Turf-type Perennial Ryegrass
Lolium perenne
Poaceae · grass grasslike · introduced
Last updated
Primary lawn grass species for western WA. Well-adapted to maritime climate. Use as monostand (5–7 lb/1000 sqft) or up to 50% of seed mixtures. Quick germination (5–10 days) makes it excellent for overseeding and repair. Endophyte-enhanced cultivars strongly recommended. Most common lawn grass in Puget Sound residential landscapes.
Plant Profile
Size & Form
Height
8–24 in
Spread
Bunch-type; does not spread by rhizomes or stolons. Must be overseeded to fill bare areas.
Growth Rate
Fast
Site Requirements
Light
Full Sun
Soil Drainage
Well Drained
Soil pH
5.5–7.5
Water
Moderate
Drought Tolerance
Moderate to high
Hardiness
Zones 3a–9a
Ornamental Interest
Bloom Time
mid spring
Origin
Europe, temperate Asia, North Africa
Diseases: Regionally Documented (4)
Pests: Other Associations (3)
Phenological Calendar
View full calendar (7 stages)
| Stage | Typical Window |
|---|---|
| Spring green-up BBCH 09 | Feb 15–Mar 15 |
| Active vegetative growth begins BBCH 21 | Mar 15–Apr 15 |
| Peak spring growth BBCH 39 | Apr 15–Jun 15 |
| Inflorescence emergence BBCH 51 | May 15–Jun 15 |
| Summer stress / reduced growth BBCH 45 | Jul 15–Aug 31 |
| Growth cessation BBCH 93 | Nov 15–Dec 15 |
| Winter dormancy / semi-dormancy BBCH 97 | Dec 15–Feb 15 |
Cultivars (1)
'Turf-type (general category)'
Modern turf-type perennial ryegrasses have finer leaf texture, denser growth, lower growth habit, and better mowing quality than older pasture-type varieties. Many contain endophyte fungi (Epichloë/Neotyphodium) that provide resistance to surface-feeding insects.
Data Maturity Structured Multiple sources. Expert review underway.