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Kikuyu Grass

Cenchrus clandestinus

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Overview

Kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum) is a hardy, fast-growing turf grass, thriving in full sun to partial shade. With a deep root system, it handles foot traffic excellently, making it perfect for lawns and sports fields. Foliage reaches 4-6 inches, requiring frequent mowing in warm seasons to maintain tidiness. This aggressive spreader demands monitoring to prevent invasiveness. Ideal in USDA zones 9-11 and adapts to various soil types, provided good drainage.

Sun Full, Half, ShadeWater Extra in Summer, MediumZones 9–10Type GrassClimate Subtropical
Kikuyu Grass (Cenchrus clandestinus) — creating a thick mat that can reach heights of 4 to 6 inches if left untrimmed.<br><br>In landscape design

Culture

Sun
Full, Half, Shade
Water
Extra in Summer, Medium
USDA zones
9–10

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Grass
Family
Poaceae
Climate
Subtropical

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Photos (50)

Kikuyu Grass (Cenchrus clandestinus) — It flourishes in full sunlight but can tolerate light shade; ideal in USDA zones 9-11 and adapts to various soil types
Kikuyu Grass (Cenchrus clandestinus) — This aggressive spreader demands monitoring to prevent invasiveness; either from rainfall or supplemental watering
Kikuyu Grass (Cenchrus clandestinus) — With relatively moderate irrigation requirements
Kikuyu Grass (Cenchrus clandestinus) — or Pennisetum clandestinum; this species is cold-sensitive and thrives best in hardiness zones 10 through 11
Kikuyu Grass (Cenchrus clandestinus) — to maintain its vigor and lush appearance.<br><br>Choosing Kikuyu for your landscape guarantees a resilient
Kikuyu Grass (Cenchrus clandestinus) — thriving in full sun to partial shade; it flourishes in full sunlight but can tolerate light shade
Cenchrus clandestinus
Cenchrus clandestinus
Cenchrus clandestinus
Cenchrus clandestinus
Cenchrus clandestinus
Cenchrus clandestinus
Cenchrus clandestinus
Cenchrus clandestinus
Cenchrus clandestinus
Cenchrus clandestinus
Cenchrus clandestinus
Cenchrus clandestinus
Cenchrus clandestinus
Cenchrus clandestinus
Cenchrus clandestinus
Cenchrus clandestinus
Cenchrus clandestinus
Cenchrus clandestinus

Photograph: Forest and Kim Starr, CC BY 3.0 us · source

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