it’s still used in landscapes that are too shady for bermudagrass. That said, Emerald does need some sun; dense full shade (less than 4 hours of light) will thin it out over time (in deep shade, consider a shade-tolerant St. Augustine instead). Cold tolerance is one area where Emerald shines compared to some newer ultra-fine zoysias. Emerald was bred in Tifton, Georgia for improved winter hardiness. It can tolerate colder winters, making it suitable not just in Florida but up into the transition zone. In North Florida, Emerald will go dormant (brown) after hard frosts, similar to other zoysias, but it has a lower risk of winterkill (cold damage) than many finer varieties like Zeon or Zorro. This wider climate adaptation means Emerald can be used throughout Florida – from Miami (where it stays green year-round except rare cold snaps) to Jacksonville (where it will brown off in winter but bounce back in spring).
Drought & Water: Like most zoysias, Emerald survives drought by going dormant relatively quickly. Its fine leaves may start to wilt or brown a bit sooner than coarser types under dry conditions, but once dormant it can hold on until rainfall returns. We consider Emerald’s drought tolerance to be good, but perhaps not quite as robust as coarse types like Palisades. Because Emerald’s leaf blades are thin, the lawn might look straw-brown faster in a drought; however, the grass is still alive at the crown and root level, ready to recover. Regular irrigation during extended drought will keep Emerald green and attractive (about 0.5–0.75 inches of water per application as needed is ideal). Be careful not to overwater, though – Emerald’s dense thatch and canopy can predispose it to fungal issues if kept too wet.
Pests & Diseases: Large patch disease is the Achilles’ heel of Emerald (as with nearly all zoysias in Florida). Its dense, thatch-prone growth is unfortunately a good host for the Rhizoctonia fungus, especially in the cool, moist conditions of spring and fall. Emerald lawns can develop circular or irregular brown patches (from a few feet to several yards wide) in those seasons. Preventive fungicide treatments and proper cultural practices (e.g. not overwatering, mowing at recommended height, moderate fertilization) can help manage large patch. Emerald also can get dollar spot fungus (small bleached spots) if kept too low or under-fertilized, though this is more common on golf-course maintained zoysia than home lawns. Insect-wise, Emerald may actually have a slight advantage: fine-bladed zoysias have shown more resistance to hunting billbugs compared to coarse types. In a research test, fine varieties like ‘Diamond’ and ‘Zorro’ had significantly less billbug damage than coarse ones like Meyer or Palisades. Emerald, being fine-textured and dense, likely falls on the more resistant side of that spectrum (though it wasn’t specifically tested in that study). Still, billbugs and other lawn pests (webworms, grubs) can attack Emerald, so stay vigilant. Also, note that Emerald is not tolerant of chinch bugs – while chinch bugs prefer St. Augustine, if St. Augustine isn’t around, they can feed on zoysia (though this is relatively uncommon). Nematodes could potentially be an issue in sandy soils, but Emerald’s extensive root system sometimes withstands them better than the less-rooted grasses (no zoysia is immune, however).
Mowing & Care: To keep Emerald looking like the showcase lawn it was bred to be, proper mowing is critical. Emerald thrives when mowed at a lower height: ~1 to 2 inches. Ideally, a sharp reel mower set around 0.75–1.5″ gives the best appearance – yielding a tight, golf fairway-like turf. Many homeowners maintain Emerald with a rotary mower around 1.5″ and still get good results, but the blades must be kept sharp due to Emerald’s wiry leaf texture (zoysia’s higher silica content can dull mower blades quickly). Plan to mow at least once a week in the growing season. Emerald’s vertical growth is slow, but because it’s usually kept short, even small growth can make it look shaggy if you wait too long. Never remove more than 1/3 of the leaf blade at a time – Emerald does not respond well to being scalped; it can be slow to recover. Thatch management is important: Emerald tends to accumulate a puffy thatch layer over time, which can interfere with mowing and water penetration. If the lawn starts feeling spongy underfoot, it may be time for a verticut (vertical mowing) or power rake to remove thatch. This is typically needed every couple of years under high maintenance. Dethatching Emerald in late spring (around the time it’s fully green) allows it to recover quickly.
Summary: Emerald Zoysia remains a top choice for a fine-textured lawn in Florida. It provides an elegant, dense turf that few other grasses can match in appearance. It’s best suited for homeowners willing to put in a bit more maintenance – regular mowing, watchful watering, and disease monitoring – to keep it in peak form. In return, Emerald offers good shade tolerance and cold-hardiness relative to other zoysias. If you want that “country club” lawn and are prepared to care for it, Emerald could be an excellent option.
