Kikuyu and Durban grass are popular turf grasses used in diverse settings. When choosing between the two grasses, it is best to look at their similarities and differences to help you decide the best turf for your landscape.
In this article, we’ll explore both their similarities and differences. But first, let’s get a brief description of each grass.
What is Kikuyu Grass?
Kikuyu grass (Cenchrus clandestinus) is a perennial grass that grows up to 15 cm tall. It grows well in moist soils but can also thrive in dry conditions due to its extensive root system.
It has high pest and weed resistance, making it a popular turf for sports fields, residential and commercial lawns, public parks, and grazing. Kikuyu grass has been bred to produce various varieties that can thrive in diverse climates including Kenda, Whittet, Village Green, and Zulu.
What is Durban Grass?
Durban Grass (Dactyloctenium australe), also known as smother grass is a fine-textured perennial grass that grows well in shaded areas but can also thrive in full sun.
It is a low-maintenance grass that’s highly resistant to drought and pests. It is commonly used as ground cover for residential lawns, parks, and gardens.
Similarities Between Kikuyu and Durban Grass
Kikuyu and Durban grass may be popular turf grasses worldwide due to their hardy nature. But what other similarities do the two grasses share?
Let’s examine their key similarities:
Warm Season Grasses
Kikuyu and Durban grass are both warm-season grasses. This means they thrive during the warmer months, providing dense coverage and a lush appearance.
In the colder months, they become dormant, conserving energy for quick recovery in the next warm season.
Soil Adaptability and Drought Resistance
While both grasses prefer moderately to well-drained soils, they are generally versatile and can tolerate many soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils. They can also withstand low fertility soils and moderate salinity levels with their ideal soil pH between 5.5 and 7.0.
Kikuyu and Durban grass have moderate to good drought resistance, making them suitable for areas with irregular rainfall. Additionally, their ability to survive dry conditions makes them some of the best turf for low-maintenance landscapes.
Pest and Disease Resistance
Pest and disease pose a big challenge for many turf grasses. However, both grasses exhibit good resistance to common pests and diseases like mites, aphids, and leaf spot. This makes them reliable choices for healthy low-maintenance lawns.
Growing the grasses in ideal conditions and maintaining them by mowing, watering, and fertilizing can further enhance their pest and disease resistance.
Kikuyu vs Durban Grass: The Differences
Kikuyu and Durban grass share several similarities; they are both warm-season grasses popular in subtropical and tropical climates.
While both grasses are used for lawns, sports fields, and parks, they differ in certain areas including appearance, growth habits, maintenance requirements, and invasiveness.
Appearance
Kikuyu grass is bright green, with an upright growth that forms a lush vibrant appearance. The leaves can turn slightly yellow during dormancy or when the grass receives low sunlight. The texture of the leaves is medium to coarse and creates a dense coverage that suppresses weeds effectively.
Durban grass may appear slightly lighter green than Kikuyu grass and has generally finer leaf texture, creating a softer feel underfoot. It typically has prostate growth and forms a less dense coverage, allowing for a more casual lawn look.
Growth Habits
Kikuyu grass is known for its aggressive and fast growth. It spreads through stolons (above-ground runners) and rhizomes (underground runners), allowing it to cover large areas and recover from wear quickly.
Durban grass spreads mainly through stolons and is less aggressive than Kikuyu. It forms a softer and more open turf for lower-maintenance areas like residential lawns and parks.
Shade Tolerance
Kikuyu grass has low to moderate shade tolerance. While it prefers full sunlight, it can survive in areas with about 30% shade. However, it may thin out in such dismal conditions and become less competitive against weeds.
Durban grass has superior shade tolerance. It can thrive in areas with partial or dappled shade, making it one of the best options for shaded gardens or lawns.
Maintenance
Due to its rapid growth, Kikuyu grass may require frequent mowing to keep it at a good length. It also needs regular watering and fertilization to maintain its lush appearance.
Durban grass is slow-growing and generally requires lower maintenance compared to Kikuyu. It thrives with moderate watering and fertilization and requires less frequent mowing.
Invasiveness
As we’ve observed, Kikuyu grass experiences rapid and aggressive growth. Therefore, it is highly invasive and can spread into gardens, flower beds, and neighboring properties. Monitoring and proper edging are required for effective control.
Durban grass is less invasive and easier to manage and hence more preferred for home gardens.
Lead Editor for Insight Weeds.