Supina bluegrass (Poa supina)
What does it look like?
Another bright green grass, Supina bluegrass grows low with a medium-textured, glossy-bottomed leaf.
How does it grow?
Supina bluegrass has shallow roots and spreads by aggressive stolons. It establishes from seed similar to Kentucky bluegrass.
How does it rate for the average homeowner?
A newcomer on the American lawn scene, this grass forms a nice, dense turf in areas where the conditions are adequate. That means good moisture, as it does not thrive during long droughts. Its biggest disadvantage is that it is expensive. Because the grass is grown from seed only in Germany, the cost is quite high, $25-35/lb. To save a little money and still enjoy this grass, mix it at low rates in a seed blend and then let it take over gradually.
In what kinds of climates / conditions does it flourish / languish?
Supina bluegrass does best in fall and spring when temperatures are cool and in the summer when temperatures are moderate but not overly hot. Research demonstrates that this grass does well in shade, so if you're planning on plenty of trees, it's worth considering. The grass also does well in sunny areas where activities - and water - abound. Its recovery is outstanding.
Does this kind of grass mix well with other grasses?
Supina bluegrass mixes well with other grasses in terms of leaf texture. Because of its price, I recommend mixing Supina at 5%-10% of the overall seed mix (Kentucky bluegrass, Perennial ryegrass). Supina bluegrass is light green in color, so it's best to mix it with other light-green varieties.
Unique qualities:
- Outstanding shade grass if watered adequately
- Will develop thatch in areas with no traffic
- Slow to establish, 14-21 days to sprout
- Expensive, $25-35/lb.
- May be difficult to obtain, may have to go to Professional Turfgrass Business
- Not tolerant to long dry periods
Recommended grass height, fertilizer rate, amount of water:
- Mowing ranges between 10-2.5 inches.
- Fertilize with 4 lbs total Nitrogen applied per 1,000 square feet annually.
- Water 1-2 inches per week during summer months to keep actively growing.