Zeon Zoysia (Zoysia matrella ‘Zeon’)
Zeon Zoysia is a newer fine-textured zoysia that gained fame for its use on high-profile projects (for example, it was the turfgrass for the golf course in the 2016 Olympics in Brazil). It has been marketed as an upgrade over Emerald, with a similar fine leaf but reportedly fewer pest problems and no need for reel mowing (in theory). Zeon originated from selections of Zoysia matrella. In many regions of the southern U.S., Zeon has become a very popular premium lawn choice. However, Florida’s experience with Zeon has been mixed – our climate poses some challenges for it.
Zeon forms a very dense, soft lawn with a vibrant medium-green color. Its blades are slightly wider than Emerald’s, but still much finer than Empire or St. Augustine. Touching a Zeon lawn, it feels almost silky due to the fineness of the leaf. It has a reputation for excellent shade tolerance among warm-season grasses. Indeed, Zeon can handle areas with 4–5 hours of filtered sun. Many consider Zeon one of the most shade-tolerant zoysia varieties (along with others like Zorro and Leisure Time). This makes it appealing for yards with big oak trees or those partially shaded by structures – situations where bermudagrass would fail. In Florida, Zeon will generally do well in light shade to full sun – just remember that more sun means a faster spread and thicker turf.
Now the caveat: UF/IFAS notes that Zeon is “not as well adapted to Florida” as some other cultivars. All three of the fine-textured zoysias popular elsewhere – Zeon, Zorro, and Geo – have limited availability in Florida and haven’t performed as strongly in Florida trials. Why might that be? One issue is disease pressure. Zeon, like its fine-textured cousins, is prone to certain fungi in our humid climate. Large patch disease is a problem (as it is for most zoysia), and Zeon may also get dollar spot under low fertility. Homeowners who don’t keep up with fertilization might see small brown spots (dollar spot) in a Zeon lawn, although this is usually cosmetic and can be resolved with proper feeding or a fungicide. Another factor is that Zeon was bred and tested in places like Georgia and Texas; in Florida’s hotter, more humid environment (especially South Florida), it might face more stress from year-round pathogens or different soil conditions. In essence, Zeon can be used in Florida lawns, but it hasn’t surpassed the more tried-and-true varieties in popularity because it may require more attentive care to look its best here.
Drought & Maintenance: Zeon’s drought tolerance is comparable to other zoysias – which is to say, it’s quite drought tolerant but survives by browning out. Anecdotally, some turf experts feel that the coarse zoysias (like Empire) hang on slightly better in prolonged drought than the ultra-fines like Zeon, but differences are minor when all are unwatered for weeks (all will go dormant). Zeon, once established, has a deep root system and will recover when rain returns. It also greens up quickly with irrigation after a dry spell. When it comes to mowing, Zeon is often advertised as being manageable with a rotary mower (unlike Emerald which truly prefers a reel). This is true – you can maintain Zeon at ~1.5–2 inches with a good rotary mower and get an attractive lawn. Its recommended range is about 0.5″ up to 2″ mowing height. For a home lawn, 1–2″ is a sweet spot. Keeping the height on the higher end (around 2″) can actually help Zeon’s drought and shade performance a bit, as it leaves more leaf area for photosynthesis. Mow Zeon regularly; don’t let it get over 3″ tall or it will get puffy and then scalping can occur when you cut it back down. Its vertical growth rate is moderate (faster than Emerald, slower than Empire).
Pests: One of the selling points of Zeon is that it was selected in part for improved pest resistance. In practice, Zeon does seem less susceptible to insect damage than some older types. For example, turf managers have observed less billbug damage in Zeon compared to coarse zoysia – which aligns with research that fine zoysias have more billbug resistance. Zeon’s dense turf might also deter some weeds and insects simply by its thickness. That said, Zeon is not immune to pests. Webworms and armyworms will happily munch on it if given the chance, and soil insects like grubs will eat the roots if present. Vigilance is still needed, but you might catch a break with slightly fewer issues. Nematodes can attack Zeon as well, though there isn’t specific data on whether Zeon tolerates them better or worse than others (usually, zoysias in general can suffer from nematodes in Florida). If a Zeon lawn starts to thin or decline for no obvious reason, a nematode assay might be worthwhile.
Availability: Because Zeon is a patented variety (developed by Blade Runner Farms and released in the early 2000s), it is grown by licensed sod producers. In Florida, availability is limited. You may need to seek out a specialty sod farm or distributor to purchase Zeon sod or plugs. It might also be slightly more expensive than Empire due to licensing fees and less volume grown. This is something to consider – if you can’t easily obtain or replace Zeon sod in your area, maintenance becomes even more critical (to avoid having to patch with a different grass).
Summary: Zeon is a gorgeous fine zoysia that can create a showcase lawn in Florida, especially in yards with some shade where other grasses struggle. It offers a combination of shade tolerance and beauty, and tends to have decent pest resistance. The downside is that it may need a bit of extra care in Florida to prevent disease, and sourcing the sod could be a challenge. If you’re prepared to manage a fine zoysia and have access to it, Zeon could reward you with one of the most attractive lawns on the block. Just go into it knowing it’s a relative newcomer to Florida and keep an eye out for those patch diseases. Many people love the look of Zeon – it’s about as close as you can get to a “luxury” lawn grass.
