Shade Tolerant Grass Seed

Hard Fescue

• Hard fescue is among the hardiest shade-growing grasses. Although it has a relatively low tolerance for hot conditions, hard fescue can withstand periods of drought, deep shade and soil with high salinity. Hard fescue grows best in the north since it enjoys cooler temperatures, but it will grow anywhere that summer temperatures are not extreme. The growth habit of hard fescue produces clumps of leaves that are 4 to 6 inches high with a soft blue-green coloring. The clumping habit of hard fescue makes it somewhat difficult to mow, and care should be taken to never remove more than one-third of its height, as this may permanently damage its ability to grow. Watering should only be done during dry periods, infrequently and with a thorough soaking rather than frequent sprinkling.

Kentucky Bluegrass

• Kentucky bluegrass, or Poa pratensis, is a creeping grass that forms a thick mat of vegetation. Although not native to the United States, Kentucky bluegrass thrives in the humid conditions of the Eastern states and is a popular ground cover and pasture plant in the region. Kentucky bluegrass does well in light shade if abundant water is provided, although it cannot tolerate heat and will go dormant if temperatures exceed 90 degrees. Kentucky bluegrass makes a moderate- to high-maintenance lawn requiring frequent watering, weeding and mowing, but it produces an attractive and uniform lawn if well tended.

Perennial Ryegrass

• Perennial ryegrass grows best in areas with temperate year-round temperatures, such as the Northwest and Northeast. In hot regions, perennial ryegrass is best used as a cool-weather annual. Ryegrass is the least drought-tolerant turf grass, requiring frequent watering in the spring and summer although light to moderate shade helps it cope with warmer temperatures. Perennial ryegrass has an extremely high tolerance for shade, particularly if kept evenly moist. Very fast growing, ryegrass requires weekly mowing to maintain the ideal height of 2 inches.

Rough-Stalk Bluegrass

• Rough-stalk bluegrass is a fine-textured and fast-growing turf grass with a spreading, prostrate growth habit. Preferring light to moderate shade with wet soil, rough-stalk bluegrass is an ideal grass for problem areas of the lawn. Rough-stalk bluegrass does not have the characteristic bluish color for which the species was named, but tends to have a bronze hue over bright green leaves. Like most bluegrass, rough-stalk bluegrass is not tolerant of heat and will show signs of stress quickly as temperatures climb. Rough-stalk bluegrass can be invasive and with its spreading tendency can smother upright-growing turf grass, so care should be taken if planting near established lawns.