Lolium perenne (German ryegrass)

Growth habit: clump-forming

Page: medium-wide and fine, with a strong sheen on the underside, dark green

Upper side of the leaf: equipped

Leaf sheath: short (up to 2 mm)

Leaf ears: short, clear

Leaf position: folded (like all Poa species)

Base of the leaf & base of the stem: usually reddish-purple

Together: quite large, TKM ≈ 2 g (approx. 500 grains/g)

Germination time: about 7 days (3–4 days under ideal conditions)

Site Suitability: well-drained, cohesive soils; fresh, well-watered sites; no peat soils

Special Features: Grows faster than any other grass during germination; tolerates temperatures as low as –18 °C (even lower when covered by snow); very high wear resistance; very high shear strength; rapid recovery; rapid growth

Care: Requires a high nutrient supply; tillering is promoted by frequent pruning and frequent stress

Usage: Ideal for sports stadiums and athletic fields; very well suited for golf tees and fairways; also suitable for private gardens

Negative traits: vulnerable to Microdochium nivale (especially with high nitrogen application in the fall); not suitable for greens (insufficient turf density); tends to form clumps in loose, “topdressed” areas; develops red tips when nutrient-deficient (can be corrected with targeted nitrogen fertilization)