Innovation Zoysia (Hybrid Z. japonica × Z. matrella ‘Innovation’)
Innovation Zoysia is a new hybrid zoysia cultivar that was jointly developed by Texas A&M University and Kansas State University, released in 2017. As its pedigree suggests, it’s a cross between a Zoysia matrella (fine-bladed type) and a cold-tolerant Zoysia japonica. The goal was to produce a zoysia with finer texture that could also survive colder climates better than existing varieties. Innovation has been promoted for use in the upper transition zone (areas like the Midwest) due to its improved cold hardiness.
In Florida, Innovation is still very new and somewhat unproven. At the time of its release, turf experts noted that “very little is known about its performance in Florida or disease responses” and it had limited availability here. As of a few years later (mid-2020s), some Florida sod farms have begun growing Innovation, but it’s not yet widespread.
Appearance & Growth: Innovation’s appearance is intermediate between a classic japonica like Meyer and a fine matrella. Its leaf texture is described as medium-fine – a bit finer than Empire or Meyer, but not as threadlike as Zeon. The color is typically a rich green similar to other zoysias. It forms a dense turf, though perhaps not quite as dense as the ultra-fine varieties. Mowing height for Innovation would be around 1–2 inches (similar to Meyer zoysia) – low enough to look neat, but not so low that you must have special equipment. It can be mowed with a rotary mower without issue. Innovation’s growth rate is moderate; reports indicate it establishes faster than Emerald but maybe not as fast as Empire. It spreads by stolons and rhizomes, filling in to make a uniform lawn given time.
Climate Tolerance: The standout feature of Innovation is its winter hardiness. In research trials outside Florida, Innovation stayed green longer into the fall and greened up earlier in spring than other zoysias, thanks to its cold-tolerant breeding. It can survive winter conditions that would harm or kill many finer zoysias. For Florida homeowners, this cold tolerance isn’t a huge selling point except perhaps in the far north of the state. In north Florida (Jacksonville, Panhandle), Innovation might retain color a bit longer in fall and recover faster after frosts, compared to, say, Empire. But in Central and South Florida, winter hardiness is a minor factor (since freezes are infrequent or very brief). Shade tolerance of Innovation is said to be slightly better than the typical Z. japonica cultivar but not as good as the fine Z. matrella types. In practical terms, that means Innovation should do fine with maybe 5–6 hours of sun (so a bit of partial shade is okay), but it’s not intended as a heavy shade grass. You’d still want mostly sunny conditions to get the best from it. Drought tolerance for Innovation hasn’t been extensively quantified in Florida. Given its parentage, it likely has good drought survival (going dormant during long dry spells, then recovering). We can reasonably assume it’s on par with Empire or Meyer in drought performance – needing supplemental irrigation in extended drought to stay green, but able to persist through dry periods by dormancy.
Pest & Disease: Because Innovation is new, we’re still learning about its pest and disease profile. It was noted for improved overall disease resistance in its initial testing outside Florida, but we lack Florida-specific data. We do know that large patch can affect virtually all zoysiagrasses, so it would be wise to watch for it in Innovation as well until proven otherwise. There isn’t evidence yet that Innovation is immune to large patch (CitraZoy and Icon are the only ones so far with reported large patch resistance). As for insects, no specific resistances have been publicized. It’s probably susceptible to the usual suspects: billbugs, armyworms, etc., similar to other zoysias. On the plus side, any healthy zoysia (Innovation included) will naturally resist weeds by its thick growth, and possibly some pests like mole crickets might prefer other grasses over zoysia. It’s worth noting that because Innovation is a hybrid of matrella×japonica, it might inherit some pest resistance from each side – but that remains to be confirmed in practice.
Availability: As of now, finding Innovation sod might require contacting specialty sod growers. In Florida, only a few farms have started growing it (often under license due to it being a recent release). If you’re interested in it, check if your local sod farm carries it or can order it. Limited availability can also mean it may cost a bit more than common varieties.
Summary: Innovation Zoysia is a promising new cultivar that could become more important in the future, especially for areas with cooler winters. For Florida lawns, it’s an option to consider if you’re looking for a medium-fine grass that bridges the gap between coarse and ultra-fine zoysias. It should provide a nice balance of cold tolerance and a finer texture. Just keep in mind that it’s still somewhat experimental in Florida – we’re still gathering data on how well it handles our pests, diseases, and year-round growing season. If you’re an early adopter type and have had issues with other zoysias, you might try Innovation. Otherwise, many homeowners continue to choose the more established cultivars until Innovation proves itself further.
