Red Fescue
Festuca rubra
Red Fescue
Currently unavailable
Native to most of the Northern Hemisphere, Festuca rubra is a cool season grass prized for its fine texture and high shade tolerance. Its specific epithet, rubra, meaning “red”, refers to the airy panicles of inflorescences that appear in mid to late spring, from May to June, which rise above the arching, medium green blades. Red Fescue, as it’s referred to commonly, makes an excellent lawn replacement and is resistant to deer browse. If allowed to naturalize and bloom in spring, it gives the landscape a luscious meadow appearance, especially when intermixed with seasonal flowering perennials and other cool season grasses. As an early cool season grass, Red Fescue may go dormant in the summer, however during its growing season makes excellent forage for livestock as well as wild animals. Festuca rubra is capable of handling regular mowing, is resilient in a large variety of soil types. Drought tolerant
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Plant facts
Good to know
- Part of our native plants collection, a specialty of ours.
Quick answers
How big does Red Fescue get?
About 18-24" tall at maturity.
How much sun does Red Fescue need?
Full Sun to Part Shade (3 to 6+ hours Sun).
How much water does Red Fescue need?
Low water use.
Will Red Fescue grow in Utah and the Intermountain West?
It is rated hardy to USDA zone 2, so it suits sites in zone 2 or warmer, which covers most of the region. The Salt Lake Valley floor is mostly zone 7; benches, mountain valleys and high plains in Utah, Idaho, Montana, Colorado and Wyoming are colder, often zones 3–6, so check the zone for your site.
Where can I buy Red Fescue in Utah?
Progressive Plants in Copperton, Utah carries it, but it is not available right now. You can join the waitlist to hear when it's back.
Can landscape contractors buy Red Fescue wholesale?
Yes. Landscape contractors and architects with a Progressive Plants wholesale account get trade pricing, bulk ordering and shipping across Utah, Idaho, Montana, Colorado, Wyoming and Nevada on our own trucks or by freight ($1,500 minimum outside our local delivery area). Apply at progressiveplants.com/wholesaleapp.html or call 801-565-7333.