My garden, alive in my pocket.
Track my garden
🌿

Tall fescue

Lolium arundinaceum · Poaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

Ideal time to plant tall fescue: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.

JFMAMJJASOND Planting

ID card

Foliage
Evergreen, dark green
Flowering
June to August, discreet spikelets
Adult size
60 to 100 cm in height
Growth
Fast and vigorous
Hardiness
Very hardy, down to -20°C
Origin
Mediterranean and temperate Europe
Soil type
Well-drained soils, tolerates clay
Use
Forage, ornamental greenery

Care

Watering

Tall fescue tolerates drought well once established. Water regularly during the first year after planting to promote root development. In temperate climates, natural rainfall is usually sufficient; intervene only during prolonged dry spells.

Sunlight

Install this grass in full sun for optimal growth and more intense foliage color. It also accepts partial shade, but density and vigor decrease slightly. Avoid overly shaded and poorly ventilated areas.

Cutting and pruning

Mow or cut in late winter (February-March) to remove old foliage and promote spring regrowth. For ornamental use, light cutting is sufficient. For forage, cutting cycles depend on the desired intensity of exploitation.

Fertilizing

An application of balanced fertilizer (NPK) in spring supports growth. In poor or intensively exploited soils, supplement with an application in late summer. Favor slow-release formulas to limit applications.

Soil and drainage

Tall fescue adapts to a wide range of soils, even clay and compacted ones. Proper drainage remains important to prevent root asphyxia. Lightly enrich with organic matter when planting in very mineral-poor soils.

Diseases and pests

A robust species, rarely affected by pests. In conditions of excessive moisture and stagnation, fungal problems may occur. Prioritize good air circulation and adequate drainage to prevent complications.

Did you know?

Tall fescue has been valued since Roman antiquity as a sustainable forage plant. Its name 'arundinaceum' literally means 'resembling reed' in Latin, referring to its slender leaves. Today, it is the subject of agronomic research to improve its tolerance to water stress and its nutritional yield for grazing.

Where to buy it

Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.

Add this plant to my garden →

Plants from the same family

Browse all plants →

Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.