JaMur Zoysia (Zoysia japonica ‘JaMur’)
JaMur Zoysia is another popular Zoysia japonica cultivar that has gained a foothold in Florida. It is a medium-coarse textured grass – not as coarse as Empire, but not fine like Emerald. Many describe JaMur’s feel as plush and its color as a very attractive medium-to-dark green. JaMur was developed in Texas and has been marketed as a homeowner-friendly zoysia with good performance and lower input needs.
One of JaMur’s strong suits is its ability to establish and grow vigorously. It has an excellent rate of establishment, spreading relatively quickly by zoysia standards. This means if you sod or plug JaMur, it will fill in faster than slower-growing varieties. Its growth habit is dense and horizontal, similar to Empire, which results in a thick turf that competes well with weeds once full coverage is achieved.
Shade & Sun: JaMur does well in full sun and also tolerates moderate shade. It’s reported to perform admirably in areas with partial shade (for example, under the light shade of pine trees or the north side of a house with a few hours of direct sun). UF/IFAS notes that JaMur “does well in moderate shade”, which for a zoysia indicates perhaps needing ~5 hours of sun. This puts its shade tolerance on par with Empire and better than older Meyer zoysia. So, JaMur can be a good choice if your yard has a mix of sun and some shade.
Drought & Water: JaMur’s drought tolerance is good. It hasn’t been singled out as exceptional in drought (like Palisades has), but as a warm-season grass with decent rooting, it can handle typical dry spells. It will go dormant in severe drought to conserve moisture, then recover when watered. Its faster growth might mean it responds quickly after rain. Routine irrigation during Florida’s dry spring or winter can keep JaMur green – about once a week deep watering (if no rain) is usually sufficient.
Mowing: A nice feature of JaMur is that it can be mowed with a standard rotary mower and still look great. The recommended mowing height is around 1.5–2 inches, similar to Empire. Because JaMur has a dense, medium texture, mowing at the higher end of this range (2″) can help it maintain vigor in partial shade. It should be mowed once a week during the growing season. Users often remark that JaMur produces fewer stringy seedheads than some other zoysias, which means the lawn looks neater between cuts (zoysia will sometimes send up thin seed stalks that can make the lawn look scruffy; JaMur seems to do that less). Always mow with sharp blades – JaMur’s leaves, like all zoysias, are a bit tough and can fray if the mower blade is dull, resulting in a brownish cast on the leaf tips.
Pests & Diseases: Large patch disease has been observed in JaMur (no surprise, as virtually all zoysias except a couple of the newest ones are susceptible). Homeowners should treat JaMur similar to Empire in that regard: don’t over-water in spring/fall and consider a preventive fungicide if large patch has been active in the past. Other than large patch, JaMur has not shown unusual disease issues. It has a good disease resistance profile overall – meaning it isn’t particularly known for dollar spot or leaf spot in normal lawn care regimes. On the insect side, expect similar vulnerabilities as Empire: watch for hunting billbugs, especially in spring or if you notice scattered dead patches that can be pulled up easily (a sign of billbug larvae eating roots). Some Texas reports suggest JaMur might have slightly fewer insect problems than Meyer, but it’s not immune. Chinch bugs are rarely an issue in zoysia, JaMur included. Nematodes can affect JaMur too, but with its relatively robust growth, it might tolerate mild nematode presence better by outgrowing minor root damage. In heavy infestations, however, any zoysia can suffer.
Summary: JaMur is often chosen by homeowners who want the look of a zoysia lawn but perhaps a bit less fuss than the ultra-fine types. It has a beautiful color, does fine with normal lawn care practices, and can thrive across Florida (it’s used from the Panhandle down through South Florida). JaMur fills in quickly and can handle some shade, making it a versatile choice. Just remember that “less fuss” doesn’t mean “no fuss” – you still need to mow, water, and watch for fungus in those damp spring/fall periods. If you do that, JaMur can reward you with a thick, luxurious lawn that neighbors might mistake for St. Augustine at first glance (until they step on it and feel that soft zoysia texture!).
Palisades Zoysia (Zoysia japonica ‘Palisades’)
Palisades Zoysia is a coarse-textured zoysia cultivar developed by Texas A&M and released in 1996. It is known for its tall, upright growth habit relative to other zoysias. The leaf blades of Palisades are similar in width to Empire’s, but Palisades tends to grow more vertically, which can give it a slightly more open appearance if not mowed regularly. This upright nature, however, comes with some benefits: Palisades has been recognized for its excellent drought tolerance and fast growth.
