Kurapia Support Guide - FAQ - Installation, Watering & Care

Quick answers to the questions we hear most. For step-by-step planting, see our Installation Guide. For complete care details, see our Support Guide.

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Buying Kurapia

How do I order Kurapia?

We sell to everyone, including homeowners, contractors, and government agencies. To keep quality high, we don't sell to nurseries wholesale.

29 flats or fewer: use our planting calculator, choose New White or Pink, and add the flats to your cart. Shipping and tax are calculated at checkout.
30 flats or more: use our Project Estimator for pricing and estimated freight, then email Lawrence@kurapia.com for an invoice.
Landscape professionals: apply for a trade account.

How many flats do I need?

Use our planting calculator. Enter your area and check any conditions that apply, such as a slope or drip irrigation, and it recommends a spacing and tells you how many flats to order. Each flat holds 72 plugs. On a slope, measure along the ground, not the flat distance on a plan.

How much does Kurapia cost per square foot?

At our retail price for 1 to 79 flats, plants cost about $2.02 per square foot for Kurapia New White and about $2.18 for Kurapia Pink at our standard 15-inch spacing. At 12-inch spacing, it's about $3.12 for New White and $3.37 for Pink. These are plant costs only, before shipping and tax. Larger orders get lower prices. Get your exact numbers with the calculator.

Do you have discounts?

Yes. Orders of 80 flats or more, and 200 flats or more, get lower volume pricing. Orders of 30 flats or more paid by ACH, Zelle, or wire transfer get a discount of about 3%. Landscape professionals can apply for a trade account.

Do you have discounts for landscape professionals?

Yes. Licensed contractors, landscape architects, and approved landscape professionals, including city and state landscape services, can apply for a trade account. Once approved, you'll see trade pricing when you log in.

Does Kurapia qualify for turf replacement rebates?

In many areas, yes. Kurapia has been approved by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, and many other agencies, and more water agencies add it to their plant lists every year. Rules vary by program, so confirm with your local water district before you plant. If your district isn't sure, send us a message and we can contact them with a recommendation for Kurapia.

Can I buy Kurapia at a nursery or a big box store?

We are the inventor and sole grower of Kurapia New White and Kurapia Pink. Buying direct from us gets you fresh plants, our planting support, and our research. If you see plants sold as Kurapia at a nursery, please let us know.

Do you have Kurapia in stock?

We almost always have plants in stock. If supply ever runs short, our website will show it before you order.

Can I buy Kurapia as sod, seed, or in pots?

No. Kurapia New White and Kurapia Pink are sterile, so they produce no seed, and we grow them only as plugs, which give the most consistent quality. Kurapia sod sold by other companies is an older variety that doesn't perform as well and costs about twice as much.

Do you have a store or showroom?

No. Our office is in South Pasadena and is not open to the public. Our plants are grown in Fresno, where you can pick up your order. See below.

Shipping and Pickup

When will my order arrive?

Orders placed by Friday at 5 pm ship the following week. California orders ship Tuesday and arrive Wednesday. Most other states arrive Thursday, and farther locations may ship Monday so they arrive before the weekend. We don't ship same day, next day, or on weekends. In California, we can arrange Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday arrival for a $10 fee. Ask when you order; your request is set only after we confirm it by email.

Do I have to plant the day they arrive?

No. Water the flats every morning until each plug is soaked, and keep them where they get some morning sun but stay off hot pavement. See Maintaining Kurapia Plugs Before Planting.

How much is shipping?

In California, a single flat ships for $33 and each box of 2 to 4 flats ships for $57. Outside California, we ship GLS to areas it reaches in one or two days, and FedEx to other areas, calculated at checkout. For 30 flats or more, our Project Estimator estimates pallet or parcel freight to your ZIP code.

Where can you ship?

Anywhere in the continental United States. Hawaii orders ship by air; contact us for a quote. We recommend USDA Zone 7b and warmer. Across that range Kurapia stays green through winter; in an unusually cold winter at the cold edge of Zone 7b, it may drop some leaves and regrow in spring.

Can I pick up my order in Fresno?

