Variegated St. Augustine Grass Stenotaphrum secundatum 'Variegatum' (v)
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as variegated St. Augustine grass features a striking appearance with leaves that blend green and white tones. These leaves are typically patterned with irregular stripes or bands, which give the plant its variegated look. This is a feature that distinguishes it from the solid green, non-variegated types of St. Augustine grass. The texture of the leaves is moderately coarse, providing a dense and lush quality to the turf or area where it grows. The blades are broad and flat, with rounded tips, and they can feel somewhat stiff to the touch. This grass type is often used for ornamental purposes in gardens and landscaping because of its unique coloration and banded pattern, which adds visual interest to the setting it inhabits.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Variegated St. Augustine Grass, Variegated Buffalo Grass.
Common names
Stenotaphrum dimidiatum (L.) Brongn., Stenotaphrum glabrum Trin., Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walter) Kuntze, Stenotaphrum secundatum var. variegatum (Loudon) Fernald.
ToxicityTo humans
St. Augustine grass is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no widespread reports of poisoning from ingesting any part of this grass in humans.
To pets
St. Augustine grass is also generally recognized as non-toxic to pets. It is commonly used in lawns and outdoor areas where pets may roam and ingest small amounts. However, ingestion of large amounts of any plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets due to the unusual material in the stomach, but St. Augustine grass itself is not known to be poisonous to pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Mixed
Height
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Grass
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Tropical Americas
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The variegated foliage adds visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it requires less water, making it suitable for dry climates and water-wise gardening.
- Erosion Control: Its robust root system helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes.
- Shade Tolerance: It can grow in shaded areas where many other plants might struggle.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for low-maintenance landscapes.
- Heat Resistance: It can tolerate high temperatures, making it suitable for warm climates.
- Tolerance to Foot Traffic: The grass is resilient to being walked on, making it a good option for lawns and play areas.
- Adaptability: It can adapt to a range of soil types, though it prefers moist, well-drained soils.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- St. Augustine grass 'Variegatum' is sometimes used in arts and crafts for its unique variegated foliage, providing an interesting texture and color to projects.
- This grass variety can be used as a living mulch in garden beds, helping to reduce weed growth and retain soil moisture.
- The dense mat of St. Augustine grass 'Variegatum' can be used for soil erosion control on slopes or in areas susceptible to wind and water erosion.
- In pet habitats, such as tortoise enclosures, this grass can be used to provide a naturalistic and comfortable substrate.
- It may serve as an indicator plant in landscaped areas, reflecting the need for watering or fertilization based on its health and appearance.
- Its sod can be utilized in soundproofing projects for both indoor and outdoor spaces due to its ability to absorb sound.
- St. Augustine grass 'Variegatum' can be used in themed gardens, such as fairy or miniature gardens, due to its dense and fine-textured appearance.
- It can be planted in strategic locations to create natural patterns or designs in a lawn, playing a role in landscape aesthetics.
- This variant of St. Augustine grass is sometimes used in educational settings to teach students about plant variegation and genetics.
- It may be employed to rehabilitate disturbed lands, such as former construction sites, by providing rapid ground cover and stability to the soil.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Variegated St. Augustine Grass is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Variegated St. Augustine Grass is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: This variety of grass, commonly known as Variegated St. Augustine Grass, is known for its robust nature and ability to rebound from environmental stress, symbolizing the capability to withstand tough conditions and bounce back.
- Adaptability: St. Augustine Grass thrives in a variety of climates and soil types, representing flexibility and the ability to prosper in different situations.
- Growth: As a grass that spreads easily to form a dense turf, it symbolizes continuous growth and expansion.
- Preservation: Often used in lawns for erosion control, it symbolizes the idea of protecting and maintaining what is valuable.
WaterVariegated St. Augustine grass should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage a strong root system. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or manual watering. During the active growing season, typically spring and summer, water once a week if there has been no rain. In cooler months, or when the grass is dormant, reduce watering to every other week. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow the foliage time to dry, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
LightVariegated St. Augustine grass thrives best in full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. Ideally, it should receive at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. If planting in a location with partial shade, ensure that it's a spot receiving bright, filtered light or morning sun, as prolonged shade can impact its growth and coloration.
TemperatureThe optimal temperature range for Variegated St. Augustine grass is between 60°F and 85°F. It can survive minimum temperatures of about 55°F, but growth will slow significantly and may go dormant. The grass is not frost-tolerant and can be damaged by temperatures below 55°F. Therefore, protection or selection of a suitable climate is necessary for its survival.
PruningPruning Variegated St. Augustine grass, commonly done through mowing, is essential to maintain health and appearance. Mow the lawn when it reaches about 3 to 4 inches in height, cutting it down to about 2 to 2.5 inches. During the rapid growth period in the warmer months, this may mean mowing approximately once a week. The best time for pruning is in the early evening when the sun is less intense, to minimize stress on the grass.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor St. Augustine grass, use a sandy loam soil with good drainage; ensure a soil pH of 5.0-7.5 for optimal growth.
RepottingSt. Augustine grass is typically not repotted as it is a spreading lawn grass used outdoors.
Humidity & MistingSt. Augustine grass thrives best in moderate to high humidity levels, consistent with its preference for warmer climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, slightly moist soil, and ample space.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, water regularly, mow to 2-3 inches.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA.
Life cycleStenotaphrum secundatum 'Variegatum', also known as variegated St. Augustine grass, begins its life as a stolon or sod, taking root when in contact with moist soil. It quickly establishes a dense mat of foliage, with its striking variegated leaves emerging as it enters the vegetative stage. Over time, the grass spreads laterally by producing new stolons, which can give rise to new plants, thus enabling the grass to cover large areas. It may produce small, inconspicuous flowers during the growing season, although it is primarily grown for its foliage and not for its blooms. With proper care, including adequate watering and periodic mowing to maintain the desired height, this perennial grass can thrive for many years. In colder climates, it may go dormant during winter, turning brown before reviving in the spring with warmer temperatures.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Stenotaphrum secundatum 'Variegatum', commonly known as Variegated St. Augustine Grass, is best propagated through division or by planting its runners, a method which is especially popular due to its simplicity and effectiveness. The ideal time for propagation is late spring to early summer when the grass is actively growing. To propagate through division, a section of the grass with roots attached is carefully cut from the main plant. This piece should have several shoots to ensure successful rooting. The separated section is then planted in a well-prepared soil bed, ensuring that the roots are adequately covered and the soil is kept moist until the plant establishes itself in its new location, usually within a few weeks. This method rapidly produces new plants that are genetically identical to the parent, maintaining the variegated characteristics of the foliage.
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