Poa trivialis, also known as Bluegrass, is often part of lawn seed mixes. We show what makes bluegrass so special and how it can be used in the garden.
As an extremely shade-tolerant and also fast-growing species, the meadow grass (Poa trivialis) is even available for the shady sides of the garden. Where otherwise not much grows due to lack of light, this type of grass unfolds its full splendor. The light green plant feels particularly at home in humid conditions and even survives a flood unscathed.
Poa trivialis: origin and description
Between western Europe and Japan lies the homeland of rough bluegrass. But now its distribution area even extends to Africa, America and New Zealand. No wonder, because the cut-tolerant sweet grass species (Poaceae) is well adapted to a wide variety of conditions. In nature it is found along rivers and in forest clearings and is therefore well acquainted with cool, shady and humid conditions. Poa trivialis is therefore ideally suited for lawn areas with little sun. The perennial grass forms loose clumps with creeping sprouts. These shoots form rooted offshoots and allow the plant to fill gaps quickly. For this reason, Poa trivialis is an important part of our Plantura lawn overseeding for patchy lawns.
If the grass is not mowed, it can reach heights of up to one meter. In order not to be crowded out by other species, however, regular mowing is required.
Properties and uses of rough bluegrass
For a quick overview, we have created a table for you with all the important properties of Poa trivialis.
| Bluegrass | |
|---|---|
| Features | Forms light clumps, rapid regeneration, creeping shoots, very tolerant of shade, light green colour |
| Claims | Moist, nutrient-rich, neutral to slightly acidic soil |
| Durability | Sown as a single species moderately hardy |
| Usage | On shady and damp areas, good mixing partner for shaded lawn mixtures such as our Plantura shaded lawn |
| Germination time and development | 13 - 22 days germination time, rapid colonization of gaps |
| Cutting Tolerance | Very pruning compatible |
| Special Features | Good resistance to lawn diseases, also tolerates wet soil |
To understand the needs of rough bluegrass, simply imagine a fresh forest clearing. The soil should be moist, even moisture is well tolerated and even short floods cannot harm the grass. However, it is sensitive to dryness. To ensure that it survives dry phases well, it should be watered as needed. In addition, the soil should be rich in nutrients so that the grass feels comfortable, the pH value should be in the neutral to slightly acidic range. The development of a fertile soil with a stable pH value can be promoted by using primarily organic fertilisers, such as our Plantura organic lawn fertiliser. This allows humus to build up and accumulate over time, which is essential for the availability and storage of nutrients in the soil. Humus also ensures and improves the aeration of the soil. All of this benefits grasses and helps them thrive.
Poa trivialis is a common inhabitant of agricultural grassland. However, since it is not particularly popular with animals as fodder, it is hardly ever used in grazing. It is all the more suitable for shady and damp lawns, where it closes gaps quickly and effectively. For this reason, it can prove its strength in our Plantura shaded lawn.
Expert Tip: Cool, damp conditions actually encourage rough bluegrass. In addition, there are hardly any pests or diseases that could endanger this type of grass. With Poa trivialis, shady green areas can live up to their name and shine in full green. You can therefore save yourself frequent reseeding or lawn repairs due to irregular and gapping growth thanks to the addition of bluegrass to our Plantura shaded lawn.