For many Australian gardeners, the name “Kikuyu” evokes a mix of admiration and dread. This hardy African grass, once hailed as the solution to drought-prone lawns, has become both the hero and villain of countless backyard sagas.
Known for its lush green carpet and ability to withstand everything from scorching summers to overzealous soccer matches, Kikuyu grass has earned its place in the Australian landscape. But like any good drama, this grass comes with its own plot twists.
In a recent Reddit thread, gardeners from across the country shared their Kikuyu chronicles, revealing a complex relationship with this persistent plant.
From tales of unstoppable runners breaching concrete barriers to nostalgic memories of childhood somersaults on springy lawns, the discussion painted a vivid picture of Kikuyu’s impact on Australian garden culture.
The Kikuyu Conundrum
Kikuyu grass, scientifically known as Pennisetum clandestinum, is a popular lawn choice due to its drought resistance and ability to withstand heavy foot traffic. However, its vigorous growth habit has many gardeners feeling like they’re fighting a losing battle.
“Kikuyu is my master. All hail the triffids,” one Redditor joked, comparing the grass to fictional carnivorous plants. Another user chimed in, “It’s kikuyu, nature’s way of getting grass across a four lane highway using only a crack in the asphalt.”
Kikuyu grass, native to East Africa, has become a common sight in Australian lawns and pastures. Here’s what you need to know about this resilient plant:
Growth Habit: Kikuyu is a stoloniferous grass, meaning it spreads via above-ground runners called stolons. As one Redditor explained, “The things it runs on are called stolons. Kikuyu will climb trees 6 ft easy.”
Root System: The grass has an extensive root system that can reach depths of 10-12 inches. “The stolons can be 10-12 inches deep running through soil,” shared a knowledgeable user.
Adaptability: Kikuyu thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It’s known for its drought tolerance and quick recovery after wear and tear.
Maintenance: Regular mowing is crucial to keep Kikuyu in check. One user advised, “Better to mow it weekly/fortnightly but leave it the highest length possible.”
Invasive Potential: While excellent for erosion control, Kikuyu’s aggressive growth can make it a nuisance. “In gardens, get the end and chase it back to the source. Pull it up. Don’t leave little bits of stolon in the ground as they’ll re-sprout,” warned a Redditor.
The Love-Hate Relationship
While some gardeners view Kikuyu as the bane of their existence, others have learned to embrace its resilience. “Actually like mine. I cut it on high setting,” shared one user.
Another praised its lush feel, saying, “Great lawn can get very thick. It’s like walking on a sponge. When everyone’s lawn is dead this stuff is green as.”
However, the grass’s aggressive growth can be problematic. As one Redditor warned, “If you do neglect it, It will swallow a sidewalk without a second thought. You need to pay some attention to edges, and pull it out of fences and such.”
The Battle for Control
Many gardeners shared their strategies for managing Kikuyu, ranging from acceptance to all-out war. One user recommended, “Embrace and control it,” while another took more drastic measures: “I had my entire yard scalped about 2 ft deep and topped with roadbase… I’m going to have the entire yard done with bitumen and see if that works.”
For those looking to remove Kikuyu entirely, patience and persistence are key. One gardener shared their success story: “I once got rid of an entire backyard (about 150 sq m) infested with it. It took about 6 months and was hard work but I removed every last bit of it.”
The Kikuyu Comeback
Despite gardeners’ best efforts, Kikuyu has a knack for survival. “We have a 2 metre retaining wall between us and our neighbour and still get kikuyu shoots coming through,” one user marveled.
Another joked, “When major nuclear war destroys this planet, the only things that will survive will be Cockroaches, Kikiyu/Buffalo/Couch grass, and Keith Richards.”
Conclusion
As gardeners continue their love-hate relationship with Kikuyu grass, one thing is clear: this resilient turf isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Whether you choose to embrace its hardiness or wage war against its spread, Kikuyu remains a formidable force in the gardening world. As one Redditor wisely advised, “Accept your fate, embrace the Kikuyu, constant maintenance can contain it.”
For those still on the fence about this controversial grass, perhaps it’s best to heed the words of another user: “Let it grow then in a couple of years you can get naked and roll around in it. Trust me, nothing bad will happen.” Gardening advice doesn’t get much more Australian than that.
Based in sunny Brisbane, Linda has a keen interest in ornamental plants. She firmly believes that gardens are as much about aesthetics as they are about functionality.
Despite being a life-long gardener, she still enjoys learning about new plants and gardening techniques and sharing her discoveries with the Ultimate Backyard community.
When she's not immersed in her garden, Linda loves reading and walking.