Drought Tolerance: Drought resilience is where Palisades really stands out. It has been noted for “excellent drought tolerance” in trials, meaning it can withstand dry conditions better than many other zoysia varieties. Palisades develops deep roots and can go longer between waterings. In practical terms, a Palisades lawn might stay greener a bit longer into a drought before going dormant, and recover faster once water is available again. It was actually bred in Texas with low irrigation input in mind. For Florida homeowners in areas with watering restrictions or in sandy soils that dry quickly, Palisades is a smart choice. It won’t magically stay lush green in a severe drought without any water, but it will persist and bounce back readily – important for maintaining ground cover through our occasional Florida droughts.
Shade & Uses: Palisades has moderate shade tolerance, roughly comparable to Empire or JaMur. It was observed to handle shade “like JaMur” in testing. So, while Palisades prefers sun, it can grow in areas with a few hours of daily shade (4–6 hours of sun needed). Its ability to grow a bit taller could actually help in shade situations (taller blades capture more light). Palisades is used not only in home lawns but also sometimes on golf course roughs or tee boxes where a hardy, dense turf is needed. It’s a versatile grass.
Mowing: Because of Palisades’ more upright growth, it can tolerate a higher cut if desired. It can be maintained anywhere from about 1.5 inches up to 3 inches. For home lawns, keeping it around 2 inches is often ideal: low enough to be dense, high enough to shade soil and resist drought. If you let Palisades grow taller (3+”), it may look a bit tuftier and you’ll need a powerful mower to cut it back down. Regular mowing (7–10 day interval) during the growing season will encourage it to thicken up. If mowed consistently, Palisades can actually look quite similar to Empire. Because Palisades can grow relatively fast (for a zoysia), be careful not to over-fertilize it – you don’t want it growing so fast that you’re mowing constantly or end up with thatch. A moderate fertilization schedule (per UF/IFAS guidelines for zoysia) is sufficient.
Pests & Diseases: In general, Palisades has good resistance to many diseases. It was noted for overall good disease resistance in Texas trials. Importantly though, like its fellow japonica types, Palisades is still susceptible to large patch disease. So, Florida homeowners must remain aware of that fungus in spring and fall. The good news is Palisades’ faster growth may help it recover from disease damage a bit faster once conditions improve. Still, consider preventative fungicides in susceptible seasons to keep large patch at bay. As for insects, Palisades does not have any special insect resistance. It is a coarse zoysia, which means hunting billbugs can be a problem (coarse zoysias had over 40% turf damage in a Florida billbug trial, compared to under 10% damage in some fine zoysias). So, like Empire, Palisades lawns should be monitored for billbug activity. If you notice small dead patches in early fall or late spring that break off easily when tugged (the “tug test”), consider treating for billbugs. Mole crickets and grubs can also affect Palisades, though mole crickets generally prefer bermuda and bahiagrass to zoysia.
Other Notes: Palisades’ fast establishment is worth emphasizing. If you need a zoysia lawn to fill in quickly (say, you’re sodding a large area and want it usable sooner, or you’re plugging and want faster coverage), Palisades is a top choice along with Empire. Within one growing season, Palisades can knit a solid lawn given proper care. It also has pretty good wear tolerance. While not used for sports fields typically, a Palisades lawn can handle active use (kids, dogs) reasonably well and recover thanks to its vigorous growth.
Summary: Palisades Zoysia is sometimes called a “workhorse” zoysia. It may not have the absolute finest texture, but it compensates with rugged drought resistance and quicker establishment. For Florida homeowners looking for a zoysia that can thrive on less water and endure the ups and downs of weather, Palisades is very attractive. Just remember that “tough” is relative – you’ll still need to guard against the usual zoysia challenges like large patch and billbugs. Palisades, Empire, and JaMur are all similar in many respects; if drought performance is your top priority, Palisades likely edges out the others. If you choose Palisades, enjoy the results and maybe the slightly less worry about dragging the sprinklers around in summer.
CitraZoy Zoysia (Hybrid ‘CitraZoy’)
CitraZoy is an exciting new zoysia cultivar developed by the University of Florida, released in 2019. As its name suggests, CitraZoy was bred and tested in Florida (the name comes from UF’s Plant Science Research unit in Citra, FL). This grass was designed specifically for Florida lawns, aiming to overcome some common zoysia issues. It is a hybrid zoysia (the result of crossing a well-adapted Z. matrella with a Z. japonica), giving it a mix of fine and coarse characteristics.
Texture & Appearance: CitraZoy has a medium-fine leaf texture, somewhat in between Meyer zoysia (medium) and the finer matrella types. Visually, it’s dense and dark green, with a soft feel underfoot. Many who see it say it looks just as good as the popular commercial varieties. One stand-out trait is its winter color retention – CitraZoy holds its green color longer into the cooler season than any other zoysia on the market. In North Florida, for example, it might stay green a few weeks longer in the fall and green up a bit earlier in spring compared to Empire or other common types. This doesn’t mean it never goes dormant (it will still brown out with hard frost or sustained cold), but it’s the best of the zoysias for staying green in borderline conditions.
