Kikuyu Grass in New Zealand
warm-season
Kikuyu thrives in Auckland and Northland. While used intentionally in some warm NZ lawns, it is considered invasive in many areas. Fast-growing and very hard to eradicate.
About Kikuyu Grass in New Zealand
Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) holds a unique status in New Zealand — north of Taupo it’s treated as a lawn grass, south of Taupo it’s classified as an invasive weed. This tropical-African grass arrived via pasture seed in the mid-20th century and has spread aggressively across warm north-island regions. Auckland and Northland homeowners often find themselves with Kikuyu whether they planted it or not, as stolons invade from neighbouring properties. Kikuyu is extraordinarily hard-wearing and drought-tolerant, making it popular for high-traffic family lawns in warm regions despite its invasive reputation. In cooler regions Kikuyu rarely establishes and can be ignored as a problem grass. Kikuyu spreads via three mechanisms — above-ground stolons, below-ground rhizomes, and seed — making it capable of invading a neighbour’s garden through fence boundaries even when kept mown on your side, so boundary edging and barrier maintenance is an ongoing task. Auckland Council and several north-island councils classify Kikuyu as a nuisance species in natural and bush reserves; homeowners bordering a reserve, gully, or significant native planting should install a physical root barrier to avoid contributing to wider ecological impact.
Characteristics
Kikuyu Grass is best maintained at 25–50mm in NZ conditions. Drought tolerance is rated very good and shade tolerance low, with wear tolerance excellent. Maintenance level is high — very fast growing. Winter colour: yellow/brown (semi-dormant below 10°c).
Seasonal Care Calendar
spring
Kikuyu wakes late — September in Auckland, October in Waikato. First mow when green growth is clearly visible. Apply spring fertiliser in October. If managing Kikuyu invasion of a Ryegrass lawn, treat invasion points NOW before summer spread.
summer
Kikuyu’s peak growth. Mow weekly at 25–50mm — Kikuyu tolerates very close cutting. No irrigation needed — Kikuyu’s drought tolerance is excellent. Edge garden beds regularly to prevent Kikuyu stolons invading.
autumn
March is the final effective Kikuyu treatment window for homeowners managing invasion. After April, Kikuyu slows and herbicide uptake drops sharply. Apply autumn feed to Kikuyu lawns in April.
winter
Kikuyu goes semi-dormant below 10°C — yellow-brown appearance is normal, not dead. No maintenance needed. Kikuyu recovers rapidly when September temperatures return.
Weed & Pest Watch
Ironically, the biggest weed IN a Kikuyu lawn is broadleaf weeds — Kikuyu itself suppresses most grasses but does little against dandelion, clover, and buttercup. Apply selective herbicide (Kiwicare Lawn Weeder) on warm days for broadleaf control. Grass grub can affect Kikuyu but less visibly than Ryegrass due to the dense stolon network. The primary ‘pest’ issue for Kikuyu is its own invasiveness — it will spread into neighbouring gardens and be viewed as a weed by others. The other ironic threat in Kikuyu lawns is Onehunga pear weed (Soliva sessilis) — a prickly annual broadleaf that germinates in cool wet winter conditions precisely when Kikuyu has gone semi-dormant and cannot outcompete it, leaving painful seed spikes across the lawn by spring. Apply a selective broadleaf herbicide like Kiwicare Lawn Weed Weapon in late autumn before Kikuyu goes fully dormant; do not apply in summer heat, as the herbicide can burn warm-season grass when it is actively growing.
Common Varieties in NZ
- Common Kikuyu
- Kenda
Best Climate Zones for Kikuyu Grass
Kikuyu thrives in Auckland and Northland. Many homeowners embrace it as a hard-wearing lawn grass. Managing its spread into garden beds is a year-round task.
Waikato & Bay of PlentyWaikato, Bay of PlentyKikuyu also thrives in Waikato and Bay of Plenty. Inland Hamilton winters slow it more than coastal Tauranga.
Cities Where Kikuyu Grass Thrives
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kikuyu Grass good for NZ lawns?
Controversial in NZ — used as a lawn grass in warm northern regions but a serious invasive weed in cooler areas and gardens. Auckland homeowners often either embrace it or spend years trying to eliminate it.
What mowing height for Kikuyu Grass in NZ?
Maintain Kikuyu Grass at 25–50mm in NZ conditions. Raise height in summer during dry spells. Never remove more than one-third of the blade.
How shade-tolerant is Kikuyu Grass?
Kikuyu Grass shade tolerance: Low. Best suited to full sun positions.
How wear-resistant is Kikuyu Grass?
Kikuyu Grass wear tolerance: Excellent. Ideal for family lawns and play areas.
Where can I buy Kikuyu Grass seed in NZ?
Kikuyu Grass seed is available from Mitre 10, Bunnings Warehouse, and specialist NZ lawn seed suppliers like Turfmaster and Lawn Solutions NZ. Look for named varieties: Common Kikuyu, Kenda.