Kentucky Blue Grass

Latin Name: Poa pratensis

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(157 Ratings)

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Description:

Kentucky bluegrass originated in Europe. Legends claim that Native Americans called Kentucky bluegrass “white man’s tracks," because the grass followed the white man wherever he settled. Bluegrass grows best in the cool months. Its colors range from bright green to deep bluish green, and it tolerates low to medium traffic; multi-purpose areas often incorporate bluegrass seed with perennial rye. Kentucky bluegrass usually recovers quickly from damage due to heavy traffic.

Kentucky bluegrass can grow up to two feet in a year. When planting, it takes two to three pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet of yard space, and seed is best sown in the spring and fall, when the weather is cool. Bluegrass needs about two inches of water per week; draught will cause it to go dormant, but continuation of water will bring it back.

Kentucky bluegrass is susceptible to pests: white grubs, billbugs, and webworms can be controlled with insecticides. Most likely lawns will also need to be treated for dandelions, clover, and crabgrass during the growing season. There are strains of bluegrass that are resistant to disease.

Uses: Ground cover
Foliage: Yes
Flowering: No
Fragrant: No
Growing Ease: Will grow for anybody
Lighting Needs: Semi-Shade to Full Sun
Soil Type: Any, well-drained
Growth Rate: Fast
Hardiness Zones: Any
Height: 1 to 36 inches
Kentucky Blue Grass picture Kentucky Blue Grass, Poa pratensis

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