The Subtropical Drought-tolerant Grasses
If you are willing to accept a lawn that turns brown in winter consider the Bermudas, St. Augustine grass and Zoysia grasses - Three types of subtropical grasses that are very drought tolerant.
All subtropical grasses do best in warm climates. They survive temperatures down to 20 degrees F. and thrive in summer highs of 110 degrees. Fertilize all of these grasses with a high nitrogen fertilizer at least once in fall and once in winter. In summer, fertilize at 6-week intervals.
The Bermuda - These grasses need the least amount of water because of their deep roots. Plant either by sod or stolons (4-6 bushels of stolons per 1,000 sq. ft.) Mow the bermuda grass as low as possible.
St. Augustine Grass - Plant from sod, stolons ( 6 bushels/ 1,000 sq. ft., or plugs. To plant plugs from flats, use 10 flats/ 1,000 sq ft., placing 2 inch plugs in rows about 10 inches apart. Keep the ground moist until grass is established.
Zoysia Grasses - These grasses need warm nights for best growth. They are commonly planted from plugs or stolons. Allow 10-14 months for grass to fill in.
