Description
Creeping Red Fescue (Festuca rubra) Red fescue is a cool-season grass used in cool, shaded, mountain sites, such as camps, resorts, & cabins where low-input of mowing, fertilization, & irrigation is desired. It does not do well in hot climates, except in shady, dry situations. in areas where Kentucky bluegrass does well, red fescue forms an excellent companion grass to increase shade tolerance. Red fescue germinates & establishes slowly. It is moderately wear resistant. A very fine-bladed grass with a deep green color. The leaves are folded in the bud, there are no auricles, & there is a short membranous ligule present. Red fescue has two distinct growing habits: creeping red fescue spreads very slow by very short rhizomes & Chewing's fescue is a bunchgrass with an upright growth habit. Maintenance Red fescue requires very low maintenance. It does not require much fertilizer & does not need excessive amounts of water. A high mowing cut is recommended. Red fescue has a high tolerance for cold temperatures & shade, moderate tolerance for drought & wear, & low tolerance for heat. Planting & management tips for red fescue Mowing Mow at 1.5 - 2.5 inches or keep un mowed as a groundcover. Fertilizing Fertilize using 1 - 2 lbs. nitrogen/1000 sq. ft. per year during the period of active growth (March - June; October - December). Planting Seed at 3.5 - 4.5 lbs. seed/1000 sq. ft. Irrigation A low to moderate amount of water is required. Water 1 - 2 times/week during the warm season; red fescue can go dormant in the summer if watered too infrequently or if no water is available. Creeping Red Fescue Grass Seed