Shade & Sun: UF researchers report that CitraZoy has slightly better shade tolerance than the Z. japonica cultivars (like Empire), but not as high shade tolerance as pure Z. matrella cultivars. In plain terms, that means CitraZoy can handle some shade – likely about 5 hours of sun minimum – which is pretty good and similar to Empire’s capabilities, maybe a hair better. It won’t do as well in heavy shade as something like Zeon or a shade-tolerant St. Augustine, but it should do fine in yards with a mix of sun and light shade. Think of it as needing half a day of sun or more for ideal growth.
Drought & Root Strength: CitraZoy was selected under Florida conditions, which include periods of drought and heavy rain. It has good establishment and sod strength, meaning it roots down quickly and forms a sturdy sod that holds together (good for handling and planting). Its wear tolerance is also noted to be good, so it stands up well to foot traffic once established. While specific drought tests aren’t cited, the breeding goals for Florida likely included resilience to our frequent droughts. We can infer CitraZoy has solid drought tolerance, likely on par with Empire or better, given it has a strong root system and UF tested it in our sandy soils. It will go dormant in a drought like any zoysia, but should recover well.
Disease Resistance: One of the most impressive claims for CitraZoy is that large patch has never been observed on it in trials. This is a big deal, as large patch (the bane of zoysia lawns) is otherwise common. If CitraZoy indeed has a high resistance or immunity to large patch, that means Florida homeowners could have a zoysia lawn without the usual worry of big brown patches every spring and fall. This trait alone makes CitraZoy very appealing. It’s worth noting that while UF has not seen large patch on CitraZoy in their testing, real-world conditions might eventually reveal some cases – but so far it looks promising. CitraZoy is not completely disease-proof; it can get leaf spot (a different, usually minor disease). Leaf spot typically causes some small brown or purple speckles on leaves during stress periods, but it’s not nearly as destructive as large patch. Proper mowing and avoiding excessive fertilization usually minimizes leaf spot issues.
Pests: There isn’t specific published data on insect resistance in CitraZoy, but being a vigorous grower, it might tolerate some insect feeding better simply by regrowth. No zoysia is completely safe from billbugs or webworms, so normal monitoring is wise. If CitraZoy indeed thatches less (no mention of thatch specifically, but one might guess it could be moderate), that could reduce habitats for some pests. Importantly, since CitraZoy is a UF/IFAS release, you can expect ongoing support and information about it as it’s used in Florida – meaning if any pest issues do arise, the developers will likely address them in extension articles or management recommendations.
Availability: CitraZoy is expanding in production with a few Florida sod producers as of its release. By now (a few years post-release), it should be available through select sod farms, especially in Central and North Florida. Because it’s so new, you might have to ask around and possibly place an order in advance. The rollout of a new grass can take time as farms propagate enough stock. The good news is, being developed by UF for Florida, we can expect it to become more widely available and maybe even a standard option in the coming years.
Summary: CitraZoy is like the “next-generation” Florida zoysia – combining many of the qualities homeowners have been wanting: good shade tolerance, strong wear and establishment, lasting winter color, and notably **improved disease resistance (little to no large patch observed). If you’re looking at getting a zoysia lawn and have been scared by stories of fungicide bills or patchy lawns, CitraZoy should be on your shortlist. It offers the chance for a more low-maintenance zoysia experience. Of course, basic good practices still apply (it’s not zero-care), but it could mean less chemical intervention and worry. As with any newcomer, ensure you’re getting it from a reputable source and follow UF’s maintenance guidelines as they become available for this cultivar. We might very well see CitraZoy become the Empire of tomorrow’s Florida lawns.
Icon Zoysia (Hybrid ‘Icon’)
Icon Zoysia is a unique Australian-developed zoysia hybrid that has gained attention in Florida for its toughness and coast-friendly traits. Icon is a hybrid between Zoysia macrantha (a lesser-known zoysia species native to coastal Australia) and Zoysia japonica. This parentage gives Icon some special qualities, particularly when it comes to salt tolerance and maintenance.
Texture & Appearance: Icon is a coarse-textured zoysia, similar in feel and appearance to Empire or Palisades. It has a broader leaf blade and a vigorous growth habit. If you looked at an Icon lawn and an Empire lawn side by side, they would appear quite similar – dense, medium-coarse, and deep green. Icon was bred not for fineness of leaf, but for resilience in challenging conditions.
Salt Tolerance: The hallmark of Icon is its exceptionally high salt tolerance. In fact, Icon is often promoted as one of the most salt-tolerant turfgrasses this side of seashore paspalum. Thanks to its Zoysia macrantha lineage (a species that naturally grows near beaches and salt marshes), Icon can handle salt spray, irrigation with moderately brackish water, and even occasional saltwater inundation better than virtually any other zoysia. For coastal Florida homeowners, this is a big plus. If your irrigation water has some salt or your lawn is adjacent to seawalls or tidal areas that sometimes flood, Icon might survive where other grasses (even other zoysias) would fail. UF/IFAS notes Icon’s “very high salt tolerance” explicitly. So, if you have a beachside property or along the Intracoastal with salt influence, Icon Zoysia could be the best choice among zoysias.
