Bradenton & Sarasota
Venice, Englewood & North Port
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St. Augustine grass is one of the most popular varieties of lawn grass in Florida, but several cultivars of it are worth considering. One of those lesser-known varieties is Bitter Blue St. Augustine grass. With a slightly different color and feel than some of the other varieties, Bitter Blue can lend a unique look to your lawn. This variety can also thrive in areas that some of its cousins can’t, so follow along if you want to learn more!
Bitter Blue
Created in the 1930s, Bitter Blue St. Augustine grass is a warm-season perennial grass that can be found in most parts of Florida, except for the Keys and parts of northern Florida. If you’re looking for a lawn that will thrive in both shade and warmth, Bitter Blue is the right choice for you. This variety of St. Augustine grass is also perfect for homeowners who want to plant their lawns in areas where other types may not thrive.
Bitter Blue has some nice qualities that make it a good variety to grow in areas where other types may not work as well: it can handle less sunlight than other varieties of St. Augustine, it has an attractive color, and it’s remarkably drought and cold-resistant.
The Look
Bitter Blue has narrow leaves that are bluish-green in color, making it one of the darkest varieties available. It has an upright growth habit and forms a fine but dense turf that tolerates heat and traffic well. Bitter Blue is an excellent choice for homeowners who want a low-maintenance lawn or those who want something that requires less water than other types of St. Augustine grasses do. However, it’s important to note that Bitter Blue can get damaged by cold snaps, though it does better than many of the other varieties. Keeping it properly cared for is the best way to keep your lawn looking pretty.
The Care Process
When it comes to caring for your St. Augustine Bitter Blue grass, there are a few key things to keep in mind. While being relatively low maintenance, you do still need to look after it to keep it lush and healthy.
Trimming
Due to the dense nature of this grass, the mowing schedule should be adjusted based on growth. You should keep this cultivar of grass mowed to around 3-4 inches to keep it at its healthiest. Keep in mind that Bitter Blue isn’t very tolerant of most weed chemicals, so that does present its own challenges to keeping your yard pretty. Try to avoid leaving too much of the clippings out, as that can cause thatch buildup.
Watering
Watering Bitter Blue is easy. This grass only needs to be watered as needed, due to its deep roots. Keep an eye out for wilting, because that will tell you that it’s time for a little bit of water. You really only need about ¾ of an inch at a time for this type of grass.
Bugs and Disease
Just like many of its cousins, Bitter Blue is open to attack by critters like chinch bugs and mole crickets. It also is susceptible to fungal infections. Proper use of fungicides and pest control are the best ways to handle this.
St. Augustine Bitter Blue grass is a beautiful option for those Florida homeowners who have a bit of shade in their lawn but still want their grass to look thick and pretty. One thing to keep in mind is that this cultivar of grass is only available from a few sod growers, due to its inability to handle most weed chemicals. Maintaining your Bitter Blue lawn isn’t hard, so enjoy it!
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