Red Fescue 'Pennlawn' is a fine-leaved cool-season turfgrass that thrives in the shadowy corners and dry slopes where other grasses struggle. Hardy in zones 3 through 6, this creeping fescue reaches just 3 inches at maturity, making it naturally low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. It excels in partial shade and moderate water conditions, earning its reputation as the most commonly used fescue for shaded, drought-prone areas across the coastal northwest, Great Lakes, and high-elevation regions.
Partial Shade
Moderate
3-6
3in H x 3in W
—
High
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This grass spreads by rhizomes, allowing it to fill in gaps and create a cohesive turf even in challenging conditions. Its exceptional drought tolerance and ability to thrive in partial shade make it invaluable for gardeners working with less-than-ideal light and water availability. Red Fescue requires only low to moderate fertility and mowing at 2 to 3 inches, freeing you from the intensive care demands of sun-loving turfgrasses.
Red Fescue is primarily used as a ground cover and landscape turfgrass, particularly where shade and drought are limiting factors. It can be seeded alone or blended with tall fescue and bluegrass to create adaptable turf mixes that transition smoothly from sunny to shaded areas. The grass can be maintained as a mowed lawn at 2 to 3 inches or left unmowed for a soft meadow appearance, offering flexibility in landscape design.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Seed Red Fescue directly at a rate of 2 to 4 pounds per 1,000 square feet. For best results, seed in fall or early spring when soil moisture is consistent and temperatures are cool.
Mow at 2 to 3 inches to maintain a traditional lawn appearance. If a meadow look is preferred, leave the grass unmowed entirely. Avoid mowing too short, as this stress increases susceptibility to disease.
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