When it comes to choosing the perfect grass for your lawn, selecting the right variety can be a daunting task, especially with the wide array of options available. Among the most popular choices for Australian lawns are buffalo grasses, known for their durability, low maintenance, and ability to thrive in a variety of climates. 

Two standout varieties of buffalo grass Matilda and Sapphire have earned widespread acclaim for their unique qualities. While both offer excellent performance, they differ in key aspects such as texture, color, and tolerance to shade and foot traffic. 

Understanding these differences is crucial for homeowners looking to create a lush, resilient lawn tailored to their specific needs. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between Matilda and Sapphire buffalo, examine their best uses, and help you determine which variety of buffalo grass is ideal for your outdoor space.

What Type of Grass is Matilda?

Matilda buffalo is a type of soft-leaf buffalo grass, known for its fine-textured blades, excellent wear tolerance, and adaptability to various climates and soil types. As a hybrid cultivar of Stenotaphrum secundatum, it offers a lush, delicate appearance while maintaining the durability buffalo grasses are known for. 

Matilda buffalo thrives in both sun and shade, making it ideal for Australian conditions. It also boasts excellent drought tolerance, making it a great choice in dry or water-restricted areas. Despite its softness, Matilda remains resilient and forms a dense, low-maintenance lawn that can withstand foot traffic and other stresses.

What Type of Grass is Sapphire Buffalo?

Sapphire buffalo is a soft-leaf variety of buffalo grass, known for its finer texture and vibrant deep green color that lasts year-round. Like Matilda, it is a hybrid of Stenotaphrum secundatum, but it stands out with its darker color and finer leaf blades, giving it a more refined appearance. 

While it isn’t as shade-tolerant as Matilda, Sapphire thrives in full sun and can withstand moderate heat. Its fine texture offers a luxurious feel, making it ideal for aesthetic lawns. 

Additionally, Sapphire buffalo is resistant to pests and diseases and has a dense growth habit that reduces weed invasion, making it a low-maintenance, durable choice for homeowners seeking both beauty and resilience.

Differences Between Matilda and Sapphire Buffalo

1. Leaf Texture and Appearance:
   
   • Matilda Buffalo: The leaf blades of Matilda buffalo are softer but slightly broader compared to Sapphire buffalo. This gives Matilda a more traditional buffalo grass look, with lush and wide leaves that form a dense lawn. While still fine-textured, it doesn’t have the super-refined appearance that Sapphire is known for.
     
   • Sapphire Buffalo: Sapphire buffalo features finer, more delicate leaf blades. These leaves are thinner than Matilda’s, and the grass has a smoother, denser texture, resulting in a more manicured and upscale look. The deep green color adds to its visual appeal.
     
2. Shade Tolerance:
   
   • Matilda Buffalo: One of the standout features of Matilda buffalo is its excellent shade tolerance. It thrives in areas where some other grass types may struggle, making it an excellent choice for lawns that experience partial shade. This characteristic makes it suitable for areas beneath trees or structures that block out sunlight for portions of the day.
     
   • Sapphire Buffalo: While Sapphire buffalo is also versatile in terms of adaptability to different climates, it is less tolerant of shaded areas compared to Matilda. It requires more sunlight to maintain its vibrant color and dense growth. As a result, it is best suited for full-sun lawns and areas with minimal shading.
     

3. Color and Aesthetic:
   
   • Matilda Buffalo: Matilda buffalo has a lighter green color that is still attractive but doesn’t match the deep vibrancy of Sapphire buffalo. While it looks lush and healthy, it doesn’t have the same rich, dark hue that is characteristic of Sapphire buffalo.
     
   • Sapphire Buffalo: Sapphire buffalo is known for its darker green color, which remains consistent throughout the year. This makes it a more visually striking choice, especially for those who prefer a lawn that stands out with a deep, refined color.
     
4. Durability and Wear Tolerance:
   
   • Matilda Buffalo: Matilda buffalo is highly durable and has good wear tolerance. It can withstand moderate foot traffic, making it a suitable choice for family lawns, parks, and areas where children or pets play.
     
   • Sapphire Buffalo: Sapphire buffalo also has strong wear tolerance and is capable of withstanding foot traffic. However, due to its finer texture, it may not be as resilient in high-traffic areas as Matilda buffalo. Sapphire buffalo is better suited for lawns where aesthetics are a higher priority than extreme wear resistance.
     
5. Maintenance Requirements:
   
   • Matilda Buffalo: Matilda buffalo is relatively low-maintenance. It has a strong growth habit, which helps it to recover quickly from damage. Its moderate water requirements and shade tolerance make it an easy-care option for homeowners who want a hassle-free lawn.
     
   • Sapphire Buffalo: Sapphire buffalo is also low-maintenance, but it does require a bit more attention in terms of watering and sunlight. It thrives in full sun and requires slightly more water to maintain its lush appearance, especially during the warmer months.
     

What is the Best Variety of Buffalo Grass?

Choosing the best buffalo grass variety depends on preferences, climate, and lawn use. Matilda buffalo is ideal for shade tolerance, durability, and low maintenance, making it great for family lawns and shaded areas. 

Sapphire buffalo, with its finer texture and vibrant color, is perfect for those prioritizing aesthetics and full sun lawns. Both are excellent options, and other varieties like Sir Walter offer benefits like drought resistance. Ultimately, the best choice depends on whether you value shade tolerance, wear resistance, appearance, or overall hardiness.

Enhancing Your Lawn with Quality Grass

When choosing buffalo grass for your lawn, it’s important to consider both the grass’s characteristics and how it fits your outdoor space. 

A View Turf offers high-quality options like Matilda and Sapphire buffalo grass, ideal for creating a lush, resilient lawn. By selecting the right variety from A View Turf, you can ensure your lawn thrives in your region’s climate, whether you prefer Matilda’s durability and shade tolerance or Sapphire’s refined aesthetic.

Conclusion

Both Matilda and Sapphire buffalo grass are excellent choices for Australian lawns, offering distinct benefits for different needs. 

Matilda buffalo is a great all-rounder with excellent shade tolerance, soft texture, and durability, while Sapphire buffalo is the choice for those looking for a finer texture and a vibrant, dark green lawn. 

Whether you choose Matilda, Sapphire, or another buffalo grass variety, each offers resilience, beauty, and low maintenance, making them a perfect addition to any landscape. 

The best variety for your lawn will depend on factors such as sunlight, water availability, and aesthetic preferences, but both Matilda and Sapphire buffalo grasses are excellent choices for homeowners seeking a lush, attractive, and easy-care lawn.