Dominant warm-season grass in zones 8–10, especially coastal South and Gulf states. The most shade-tolerant warm-season grass (handles 4–6 hrs of direct sun). Dormancy: most sensitive warm-season grass to cold; damaged by temps below -3°C; dormancy begins below 10°C. Does not recover well from hard freezes. Green-up: faster than Zoysia once temps warm. Chinch bugs are the #1 pest — monitor June–September, especially in stressed/dry areas. Mow 3–4 in (higher than other warm-season types). Water needs are higher than Bermuda or Zoysia. Take-all root rot is an increasing problem: maintain soil pH 6.0–6.5; avoid excess nitrogen. Fall prep: stop fertilizing 6–8 weeks before first frost to harden off.

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