Growth & Thatch: Icon has an interesting trait: it produces very little thatch compared to other zoysias. Thatch is that spongy layer of undecomposed stems that many zoysias accumulate. Icon’s growth pattern and composition seem to resist thatch buildup, which means easier maintenance. Less thatch implies better infiltration of water and nutrients, and a reduced need for frequent dethatching. This also may contribute to Icon’s performance on lower fertility – it might not require as much babying with aeration or verticutting. Mowing Icon can be done at ~1.5–2.5 inches (typical for coarse zoysia). It forms a thick sod and has excellent “sod strength” (meaning when harvested, the slabs hold together firmly). That indicates a dense root system and rhizome network. Icon spreads and covers well, so it can recover from damage or wear spots effectively.
Shade & Climate: Icon’s shade tolerance is about average for a zoysia japonica type. It wasn’t specifically bred for shade, so expect it to need a fair amount of sun (6+ hours ideally, though it can survive with a bit less). We can consider it similar to Empire in shade needs. In terms of cold tolerance, Zoysia macrantha isn’t very cold-hardy, but the japonica part should give Icon reasonable cold tolerance. It’s used in the deep south and likely would be fine throughout Florida, though in the far north parts of the state it will go fully dormant and could be slightly more cold-sensitive than, say, Emerald. There haven’t been widespread reports of winter damage on Icon in Florida, so it’s probably within the normal range (safe in Central and South FL, caution in climates colder than Zone 8b).
Pests & Diseases: One of the interesting observations from UF is that large patch disease has not been seen in Icon during evaluations. This suggests Icon might have a natural resistance to that fungus, which is a huge plus similar to CitraZoy. If that holds true in real-world lawns, Icon owners might see far fewer of those ugly brown patches in spring/fall. As always, absence of observation doesn’t guarantee it can’t ever get large patch, but it’s promising. With minimal thatch, Icon also reduces the moisture-holding layer that the fungus loves, so that could be part of the resistance. On insect pests, Icon hasn’t been highlighted for any particular resistance, but its robust root system could potentially make it a bit more tolerant if nematodes or billbugs nibble – basically, there’s more plant to survive the insult. No major insect infestations have been reported uniquely on Icon to our knowledge. It would be treated similarly to Empire regarding pest control – watch for billbugs, webworms, etc., as normal. Another aspect: because Icon has such strong stolons and rhizomes (and good sod strength), it likely has good traffic tolerance and recuperative ability. If an active dog tears up a spot or a lawn party causes wear, Icon should creep back and fill in nicely when given some care.
Availability: Icon is grown by select sod farms in Florida and has good availability in Florida now. It’s not as ubiquitous as Empire, but if you inquire at sod suppliers, many carry Icon or can get it. It might be marketed under the trademark “Icon” without a number designation (since it’s a branded variety). Because of its strengths, it’s gaining popularity for coastal landscaping and commercial projects near saltwater. Homeowners are starting to catch on as well.
Summary: Icon Zoysia could be considered the “tough guy” zoysia. It handles tough conditions – salty environments, lower maintenance – that many other turfgrasses struggle with. For a Florida homeowner dealing with coastal challenges or who wants a zoysia lawn with potentially fewer fungal issues and less thatch, Icon is a top contender. It delivers a quality lawn (it’s as visually nice as Empire) with, perhaps, a bit less headache. Always match your grass choice to your site conditions: if salt is a factor, Icon might outrank all other zoysias for that niche. And even if it’s not coastal, the low-thatch, disease-resistant aspects of Icon make it a very appealing choice for Florida lawns in general.
Comparison of Zoysia Cultivars
To help summarize the characteristics of these zoysia cultivars, the table below compares their performance in key areas for Florida lawns. (Ratings are relative among zoysia types discussed.)
