ST. AUGUSTINE (RALEIGH) - The North Carolina Experiment Station released cold-hardy Raleigh St. Augustine in 1980. Although finer textured (with a narrower blade) and more tolerant of shade than Zoysia, Raleigh develops dense ground coverage. Raleigh St. Augustine is medium green in color, SAD virus resistant and is best grown in heavier clay soils. Medium green color Cold tolerant Shade tolerant SAD Virus resistant Provides a dense ground coverage.