Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about Kurapia? Start here for answers to commonly asked questions. For a more complete guide, go to our support page
What is Kurapia
What is Kurapia New White?
Kurapia New White is the most sought after variety of the UC Tested, durable, low maintenance groundcover that has become a phenomenon in the United States. It's the most productive turf for an amazing lawn replacement you will love, find out more at our support page
What is Kurapia for?
Kurapia is a UC Tested, one of a kind, patented plant that can be used as a replacement for lawn, as a groundcover for areas that’s hard to maintain like slopes, and areas with challenging sunlight and heat, like between buildings are around concrete and asphalt. It’s drought tolerant quality makes it idea for a multitude of uses. To learn more, go to our support page
What is Kurapia Pink?
Kurapia Pink is the new strain that came from Japan a few years ago. With lavender blooms that fade to pink, heart shaped leaves, and a beautiful undulating pattern, it adds some durable color and style in the landscape. It's also the most drought tolerant variety of Kurapia sold!
Does it bloom?
Why yes! Our plants have a signature white or pink flowers that look a little like clover flowers, only more globular. It’s very attractive to pollinators and beneficial insects, making it good for the health of the local ecology without needing much water.
Is Kurapia a grass?
Kurapia is not a grass, it’s actually in the very hardy Verbenaceae family, which is known for deep taproots and longevity.
How is Kurapia so drought resistant?
This carefully selected plant grows deep tap roots, up to seven feet sometimes, that enables the plant to access water reserves not found in many other plants water missing except shrubs and trees. The plant forms a thick dense mat that protects soil from evaporating, unlike upright groundcovers like grass.
Can I use Kurapia at a golf course?
Sure! We have found Kurapia works great in the “Rough” areas since it can be kept low to find balls easily, and can handle the occasional swing.
How fast does Kurapia plugs grow?
Typically, you can expect full coverage if you space the plugs roughly 15 inches from each other in less than two months. Winter chill will slow this down somewhat.
How was Kurapia created?
Kurapia was created and patented after many years of selective breeding and selection in Japan.
Is Kurapia the same as Lippia or Phyla?
Absolutely not. Kurapia is very different. It doesn't go dormant in the winter, doesn't produce seeds, grows faster, and is much more durable than native Phyla nodiflora
How does Kurapia grow?
Kurapia spreads by stolons, a creeping horizontal plant stem that roots along its length to form new plants. Therefore, it keeps replenishing itself.
Can I walk on Kurapia?
Absolutely! Kurapia can handle all kinds of foot traffic and use with the exception of intense activities like sports.
Does Kurapia suppress weeds?
Once Kurapia is established, weed growth is severely diminished, due to the tight coverage of the leaves over the soil. Decreased watering helps this significantly.
Is Kurapia safe around animals?
Kurapia is a non-toxic plant, and it grows just fine if animals relieve themselves on it.
Is all Kurapia the same?
Not at all! Kurapia New White is the superior choice for tight and beautiful turf, while Pink offers a little more movement and shape which is more colorful. This has more value and quality than other company's sod that shares our name
Is this available in seed?
Kurapia is a sterile plant, meaning it will not produce seeds. This is to prevent spreading into areas you don't want it. This also means it's only available by us via plugs.
Buying Kurapia
How Can I Order Kurapia?
We sell to the everyone, including contractors, and governmental facilities. To keep costs down and quality high, we don't sell to nurseries wholesale. You can buy Kurapia on our website by using our planting calculator, or ordering directly by clicking here. For special orders and questions email us at info@kurapia.com.
Do you have a store or showroom?
Kurapia's offices are in Los Angeles, South Pasadena, and Torrance. These are offices and not retail stores or locations where you can browse and shop. It would be very expensive to open up such an operation at this time. Possibly in the future this may happen. However, you may pick up flats at our growing facility in Fresno after ordering.
How long until my order arrives?
Currently all our orders are shipped out once a week. All orders collected by Friday at 3pm go out the following week. In CA they arrive before Wednesday evening, and usually Thursday/Friday other states. For $10 we can ship on Tuesday, Thrusday, or Friday in CA instead of Wednesday. We don't have weekend or rush orders available right now.
Do you have discounts?
If you order more than 29 flats we can arrange special orders via pallets. These can be more affordable than our usual shipping costs, but they require someone to be at the location to sign off on the delivery. We also have volume discounts for more than 80 flats and 200 flats. Write to us at info@kurapia.com for more info.
Where else can you ship?
We can ship Kurapia all over the United States, but we suggest planting in USDA Zones 7b and warmer. Zone 7a works as well but the plants may go dormant in the wintertime. Anything below you can purchase at your own risk, but it may go dormant longer for a longer time. For best results, stick to Zone 7b and above. Use this link to find your zone. In areas above 9a and warmer Kurapia stays fully green all year round.
I see your number is 626, can I visit your office and pick up flats?
This is a popular question. Kurapia plugs are only grown in Fresno at this time, and we can arrange pickups in Fresno after your order. Email us at info@kurapia.com if you want to do this.
