Floratam St. Augustine is the most drought tolerant St. Augustine for the San Antonio area, although it does not handle deep shade and extended hard freezes as well as other St. Augustine varieties. Floratam derives its name from a collaboration between Texas A&M and the University of Florida to develop a more drought tolerant variety of St. Augustine. Floratam exhibits a seasonal deep green color and may have purple stolons or “runners” during certain parts of the year. Due to its lower cold tolerance, Floratam is only available to our customers in the San Antonio area and south.
Key Points
- Drought Tolerance: The most drought-tolerant St. Augustine we offer — holds its color and density through San Antonio summers with less water once established.
- Sunlight Needs: A full-sun grass that wants 6+ hours of direct sun; it thins in deep shade, so choose Palmetto for shaded yards.
- Cold Tolerance: Lower than other St. Augustines — extended hard freezes can set it back, which is why Floratam is offered in the San Antonio area and south only.
- Texture and Growth: Vigorous and coarse-textured, with wide blades and thick stolons that root quickly and spread fast.
- Color: A seasonal deep green; the stolons ("runners") can show a purple tint at certain times of year — that's normal for Floratam.
- Disease and Insect Resistance: Developed by Texas A&M and the University of Florida as a St. Augustine Decline (SAD) virus and chinch bug resistant selection.
- Weed Resistance: Dense, aggressive growth crowds out most weeds; a pre-emergent program is still recommended.
- Mowing: Keep it at 2–3 inches and never remove more than a third of the blade; stay at the taller end in summer heat.
- Watering: Water deeply and infrequently once rooted to build the deep roots behind its drought tolerance; keep the soil moist for the first 2–3 weeks after installation.
- Fertilization: Moderate needs — a balanced seasonal program keeps it dense without pushing excess growth.
- Wear Resistance: Moderate; well suited to everyday residential use and recovers steadily given sun and water.
- Suitable Environments: Sunny residential lawns, commercial landscapes and open areas across San Antonio, Boerne, New Braunfels/Canyon Lake and points south.
