Creeping 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)

Slender Creeping Red Fescue (Rubra trichophylla)

Rubra trichophylla has short rhizomes that facilitate the repair of gaps in the sward, but at a slower rate than rubra rubra. Shoot density is very high enhancing the species’ ability to withstand close mowing. High salt tolerance makes trichophylla useful in mixtures for roadsides and parks where salt is used on roads and paths during winter. The drought and shade tolerance of trichophylla is higher than for other Red Fescue types and this sub-species thrives well in a mild, coastal climate.

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.

Some varieties include:

Amarone, Carousel, Cezanne, Corsdaire, Greenlight, Helena, Pinafore, Rosita, Samanta, Smirna, Toucan, Turner 1, Valdora.

Characteristics of Creeping Red Fescue

Features:

• Very fine texture;Germinates quickly;
• Dark 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: Turf grass mixtures for sun or shade. Fall overseeding of Bermudagrasses. Ground cover or slope mixtures for erosion control as an unmowed grass. Can be mixed with wildflowers.

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

Overseeding: Up to 10 pounds per 1000 square feet.

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: Creeping Red Fescue. 98% Minimum purity. 90% Minimum germination. 400,000-500,000 seeds per pound.