Centipede Grass
Eremochloa ophiuroides
Often called the 'lazy man's grass,' this low-maintenance warm-season variety thrives with minimal fertilization and care. Its naturally slow growth means less mowing, while its dense, medium-textured appearance creates an attractive, uniform lawn. Perfect for homeowners who want a beautiful lawn without the high-maintenance requirements of other grass types.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
7–10
USDA hardiness
Height
1 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Centipede Grass in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 grass →Zone Map
Click a state to update dates
Centipede Grass · Zones 7–10
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Soil: Loam (Silt), Sand. Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Growth rate: Slow. Regions: Coastal, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Spikelets mature to brown
Color: Brown/Copper. Type: Caryopsis. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Bloom time: Summer
History & Origin
Origin: Asia
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Heat, Humidity
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Clover
Fixes nitrogen in soil, reducing fertilizer needs for centipede grass
Azalea
Both prefer acidic soil conditions and complement each other aesthetically
Camellia
Thrives in same acidic soil conditions and provides shade without competing heavily
Blueberry
Shares preference for acidic, well-draining soil and low-fertility conditions
Pine Trees
Pine needles naturally acidify soil, creating ideal pH for centipede grass
Sweet Woodruff
Tolerates shade under trees while centipede grass grows in sunny areas
Rhododendron
Both prefer acidic soil and low-fertility conditions
Dogwood
Provides dappled shade and leaf litter that maintains soil acidity
Keep Apart
Bermuda Grass
Aggressive spreader that outcompetes and overtakes slower-growing centipede grass
St. Augustine Grass
More vigorous growth rate crowds out centipede grass in mixed plantings
Fescue
Prefers higher fertility and different pH, creates uneven growth patterns
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good disease resistance, occasional brown patch
Common Pests
Ground pearls, nematodes, spittlebugs
Diseases
Brown patch, dollar spot (rare)