Contessa (SWI-1045) bermudagrass is a "princess" type cynodon dactylon with color and texture that parallels even the best sprigged-type bermudas.

When maintained at a 0.75" - 1" mowing height, fertilized at 0.50-0.75 n/100, and irrigated to prevent dormancy, Contessa was ranked higher than some well-known entrants such as Riviera and Yukon! Contessa was highly ranked in frost tolerance and shows a low incidence of Spring dead spot also.