Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne)
What does it look like?
The glossy-bottomed leaves of this grass have a medium- to fine-textured leaf blade that comes to a point. The plant is often red at the base or crown, which distinguishes it from Kentucky bluegrass. It has a wide range of green color, depending on variety.
How does it grow?
Perennial ryegrass has shallow roots and spreads only by tillers. It establishes from seed very quickly, taking less than a month to set up.
How does it rate for the average homeowner?
This quick-growing grass is very popular with homeowners. You have to re-seed any open areas, and it does not fill in with surrounding plants. A popular lawn combination mixes this grass with Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescues.
In what kinds of climates / conditions does it flourish / languish?
This cool customer thrives during the fall and spring, when temperatures are lower, and in moderate summer warmth. Like bluegrass, it requires frequent irrigation during the summer months because of its shallow root system. The advantage it has over bluegrass is its ability to stand up to the shade. It grows well in almost all soils, provided that they are not exceptionally wet. If you're looking for a green lawn throughout the year, provided that is possible, Perennial ryegrass is a good option, especially when mixed with Bermuda grass. Perennial ryegrass dies during the late spring heat, allowing the Bermuda grass to takes over. The process repeats itself each fall.
Does this kind of grass mix well with other grasses?
Perennial ryegrass mixes well with Kentucky bluegrass and fine-leafed fescues.
Unique qualities:
- More than 100 varieties
- Very popular choice for lawns
- Very fast to establish (3-7 days to sprout)
- Goes dormant in summer if not irrigated
- Susceptible to fungal diseases, particularly rust
- Does not develop lawn thatch
- Leaves will shred in late spring if cut with dull mower blade
Recommended grass height, fertilizer rate, amount of water:
- Mowing ranges between 1.5-4.0 inches. Grass does well at 3-4 inch mowing height. Do not mow below 1 inch.
- Fertilize with 3-4 lbs total Nitrogen applied per 1,000 square feet annually.
- Water 1-2 inches per week during summer months to keep actively growing.
