Festuca arundinacea (mix)
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Common Name: tall fescue
Type: Turfgrass
Family: Poaceae
Zone: 3 to 6
Garden Location: Ameren Ground Cover Border
Height: 0.25 feet
Spread: 0.25 feet
Bloom Time: Non-flowering
Bloom Color: 
Bloom Description: 
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Uses: Groundcover

Culture

Dwarf fescue is a selection of tall fescue grown for its low stature and reduced growth rate. It can be grown in zones 3 to 6, but does best in cool climates of northern areas of the U.S. Dwarf fescue fertilizer needs are low to medium requiring about 1 to 3 lbs of nitrogen per year. It has good drought tolerance and requires only infrequent waterings. Mowing height should be between 2 and 3 ".

Noteworthy Characteristics

Dwarf fescue is adapted to a wide range of soil and climate conditions, but does best in cool areas. It is perhaps the best grass in the transition zone withstanding summer heat and drought as well as periodic cold winter temperatures. It makes a tough play lawn, however, may require reseeding to repair damaged areas. Dwarf fescue, like other tall fescues, has good disease tolerance. The current cultivars planted in the mix in the flower bed area were 'Crewcut','Eldorado','Silverado.'

Problems

Like other fescues, it tends to clump and if used in mixtures, it must predominate. In the spring and fall during the high growth periods, wearability is good. In summer when temperatures rise, it is sensitive to drought and may go dormant. Damaged areas due to weather extremes, pests, diseases etc. need to be reseeded in the spring or fall. Dwarf fescue is prone to problems caused by the fungal disease called brown patch. It's slow growth means that brown patch can cause significant problems in mid summer.

Garden Uses

Dwarf fescue is used primarily as a residential lawn and especially valuable in the transition zone of the U.S. where temperature extremes are possible. Because it cannot repair itself quickly, there is limited use as a sport turfgrass.

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