| Cultivar | Shade Tolerance | Drought Tolerance | Salt Tolerance | Recommended Mowing Height | Disease Susceptibility |
| Empire | Good (5–6 hrs sun) | Good | Good | 1.5–2.5″ (rotary mower) | High – prone to large patch |
| Emerald | Excellent (4–5 hrs) | Good | Moderate/Good | 1–2″ (requires sharp mower) | High – large patch & dollar spot (watch) |
| Zeon | Excellent (4 hrs) | Good | Good | 0.5–2″ (1–2″ home setting) | High – large patch (not well adapted to FL) |
| Innovation | Good (5–6 hrs) | Good | Good | 1–2″ | Unknown/Moderate (new; monitor for patch) |
| JaMur | Good (5–6 hrs) | Good | Good | 1.5–2.5″ | High – susceptible to large patch |
| Palisades | Good (5–6 hrs) | Excellent | Good | 1.5–2.5″ | High – large patch (otherwise good) |
| CitraZoy | Good (5–6 hrs) | Good | Good | 1–2″ | Low – high resistance to large patch |
| Icon | Good (5–6 hrs) | Good | Excellent | 1.5–2.5″ | Low – large patch not observed |
Notes: All zoysia cultivars listed have good to excellent wear tolerance (for home lawn use) due to their dense growth. Large patch fungus is a common issue in most zoysias, especially in spring/fall; CitraZoy and Icon are notable for showing resistance in UF tests. Hunting billbugs can be a pest in all zoysias; fine-bladed types (Emerald, Zeon) tend to have fewer issues than coarse types (Empire, Palisades). Nematodes can stress any zoysia in Florida’s sandy soils, so proper lawn care is important regardless of cultivar. Mowing heights above are typical optimal ranges – mowing at the higher end of the range can improve shade and drought tolerance, while mowing lower (with appropriate frequency) can produce a tighter look.
Tips for Choosing a Zoysia Cultivar in Florida
With several great zoysia options on the table, how do you decide which is best for your Florida lawn? Here are some considerations and recommendations:
- Sun vs. Shade: Evaluate how much sunlight your lawn gets. For shadier lawns, finer-textured zoysias like Emerald or Zeon will perform better (they tolerate more shade). If you have lots of tree cover, these might be your best bet – or you might consider a shade-loving St. Augustine instead of zoysia. For full sun yards, any cultivar will thrive; Palisades or Empire are often chosen for all-day sun, with Palisades shining in hot, dry, full-sun areas due to its drought toughness.
- Drought and Irrigation: If you’re in an area with watering restrictions or you just don’t want to irrigate much, Palisades Zoysia is known for top-tier drought tolerance. Empire and JaMur are also reliable under typical Florida drought patterns (they’ll brown out but come back). Turf tip: All zoysias will conserve water by going dormant relatively early in a drought – that’s a survival strategy. So, don’t be alarmed if your zoysia lawn turns brown during a dry spell; it will green up when rain returns. If absolute minimal irrigation is your goal, also consider bahia grass, though it has a very different appearance and maintenance profile.
- Maintenance Level: How much lawn care are you willing to do or pay for? If you desire a low-maintenance zoysia, look to cultivars bred for that. CitraZoy is emerging as a winner for lower maintenance, with built-in disease resistance (less fungicide need) and a balanced growth rate. Icon similarly could save maintenance with its low thatch and disease hardiness. Celebration (a bermuda) is sometimes pitched for lower maintenance, but within zoysia, CitraZoy and Icon are promising. Empire is often advertised as “EZ Grass” for maintenance – and indeed it has been a successful homeowner turf – just remember it still needs standard care (mowing, pest watch, etc.). If you’re very maintenance-averse, no zoysia will be as carefree as bahiagrass, but zoysia’s beauty often justifies a bit of effort.
- Pest and Disease Pressure: If your lawn has a history of fungal issues (maybe due to irrigation patterns, shade, etc.), leaning toward a cultivar like CitraZoy or Icon with better disease resistance could pay off. Likewise, if you’ve had insect troubles, consider that fine zoysias (Emerald, Zeon) have shown less billbug damage – though you might trade off some ease of maintenance. No grass is immune to pests, but matching strengths to your challenges helps. Always plan to follow UF/IFAS lawn care recommendations for zoysia – proper mowing, moderate fertilizer, and watering only as needed – this proactive approach prevents many pest and disease problems across all cultivars.
- Availability: Not every sod type is readily available in every region. Empire is widespread (most sod suppliers carry it). JaMur and Palisades are also fairly commonly grown. Zeon and Emerald might not be in stock everywhere, so you may need to seek specialty sod farms. CitraZoy is new, so availability is ramping up – check with local growers who may be part of the Florida Sod Growers Cooperative or similar. Icon is available but not as ubiquitous as Empire. It’s a good idea to call around and see what cultivars you can actually get in your area, then narrow choices accordingly. Don’t be afraid to ask sod farms about performance – often they have insight into how each does locally.
- Cost: The price of sod can vary by cultivar. New or specialty varieties (Zeon, Innovation, CitraZoy) might cost more per pallet than the “standard” ones. While cost shouldn’t be the sole factor, it’s something to budget for if you have a large lawn.
Match the grass to your conditions and care style. If you have shade and love a pristine lawn (and don’t mind mowing), a fine zoysia like Emerald or Zeon could be perfect. If you want a hardy all-round lawn for kids and pets with less input, Empire or Palisades might be better. For coastal or problem-prone yards, the newer Icon and CitraZoy offer modern improvements that can make life easier (and lawns prettier) in the long run.