Yes. Place your order, then contact us to schedule pickup at our grower in Fresno. If you already paid for shipping, we'll refund it. You can also send your own carrier.

What if my plants arrive damaged?

Open your boxes the day they arrive and report any problems right away. See our Exchange and Returns terms.

What Is Kurapia?

What is Kurapia?

Kurapia is a patented, drought tolerant groundcover and lawn alternative, developed in Japan from a Phyla plant found in Japan. It forms a low, dense, walkable carpet that needs far less water and mowing than grass.

What's the difference between New White and Pink?

Kurapia New White forms the tightest, most lawn-like cover, with small white flowers. Kurapia Pink has heart-shaped leaves, lavender blooms that fade to pink, and a softer, wavier texture. Pink is slightly more drought tolerant, but the difference is subtle.

How much water does Kurapia use?

Very little once established. In the UC Landscape Plant Irrigation Trials, both Kurapia New White and Kurapia Pink earned Blue Ribbons on the lowest irrigation level and are rated Low water use (WUCOLS). How often you water depends on your soil and climate. See our Watering Guide.

Is Kurapia a grass?

No. Kurapia is in the Verbenaceae (verbena) family, known for deep roots and long life.

Is Kurapia the same as lippia or Phyla nodiflora?

No. Kurapia was bred for performance. Unlike wild Phyla, it produces no seed, grows faster, is more durable, and stays green through mild winters.

Is Kurapia invasive?

No. It's sterile, so it can't spread by seed. It spreads only by stems along the ground, and regular edging keeps it where you want it.

Does it bloom? Will it attract bees?

Yes. Kurapia blooms through the warm season, and bees, butterflies, and other pollinators love its nectar. If you'd like fewer flowers, for example where people walk barefoot, mow twice a month.

Is Kurapia a problem for allergies?

Kurapia is pollinated by insects, not the wind. Insect-pollinated plants produce far less pollen than wind-pollinated plants such as grasses and many trees, which cause most pollen allergies. If you have a specific allergy concern, ask your doctor.

Can I walk on Kurapia?

Yes. Kurapia adapts well to foot traffic, which keeps it low and compact. It's great for kids, pets, and light play. It isn't recommended for contact sports such as football or soccer, which cause heavy wear.

Is Kurapia safe for pets?

Yes. Kurapia is non-toxic, and dog urine doesn't harm it. Plants in the Phyla genus are widely known to be edible, and some are used for teas and herbs, but Kurapia is not a replacement for an approved diet for tortoises or other grazing pets.

Is Kurapia fire resistant?

Well-maintained Kurapia resists burning. Its leaves and stems store water, and in our field tests, lit wood and burning charcoal briquettes dropped on Kurapia only smoldered without catching. In fire-prone areas, mow monthly and keep it adequately watered.

Will the roots damage my foundation, pipes, or sidewalk?

We have seen no evidence of Kurapia roots damaging pipes, foundations, or sidewalks.

Can I plant Kurapia over a septic tank or leach field?

Check with your septic system's manufacturer or installer first, since guidance varies by system. Otherwise, plan for Kurapia as you would any other deep-rooted plant. Its roots can exceed 10 feet in heavy soils.

How long does a Kurapia planting last?

Kurapia regenerates itself, constantly rooting new plants along its stems, so a healthy planting doesn't need to be replanted.

Planting

When can I plant?

Any time of year. In the warm season it spreads quickly. In the cool season it roots faster but shows little top growth until spring. See The Best Time to Plant.

How fast does it fill in?

With loose soil, seed-starting mix on top, and the right watering, Kurapia typically fills in within 2 to 3 months, and faster in warm climates with good sun. Winter slows it down.

Can I plant over my existing lawn or weeds?

No. Remove all existing grass, weeds, and groundcover first, and water the site for about four weeks before planting to bring up weed seeds. See Clearing the Weeds and Can Kurapia Be Planted Over an Existing Lawn?

Do I need to prepare the soil?

Usually, yes. Kurapia roots along its stems, so the soil surface needs to be loose. Compacted and clay soils need tilling and organic matter, and sandy soils need a top dressing of seed-starting mix. See Preparing the Soil.