Can I order Kurapia Sod?
There currently is no growers of Kurapia New White or Kurapia Pink in Sod form. While other companies sometimes sell Kurapia Sod, it's an older and less desired variety that doesn't perform as well as and costs twice as much.
Can I order Kurapia in gallons, pots, or mud flats?
We want our customers to get the best quality product, so we only sell Kurapia New White and Pink in plugs. Other sizes are harder to control quality and consistency, and that is why we only sell from one grower in one size at this time.
Do you have a planting / landscaping service or recommendations?
We are a national company it would be very difficult to train and vet every landscaper all over the United States to merit a recommendation. This can open us up to litigation if the customer doesn't like their work. We recommend using NextDoor.com to find a landscaper
Does Kurapia have discounts for landscape professionals?
Yes we do! To unlock trade pricing, create an account here, then email us with a photo of your license or stamp, or your contractor license number to info@kurapia.com. We offer discounts to all architects, contractors, and city/state landscape services.
Do other websites sell kurapia cheaper?
Kurapia is only sold to authorized vendors who have their own customer support, and their prices echo ours. For best results, always order from us as we are the inventors, head researchers, and experts. If you see companies growing or selling our product illegally contact us at info@kurapia.com
Do you have product in stock?
We pride ourselves in always having product in stock! If there's ever a shortage it will show up on our website. We do not believe in taking your money if we don't have product available, as that's patently unethical.
Kurapia gardening questions
Is Kurapia Plugs better than Sod?
Absolutely! Sod has to have most of their roots sheared off, causing the sod to die quickly. Also the Kurapia sod is an older and outdated variety. Better value, better quality, and better longevity comes from Kurapia New White and Kurapia Pink
I haven’t planted anything in this spot, can I plant Kurapia now?
Typically if you haven’t had plants in a spot in awhile, you probably haven’t watered it either and it may have weed seeds. If this is the case, water the site thoroughly and cull all weeds that emerge before planting
What's better, Kurapia Sod vs Plugs?
Kurapia Sod is twice as much as our Kurapia New White Plugs and Kurapia Pink Plugs, and three times the shipping! Not only that, it's an obsolete variety of Kurapia we don't sell anymore. Kurapia New White and Pink works better as plugs
My site has hard, compacted soil, can I plant Kurapia now?
It’s important that you have loose, friable soil for Kurapia to grow. If this is the case, rototill with a little compost to get things loosened up. Water and wait a week or so to cull any new weeds. Kurapia spreads by growing new roots along the stems. If the roots cannot penetrate the soil then it won’t spread. Heavy, bulky mulch and decomposed granite installations can create this issue as well.
My site has existing trees, plants, and perennials I want to keep, can I plant Kurapia?
Yes! Kurapia can become part of a total landscape. Kurapia does grow well around other plants so long as they have access to full sun. If the other plants are creating shade then be prepared to trim the Kurapia from growing underneath it. Good plants are shrubs and trees with trunks that allows light through adequately.
Can I plant plugs over existing grass/plants
While this is a popular question, this is not a good idea. New plugs grow best without competition, so you should remove all existing grasses, weeds, and groundcover before installing
Is it possible to only water Kurapia weekly?
For most gardens this is absolutely possible. Keep in mind that Kurapia needs to be trained to have long roots for weekly watering to work. Be sure you look at our support guide to get more info on this.
Can I use drip irrgation?
Absolutely! We have some recommendations for planting with drop irrigation for the absolute best results, which is right here kurapia.com/dripirrigation
Can I water my Kurapia with my other plants?
Kurapia needs far less water that typical garden plants. You will find that watering Kurapia should be usually on it’s water zone, so that you don’t run the risk overwatering. Plants that will work well with Kurapia are highly drought tolerant plants such as native oaks, succulents, and desert plants. Be sure to plan for plants the either store water in it’s leaves or have deep taproots for best results.
Can I use mulch?
Not all mulches are the same. Smaller, well rotted mulches that break down quickly and keep the soil wet and free of weeds are the best. For best results use a "seed starting" mulch such as Kellogg's Topper
How do I plant my plugs?
You want to loosen up the holes so the plugs can root quickly in all directions. The easiest way is to use a 2”-3” auger, these are commonly used for planting bulbs, so may be called a bulb planter. Alternatively you can use a standard digging trowel. It’s not recommended to rototill the soil unless you have heavy compacted soil.
I have other questions
We have created a rather complete support guide that should answer just about all your questions here, but you can also send more specific questions not on the guide at info@kurapia.com
How do I take care of Kurapia?
How often do I water?
Typically, in the warm season you won’t have to water established Kurapia more than once a week or less. Installation requires you water a little more to keep the plugs wet for the first month. Watering needs to only be enough to keep the plugs wet. Monitor by feeling the soil. It feel be wet about 2 inches deep. Watering is covered more fully at our support page here.
What irrigation works best?
