Origin
Festuca rubra L. ssp. aucta (Krecz. & Bobr.) Hultén, also known as creeping red fescue, is a species of plant in the grass family Poaceae. The plant is native to Europe and Asia but has been widely introduced to North and South America.
Common Names
Creeping red fescue is known by several other names including chewings fescue, creeping fescue, and red creeping fescue. Its scientific name is sometimes abbreviated as F. rubra subsp. rubra.
Uses
Creeping red fescue is a popular lawn grass due to its low-growing habit and tolerance of shade, drought, and cold temperatures. It is also used as a forage grass for livestock and in erosion control and soil stabilization projects. Additionally, the plant has some medicinal uses and has been used historically to treat digestive and respiratory problems.
General Appearance
Creeping red fescue is a perennial grass with fine, narrow leaves that grow up to 30 cm long. The plant has creeping underground stems called rhizomes that enable it to spread and form a dense mat. It produces spikelets of tiny flowers in the summer, which are followed by small, oval-shaped seeds. The plant typically grows 10-30 cm tall and has a moderate growth rate.
Light Requirements
Festuca rubra L. ssp. aucta is a shade-tolerant plant that can grow in partial shade to full sun conditions. However, it requires at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. In shaded conditions, the plant may grow taller and leaner as it stretches towards the light source.
Temperature Requirements
Festuca rubra L. ssp. aucta is a cool-season grass that grows best in temperatures ranging from 15 to 25°C. The plant can tolerate light frosts but may not survive in extremely low temperatures. High temperatures above 30°C can also negatively impact the growth and health of the plant.
Soil Requirements
Festuca rubra L. ssp. aucta prefers moist, well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant can grow in a wide range of soil textures, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as the soil has good drainage. The optimum soil pH for F. rubra is between 5.0 and 7.5. The plant can tolerate moderately saline soils, but high levels of salinity can affect its growth and development.
Cultivation Methods
Festuca rubra L. ssp. aucta (Krecz. & Bobr.) Hultén is a cool-season grass that prefers to grow in full sun to partial shade. It can thrive in soils with a pH range of 5.5-7.5 and is adaptable to a range of soil types, such as loam, sand, and clay. This grass is propagated through seeds or through rhizomes, which can be planted any time from early spring to fall.
Watering Needs
Festuca rubra L. ssp. aucta (Krecz. & Bobr.) Hultén requires moderate watering. The grass should be watered regularly, preferably in the morning, to allow the foliage to dry off during the day. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot and fungal diseases. To ensure proper drainage, make sure the soil is well-draining.
Fertilization
Festuca rubra L. ssp. aucta (Krecz. & Bobr.) Hultén benefits from regular fertilization with nitrogen-rich fertilizers. Apply the fertilizer in early spring and again in the fall to promote healthy growth. Ideally, you should use slow-release nitrogen fertilizers, as this will release the nutrients over time, providing a steady supply of nutrients to the grass for several months.
Pruning
Festuca rubra L. ssp. aucta (Krecz. & Bobr.) Hultén does not require much pruning, but it may benefit from occasional mowing to keep it tidy. If you choose to mow the grass, do it when it reaches a height of 3-4 inches and cut it down to 2 inches. Avoid mowing the grass too short, as this can weaken the roots and make it more susceptible to disease and pests. Additionally, remove any dead or yellowing blades to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Festuca Rubra L. ssp. Aucta
Festuca Rubra L. ssp. Aucta (Krecz. & Bobr.) Hultén, a species of creeping red fescue, is a cool-season perennial grass that is found growing in many different regions of the United States, as well as in Northern Europe and Asia.
This type of plant can be propagated by various methods, which primarily involve using the plant's seeds or vegetative propagation.
Propagation by Seed
The most common method of propagating Festuca Rubra L. ssp. Aucta is through seed propagation. This can be done either by direct sowing the seeds into the ground or by growing seedlings in containers before transplanting them into the soil.
When direct sowing, it is important to prepare the soil first. Use a rake to loosen the topsoil and then sprinkle the seeds onto the soil. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water gently. Keep the soil moist until germination.
When starting seedlings indoors, use a well-draining potting mix and sow the seeds on the surface. Lightly cover the seeds with soil and water gently. Place the containers in a warm, sunny location and keep the soil moist. After the seedlings have grown to be a few inches tall, they can be transplanted into the soil.
Vegetative Propagation
Another method of propagating Festuca Rubra L. ssp. Aucta is through vegetative propagation, which involves taking a piece of the plant and using it to grow a new one. This can be done by taking stem cuttings or dividing the plant.
To take stem cuttings, select a healthy stem and remove a section that is around 2-3 inches long. Remove the bottom leaves and root the stem in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and in a warm, sunny location until new growth appears.
To divide the plant, use a sharp knife to separate the clumps of grass. Replant the clumps in a new location, making sure to water them well and keep the soil moist until they become established.
Regardless of the propagation method used, Festuca Rubra L. ssp. Aucta requires well-draining soil and regular watering until established. Once established, it is a low-maintenance plant that requires little attention.
Disease and Pest Management for Festuca rubra L. ssp. aucta (Krecz. & Bobr.) Hultén
Festuca rubra L. ssp. aucta (Krecz. & Bobr.) Hultén, commonly known as chewing's fescue, is a perennial plant species that is commonly used for turf and pasture management. However, this species is susceptible to various pests and diseases that can lower its yield and cause significant damage. Proper management practices can help control the spread of pests and diseases.
Common Diseases that Affect Festuca rubra L. ssp. aucta (Krecz. & Bobr.) Hultén
Festuca rubra L. ssp. aucta (Krecz. & Bobr.) Hultén is susceptible to various diseases, including:
- Brown patch: A fungal disease that causes circular brown patches in the lawn. The leaves of the plant become water-soaked and turn bronze-colored. To manage brown patch, watering should be done in the morning, keeping the soil surface dry, and avoid over-fertilization
- Red thread: A fungal disease that leads to patches of red or pinkish color on the plant leaves. The use of nitrate fertilizers and regular mowing can control red thread disease.
- Fusarium patch: A fungal disease that initiates light brown patches in the lawn. The patches grow and leave dead tissues in the middle. To manage fusarium patch, avoid overfertilization, proper lawn drainage, and practicing proper mowing height and frequency
Common Pests that Affect Festuca rubra L. ssp. aucta (Krecz. & Bobr.) Hultén
Festuca rubra L. ssp. aucta (Krecz. & Bobr.) Hultén is also vulnerable to infestations by various pests, including:
- Chinch bugs: These small, black and white bugs suck the plants' sap, leading to discolored leaves and death of the plant. To control chinch bugs, use properly applied pesticides and reduce the use of highly susceptible areas to this pest.
- Cutworms: These pests attack the young plants, cutting and killing them at the base. To control cutworms, practice proper soil cultivation to expose and destroy the larvae and use insecticides targeting the larvae during the first trimester of the growing season
- Grubs: They are wrinkly, white larvae that thrive in healthy lawns' sedges and cause brown patches and weakened grass blades. The most effective management practices against grubs include the use of chemical control and proper cultural management practices.
Early detection, identification, and proper management practices can control the spread of diseases and pests that affect Festuca rubra L. ssp. aucta (Krecz. & Bobr.) Hultén. Implementing proper cultural practices, such as regular mowing, aeration, and proper fertilizer application, can improve the plant's health and keep it free from diseases and pests.
