Chewings Red Fescue - Turf Grass

Red Fescue (Festuca rubra L.)

Red Fescue is found in many natural green areas on nearly all types of soils and under widely varying moisture conditions. Red Fescue is relatively slow growing in the sowing year and has very fine needle like leaves and a high shoot density. It thrives under a wide range of conditions but is notable for its tolerance to dry, rather poor soil. It is very resistant to frost and drought and it tolerates surface water during the winter to some extent. Shade tolerance is better than for most other species.

There are three types of Red Fescue for amenity purposes:

1. Slender Creeping Red Fescue (type – rubra trichophylla);
2. Chewings Fescue (type – rubra commutata); and
3. Strong Creeping Red Fescue (type – rubra rubra)

Chewings Fescue (Rubra Commutata)

Festuca rubra commutata has no rhizomes (bunch grass) but the highest density of shoots of the three types. When using commutata in mixtures, it is often necessary to add one of the other types of fescue with rhizomes (or Poa pratensis) in order to facilitate the infill and repair of gaps in the sward. In cold areas, commutata is an important component as it has higher winter hardiness than other Fescues. As shoot density is very high, commutata is an integral component of mixtures that requires close mowing, especially for golf greens.

Some varieties include:

Belleaire, Blenheim, Calliope, Capriccio, Casanova, Florasol, Greenmile, Greensleeves, Legende, Longfellow, Longfellow II, Maritza, Monuela, Raymond, Rosetti 1, Trophy, Troville, and Wagner.

Description: Chewings Fescue is medium to dark green in colour. Chewings Fescue is at home in low maintenance and shady situations where trees compete for nutrients and water. This grass performs well in open sun and moderate shade. It exhibits a very fine almost wiry texture and when left unmowed grows 12 to 15 inches high giving a ‘meadow’ effect.

General Fine Fescue Information:

Fine Fescue Grass has amazing shade tolerance. Fine Fescue is not native to the U.S., but originated in Europe. They are probably best known for their shade tolerance and their very thin blades. The blades are some of the finest of all turf grass and can measure less than a 16th of an inch wide. Most species prefer cooler regions and will not survive in the southern half of the U.S. In European countries, such as Scotland, conditions are quite favourable and these Fescues are even used as a primary turf grass. In the U.S., however, they mostly do well only in the shade, so that is generally how they are marketed.

Characteristics of Chewings Fescue

Features:

• Very fine texture
• Germinates quickly;
• Medium green colour;
• Shade tolerance; and
• Long, slender leaf blades.

Benefits:

• Uniform growth habit;
• Rapid establishment;
• Low fertiliser requirements;
• Useful in shade mixtures; and
• Attractive as slope or ground cover.

 

Uses: Ground cover or slope mixtures for erosion control as an unmowed grass. Can be mixed with wildflowers. Ski Slopes, Roadside or ornamental plantings.

 

Seeding Rates: New turf or ground cover: 6-10 pounds per 1000 square feet depending on weather other grasses or wildflowers are being used in the seed mix.

 

Overseeding: Up to 10 pounds per 1000 square feet.

Establishment: Emergence: 10-14 days. Establishment: 6-8 weeks. Best seeded in Fall, winter and spring.

Growing regions: A cool season best adapted to well drained soils.

Soils: pH Range: Will tolerate slightly acid conditions.

Salinity: Not tolerant of saline conditions.

 

Ingredients & Specifications: Chewings Fescue 98% Minimum purity. 85% Minimum germination. 400,000-500,000 seeds per pound.