There’s a lot of ways to irrigate Kurapia! The best comes from low flow impact rotors, such as the Hunter MP Rotor series. You want to soak the soil and let it permeate deeply. You can use drip systems, but you’ll still want to soak the entire area for even growth, as Kurapia won’t grow in dry spots. Consider underground irrigation emitters such as Netafim poly tubing. For more watering ideas go here.
Can I used reclaimed water?
Yes! Kurapia has a very high tolerance to salinity so it works great with reclaimed and recycled water.
How do I know I’m not watering enough?
Kurapia is hard to underwater once established due to deep roots. Kurapia that is underwatered will show signs of stress as the leaves will start to shrivel then turn light beige when dead. Typically, Kurapia can be restored if the stems are still green.
How do I know if I’m watering too much?
Kurapia will first start to grow irregularly fast, with larger rounded leaves and will grow in thicker in areas where there’s more water, such as near a sprinkler head. Too much watering can increase diseases and rot. It’s always best to let Kurapia dry out between watering cycles. The deeper and more infrequent your watering, the more drought tolerant your Kurapia will become. Overwatering is the most common problem with Kurapia
How often should I mow Kurapia?
Mowing Kurapia is a great way to keep Kurapia low and compact. It encourages Kurapia to form new lateral shoots. Technically we encourage to mow once every month to get the most uniform growth.
Is there anything I can do to keep Kurapia healthy after it’s fully established?
Kurapia thrives with regular mowing and water, and occasional fertilization. Preliminary studies in multiple environments have determined that core aeration using a weighted roller works great to encourage new plants.
How do I maintain borders?
Kurapia can easily be controlled with multiple tools to keep the stems from growing into areas undesirable. On the lower end, physical edging tools like a half moon edger, a rolling sidewalk edger, or a edging attachment on a mower all work great. You can also use broadleaf weed killers to create a chemical barrier to other plants such a triclopyr or glyphosate if necessary.
Do I fertilize Kurapia?
Yes! Kurapia enjoys a low amount of fertilizer twice a year. The best results usually comes with a slow release balanced fertilizer that is either organic or timed release. Be sure to look at our Support page as we introduce new research on this subject. At our lab we use Sea Grow 15-15-15 concentrate at half strength as we like to use organic solutions, or Osmocote 15-9-12 at half strength
How do I fix problems with Kurapia? Be sure to look at our Kurapia Support Page!
My Kurapia has grasses growing through it!
Sometimes grasses can find its way into Kurapia. Some grasses are spread by seeds such annual grasses such as rye and crabgrass, or perennials like fescue. These can all be controlled by selective herbicides such as Grass Getter or other products that have sethoxydim as their active ingredient. If you have nutgrass, you’ll need to use a product that has halosulfuron-methyl as the active ingredient like Sedgehammer. Some grasses like Bermuda and Kikuya, use sethoxydim and be preparared for multiple applications until it’s gone. Be sure to look at our support page for more info.
My Kurapia has weeds growing through it!
Even if you cull all weeds before planting, weeds will still find themselves in Kurapia, although it’s relatively infrequent. Usually the best solution is to mow your Kurapia twice a month and reduce watering. Most weeds can be culled with hand removal with a dutch hoe or hand pulling, Some chemical sprays can work for large areas if necessary. Check our support page for more information.
Can I use a pre-emergent to prevent new weeds?
There is multiple tests being conducted on Kurapia and various pre-emergent options. Currently we suggest to not use it until the Kurapia is fully established, and only use during weed season (early spring and after the rainy season in the winter). If you absolutely need to use a pre-emergent, apply Sygenta's Barricade (not applying on the plugs)
My Kurapia is turning brown in patches, what’s wrong?
This is typically something to do with disease, and usually connected to overwatering. Typically this is sign of some sort of disease like blight. Typically you can control this by cutting back water, scraping away the soil surface in the affected areas, and apply a lawn fungicide. Kurapia in surrounded areas will eventually fill in the area. Fungicides are currently being tested to find the best possible solutions for various diseases. Rarely, this is caused by sprinkler malfunction as well, so be sure water coverage hasn’t changed.
It’s cold! Is my Kurapia dying?
Kurapia is native to Japan, a country that has freezing temperatures and snowfall. Kurapia will survive these conditions, but will go dormant. Typically in this stage the leaves turn tan and fall off, and the stems get a little thick. As soon as the soil warms up the stems will sprout new growth and will turn green in a month or so. Don’t fertilizer with Kurapia is dormant
Other questions we get
Can I take cuttings of Kurapia and give to my friends?
Kurapia is a patented plant, meaning it’s against the law to attempt to make more of the plants with the intention of distribution. Therefore, please direct your friends to our website. It’s very affordable! 😀
I see Kurapia for sale at a nursery, is it yours?
There's become a real problem with nurseries selling poor imitations of Kurapia and calling it our product. Not only is this illegal, they're selling a terrible plant that doesn't represent our brand's quality. If you see this, let us know so we can inform them of their error.
I’m a landscaper, architect, or contractor, is there a special ordering process for me?
Yes, contact our senior manager (lawrence@kurapia.com) to have a contractor account created at the website to order at the trade cost.