However, because of its exceptional durability and rapid establishment rate, improved varieties are often blended with bluegrasses. Improved ryegrass varieties for use in blends include Manhattan II, Citation II, Derby, Diplomat, Cowboy, Palmer, Yorktown II, and others. Fine fescues are used in blends for shaded conditions and where low maintenance is desired. They are superior to most cool-season grasses in shade adaptation and are compatible in mixes with Kentucky bluegrass. Like ryegrass, fine fescues germinate and establish quickly.
Fine fescues form a very fine-textured turf of high shoot density.
Drought tolerance is superior to bluegrass. However, during periods of hot, dry weather, the fine fescues may lose their color rapidly. Improved varieties of fine fescues include Ensylva, Highlight, Fortress, Jamestown, Atlanta, Biljart and others. Tall fescue is the most heat and drought tolerant of the cool-season grasses. It is often used where a low-maintenance lawn is desired.