Overview
Poa pratensis is a bushy grass like in the genus Poa, part of the Poaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. Poa pratensis grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden and prairie planting.
About
Poa pratensis, commonly known as Kentucky bluegrass (or blue grass), smooth meadow-grass, or common meadow-grass, is a perennial species of grass native to practically all of Europe, North Asia and the mountains of Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia. There is disagreement about its native status in North America, with some sources considering it native and others stating the Spanish Empire brought the seeds of Kentucky bluegrass to the New World in mixtures with other grasses. It is a very popular lawn grass in North America with the species being spread over all of the cool, humid parts of the United States. In its native range, Poa pratensis forms a valuable pasture plant, characteristic of well-drained, fertile soil. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is hardy through an average UK winter (RHS H4). It works well for city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden and prairie planting.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Poa pratensis
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Poa
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Poa pratensis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Prairie planting
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Poa pratensis
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or by division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Rust can be a problem
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Poa pratensis?
Poa pratensis prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Poa pratensis need?
Poa pratensis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Poa pratensis hardy in the UK?
Poa pratensis has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Poa pratensis?
Propagate by seed or by division in spring.
More in the Poa genus
- Poa alpinaalpine meadow grass
- Poa chaixiibroad-leaved meadow grass
- Poa cita
- Poa colensoi
- Poa labillardiereiNew Zealand blue grass
- Poa nemoraliswood meadow grass
- Poa palustrisswamp meadow grass
- Poa pratensis 'Borsala'PBR
