How to Grow Durana Red Fescue
Wikimedia Commons
Durana Red Fescue
Festuca rubra subsp. rubra 'Durana'
grassDurana Red Fescue is a fine-textured, creeping red fescue cultivar bred for superior wear tolerance and disease resistance. It features deep red coloration in leaf sheaths and produces a dense, attractive turf suitable for both ornamental and functional applications. This cultivar is particularly valued for shaded areas and cooler climates.
When should you plant Durana Red Fescue in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Durana Red Fescue timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Durana Red Fescue
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Durana Red Fescue
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Durana Red Fescue dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in cool-season zones 2-7, with excellent performance in northern climates and shade
Sign up free to see if Durana Red Fescue grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Durana Red Fescue timeline →Growth Stages
Germination
7-14 daysFine grass seedlings emerge with characteristic narrow leaves; very delicate at this stage
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Avoid foot traffic. Maintain temperatures 50-65°F for optimal germination.
Seedling Establishment
3-4 weeksYoung plants develop shallow root systems and 2-4 true leaves; still vulnerable to competition
Continue regular light watering. Avoid heavy fertilization. Reduce traffic and mowing until plants reach 2-3 inches tall.
Vegetative Growth
6-12 weeksPlants develop deeper root systems and fuller shoots; distinctive red coloration in leaf sheaths becomes visible
Begin light mowing at 2.5-3.5 inches. Apply balanced fertilizer (1 lb N per 1000 sq ft). Reduce watering frequency as roots establish.
Mature Turf
1-3+ years (perennial)Dense, fine-textured sward with excellent color and wear resistance; fully established rhizomatous system
Maintain 2.5-3.5 inch mowing height. Apply 1-2 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually. Thatch annually if exceeding 1/2 inch.
Senescence/Dormancy
3-5 months (seasonal)In winter, foliage turns golden-brown and growth ceases in northern zones; red coloration in sheaths persists
Reduce traffic. Clear debris to prevent disease. Light fertilization in fall encourages spring recovery. Resume full care in spring.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Improve air circulation, reduce thatch, apply nitrogen fertilizer, use fungicide if severe
-
Water early morning, improve drainage, apply fungicide, maintain proper mowing height
-
Remove infected debris, improve air circulation, fungicide application if widespread
-
Maintain vigorous growth with proper watering, biological controls, insecticidal soap if severe
-
Maintain dense turf to exclude pests, biological controls (Bacillus thuringiensis), targeted insecticides
Uses
Shade Lawn & Turf Cover
HouseholdDurana Red Fescue excels as a turf grass for shaded residential lawns, golf courses, and sports fields. Its creeping rhizomes and fine texture create an attractive, durable ground cover that tolerates heavy foot traffic and limited sunlight. [source]
Erosion Control & Habitat
WildlifeThe dense rhizomatous root system stabilizes soil on slopes and banks, preventing erosion while providing habitat structure for ground-nesting birds and beneficial insects. Often used in riparian restoration and wildlife buffer zones. [source]
Disease-Resistant Turf Blend Component
HouseholdDurana is bred specifically for disease resistance to red thread, dollar spot, and other fungal issues common in cool-season regions. Commonly included in professional turf seed blends for athletic fields and high-maintenance lawns. [source]
Ornamental Landscaping
HouseholdThe attractive fine texture and distinctive red coloration in leaf sheaths make Durana suitable for ornamental plantings, residential borders, and aesthetic landscaping. Provides year-round color interest, especially in fall and winter. [source]
Low-Maintenance Ground Cover
HouseholdOnce established, Durana Red Fescue requires minimal maintenance compared to bluegrass or perennial rye. Lower fertilizer and water demands reduce inputs while maintaining turf quality, making it economical for large-scale applications. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not applicable—Durana Red Fescue is an ornamental and functional turf grass. Mowing is the primary 'harvest' activity: mow to 2.5-3.5 inches every 7-14 days during growing season. Harvest seed commercially in late spring/early summer when seed heads mature and turn brown; timing varies by region and climate.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Durana Red Fescue derives its name from its distinctive deep red coloration in the leaf sheath base, which intensifies in cool weather and serves as a visual identifier among fine fescues.
- 🌱 As a creeping red fescue, Durana reproduces via rhizomes (underground stems), allowing it to fill bare patches and recover from wear damage faster than bunch-type grasses.
- 🌱 This cultivar was specifically developed to outperform other red fescues in disease resistance, making it a favorite choice for premium golf course fairways and athletic field blends in northern climates.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Durana Red Fescue planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Durana Red Fescue seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Durana Red Fescue timeline →