Red Fescue (Festuca rubra)

Red Fescue

Festuca rubra

A soft, fine-bladed grass that carpets lawns with quiet green warmth. Cool-season perennial grass; common name: Red Fescue.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; tolerates moderate shade in cool temperate regions
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Watering Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
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Temperature Extremely cold-hardy; performs best in mild summer temperatures below 30°C
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Fine, narrow blue-green to reddish-green blades; folded or rolled in bud stage
  • Flower: Slender upright panicles with small purplish spikelets
  • Stem: Smooth, slender culms forming dense, compact tufts
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Care Guide

Watering

Water deeply every 7–10 days during dry spells to encourage deep root growth

Fertilization

Light nitrogen feed once in early spring to support new growth. Use low-nitrogen, slow-release feed to avoid excessive blade growth

Composted grass clippings tea:Dilute fully composted clippings at a 1:20 ratio for root drench; avoid fresh clippings to prevent odor and fungal growth
Pruning
  • Mow to a height of 2–5 cm for lawn use; avoid scalping to protect crowns
  • Remove dead, brown foliage in early spring to promote new green growth
  • Thin overcrowded clumps every 2–3 years to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA confirmed non-toxic; no risk of poisoning from ingestion or contact

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse health effects from ingestion or contact

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Lawn turf, low-maintenance ground cover, slope erosion control