Lolium perenne

RHS Plant Profile
perennial rye grass

Other common names

crappe, English rye grass, ever grass, ray, ray grass, red darnel, rye grass, white nonesuch, rhygwellt lluosflwydd

Synonyms

Lolium perenne var. tenue

Grass Like

Fast-growing, loosely-tufted evergreen, perennial grass about 1m in height, with mid-green to blue-green leaves and distinctive greenish-brown flower spikelets arranged tightly and alternately on opposite sides up the flowering stem. In many countries it has widespread use in lawn seed mixtures or turf, a crop for grazing, soil stabilising and pasture improvement

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
wider than 8 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Poaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming, Tufted
Genus
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in any well-drained soil in full sun. Suited to lawns and turf and spread is indefinite so may be difficult to contain unless regularly maintained or used in a wild garden

Propagation

Propagate by seed in early spring or autumn, or by division from mid spring to early autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Garden edging
  • Ground cover

Pruning

Cut down dead growth in autumn

Pests

May be susceptible to chafer grubs in lawns

Diseases

May be susceptible to a rust