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Lolium perenne

perennial rye grass

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

Other common names
English rye grass
ever grass
see moreperennial rye grass
ray
ray grass
red darnel
rye grass
white nonesuch
Synonyms
Lolium perenne var. tenue

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer Green Brown Green Grey Silver
Autumn Green Grey Silver
Winter Green Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Poaceae
Native to the UK
Yes
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming, Tufted
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

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