How much sun does it need?

5 or more hours of direct sun is best. It can grow with 3 to 5 hours if you plant at 12-inch spacing and mow monthly. In heavy shade it stays thin.

Can I plant on a slope?

Yes. Kurapia is excellent for slopes. Plant at 12-inch spacing with light terracing, with holes and plugs going straight down, and make sure irrigation water flows into each planting hole instead of rolling down the hill past the plugs. Once established, the terracing and plants blend into a clean, even look. See Checking Your Site.

Can I use drip irrigation?

Yes, subsurface inline drip only, with emitters every 12 inches and one plug at each emitter. Surface drip emitters don't water evenly enough. See our drip irrigation guide.

I don't have sprinklers. Can I still grow Kurapia?

Yes, with a hose, soaker hoses, or by hand. It takes more time and attention to water evenly and deeply. See Watering Without a Sprinkler System.

Can I mix Kurapia with clover, bulbs, or wildflowers?

We don't recommend it. Kurapia will grow over other low plants. It does grow well around trees and shrubs that let sunlight through.

Can I grow Kurapia in pots or planters?

We don't recommend it. Kurapia can grow in containers, but its roots quickly fill them, and even large planters need watering at least weekly in hot weather. It's best suited to the ground.

Can you recommend an installer?

We don't recommend specific installers. We sell nationwide and can't vet landscapers everywhere. See Tips for Hiring a Great Kurapia Installer, and try Nextdoor.com for local recommendations.

Care

How often do I water?

Daily for the first week after planting, then longer and less often as the roots grow down. Once established, water deeply and infrequently, in the morning. How often depends entirely on your soil, sprinklers, and climate. See the establishment plan and our Watering Guide.

Can I use reclaimed or recycled water?

Yes. Kurapia is highly salt tolerant, so it does well with reclaimed water and near the coast.

Can I plant Kurapia next to a pool?

Yes. It handles splash from chlorine and saltwater pools. A few deep soaks a year help rinse out any salt or chlorine buildup.

How often should I mow?

Monthly, at 1 inch, once it fills in. Definitely mow if it gets foot traffic or pets, or to keep it out of areas you don't want it. If you don't mow, it blooms more and looks fuller. See Mowing and Edging.

What should I mow with?

A rotary mower works best. A cordless grass shear works well for small areas. String trimmers are fine for edging but not ideal for mowing. Don't use a reel mower; it can pull up the stems.

Should I fertilize?

Not at first. Never fertilize a new planting. Once it has fully grown in, feed lightly at half strength in spring and early fall only, and add compost each spring. See Feeding.

How do I keep it out of my flower beds?

Edge regularly with a half-moon edger, a rolling edger, or a string trimmer. Don't use weed killers as a barrier; they can damage Kurapia.

Fixing Problems

Grass is growing through my Kurapia.

Use a product whose only active ingredient is sethoxydim, such as Monterey Grass Getter. For nutsedge, use halosulfuron, such as Monterey Nutgrass Nihilator. Both work best after the Kurapia has filled in. See Weeds.

Weeds are growing through my Kurapia.

Pull them while small, mow monthly, and cut back on watering, since most weeds need more water than Kurapia. Barricade pre-emergent (prodiamine) keeps new weed seeds from sprouting. Don't use other pre-emergents; many slow the spread of Kurapia. Broadleaf weed killers will damage Kurapia. See Weeds.

My Kurapia has brown patches.

This is usually a fungal problem caused by overwatering. Cut back on water, and check your sprinklers for a broken head. See Disease for treatment.

It's cold. Is my Kurapia dying?

No. Kurapia stays green through winter across its recommended range, Zone 7b and warmer. It stops growing below about 45°F, so expect little new growth until spring. In an unusually cold winter it may drop some leaves, then regrows from its stems as it warms. Don't fertilize in cold weather. See Winter Care.

Something is eating or digging up my Kurapia.

Deer and rabbits will eat new plantings, so protect them with fencing or chicken wire. For gophers and moles, see Animals and Pets.