Red Fescue (Festuca rubra)

Red Fescue (Festuca rubra) is a perennial grass that makes an excellent ground cover and is often planted for erosion control. It thrives in full sun to shade and is often planted for its shade tolerance. Can be manicured like turfgrass or left longer. Its thin, needle-like leaves dance in the wind to add movement to the garden.

I. Appearance and Characteristics 

Festuca rubra is a species of grass known by the common name red fescue, creeping red fescue or the rush-leaf fescue. It is widespread across much of the Northern Hemisphere and can tolerate many habitats and climates.

Festuca rubra is perennial and has sub-species that have rhizomes and/or form bunchgrass tufts. It mainly exists in neutral and acidic soils. It can grow between 2 and 20 cm tall.

Like all fescues, the leaves are narrow and needle-like, making it less palatable to livestock. The swords that it forms are not as tufted as sheep’s fescue (Festuca ovina) or wavy hair grass (Deschampsia flexuosa). The tufted nature is what gives the grass its springy characteristic. The leaves are bright green.

There are 4 to 10 spikelet flowers, which are up to 15 mm long. The ligule is very short and blunt.

It is best adapted to well-drained soils in cool, temperate climates; it prefers shadier areas and is often planted for its shade tolerance. Wild animals browse it, but it has not been important for domestic forage due to low productivity and palatability. It is also an ornamental plant for gardens

II. How to Grow and Care

Red Fescue is a hardy grass species known for its adaptability to various environments, making it easy to care for. It thrives in well-drained soil with regular watering, though it is tolerant of drought-like conditions once established. Special care points include providing red Fescue with full to partial sunlight and occasional feeding during the growing season for optimal growth. Avoid overwatering, as red Fescue prefers slightly dry conditions over soggy soil.

Sunlight

Red Fescue thrives in full sun conditions, where it can receive ample sunlight for the majority of the day. This optimal light exposure is crucial for red Fescue’s photosynthesis process and overall vigor. Despite its preference for full sun, red Fescue exhibits a good tolerance for partial sun environments, making it adaptable to various outdoor settings. When in less than ideal light, red Fescue may exhibit reduced growth rate and vigor. Red Fescue is particularly well-suited to outdoor landscapes, where it can benefit from natural light variations and does not require specific accommodation if planted indoors. Planting red Fescue in a location that meets these light preferences will support its health and robust growth.

Watering

Originating from the cool, temperate climates, red Fescue is accustomed to regular moisture but can tolerate brief dry spells. Its native habitat ensures a certain resilience, allowing it to maintain hydration without daily attention. Consequently, red Fescue thrives with watering every week. Typically grown outdoors due to its robust nature, red Fescue has adapted well to various soil conditions; however, its growth cycles are heavily influenced by water availability and seasonal precipitation patterns.

Soil

Red Fescue performs best in medium moisture, well-drained soils. This grass has a good drought tolerance.

Fertilizing

For optimal growth, red Fescue benefits from fertilization with balanced lawn or turf fertilizers. Spring is ideal to apply a slow-release formula. A quarterly feeding maintains vigor, with adjustments for active growth phases. Use 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet, avoiding over-fertilization to prevent foliage burn and environmental harm. Novice and experienced gardeners should uniformly distribute granular products or dilute liquid forms as per label instructions, ensuring red Fescue’s nutritional needs are met without jeopardizing its health.

Planting Instructions

If you are planting a new lawn, you will need about 4 pounds of seed per 1000 square feet (93 m). Plant 1/8 inch (3 ml.) deep and keep mowed at 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm.) high. While red fescue will grow fine on its own, it does much better when mixed with other grass seeds. Ryegrass and bluegrass are the perfect seeds for mixing to create the best stands. Some companies sell the seeds already mixed to the proper ratio.

Pruning

Does not need to be cut back but can be cut back in summer if desired. Can be mowed at about 2 to 3 in. (5-7 cm).

Propagation

Red Fescue is best propagated through division, ideally during spring or autumn. This method is relatively easy, with successful propagation indicated by new growth. Proper root separation and avoiding overwatering is recommended for optimal results.

Transplanting

For red Fescue, relocating during the gentle warmth of mid to late spring or the onset of summer encourages robust growth, thanks to optimal root establishment. Select a site with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil to ensure red Fescue’s success. A touch of friendliness: ensure you’re transferring your red Fescue with care to its new home for best results!

III. Uses and Benefits 

Festuca rubra, as red fescue or creeping red fescue, is cultivated as an ornamental plant for use as a turfgrass and groundcover. It can be left completely unmowed, or occasionally trimmed for a lush meadow-like look. There are many subspecies, and many cultivars have been bred for the horticulture trade.