Tall fescue has no problems with drought and heat

Tall fescue is one of the most drought and heat tolerant species among Western European grasses. Intensive research in Italy in rain-out shelters clearly demonstrates this (see photos). In these rain-out shelters, the plants undergo extreme stress due to prolonged drought and heat. Only a few plants survive this type of drought and heat regime for a few weeks. And an even smaller number actually recover after such stress. This intensive research led to the development of a mixture that requires almost 70% less water than a standard lawn mixture – the Water Saver mixture.

Water Saver trial in rain-out shelter

A rain-out shelter before and after a stress period. Extreme stress leads to demonstrable differences. Source: Landlab Research Institute, Italy

Beat drought with Water Saver

Water Saver has been on the market for years but the need in areas other than Southern and Eastern Europe has not been significant until recently. The mixture comprises specially selected tall fescues, smooth stalked meadow grass and perennial ryegrass, which excel in drought tolerance and in recovery after drought and heat. Water Saver contains Barenbrug’s tall fescue, perennial ryegrass and smooth stalked meadow grass. Barenbrug’s smooth stalked meadow grass varieties are known for their great resilience and ability to recover after dry periods. While other varieties are defeated by dry or hot conditions, Water Saver will soon become green again.

Overseed using ultra-strong, stolon-forming perennial ryegrass

Water Saver offers the best preventative solution for lawns. Water Saver is less suitable for overseeding an existing turf cover. Bar Power RPR, based on stolon-forming perennial ryegrass, offers the best solution for this purpose. Bar Power RPR can be sown on any turf, and it is highly recommended for new seeding.

The irrigation level was 50% of the Evapotranspiration (ET). The measurements were taken over a period of two years.

RPR significantly better against drought and heat

Read more here about the excellent performance of RPR during heat and drought.

Water Saver

Extremely deep roots (down to 60 cm deep)
Highly drought-tolerant
Less irrigation required

RPR® Lawn

Strong as iron
Quick green-up
Beautiful ornamental lawn

RPR® Sport

Highest wear tolerance!
Revolutionary: perennial ryegrass with stolons!
Extremely strong and fast turf
Less annual meadow grass

RPR® Golf Dense

Highest sod density#
Mowing height possible from 5 mm
Less damage due to regenerating ability
Less space for unwanted grasses and weeds

For over 100 years

The Royal Barenbrug Group is a family-owned business, the core activities of which are plant breeding, grass seed production and the international marketing of seed for turf and forage grasses and legumes. Barenbrug has been the leading grass seed business in the world for over 100 years.

The Royal Barenbrug Group is a family-owned business, the core activities of which are plant breeding, grass seed production and the international marketing of seed for turf and forage grasses and legumes. Barenbrug has been the leading grass seed business in the world for over...

The Royal Barenbrug Group is a family-owned business, the core activities of which are plant breeding, grass seed production and the international marketing of seed for turf and forage grasses and legumes. Barenbrug has been the leading grass seed business in the world for over 100 years.

Where to buy

our grass seeds

Buying Seeds

back