It is not the easiest grass to get established and is considered marginal in zone 5. You may need to be attentive to it its frst couple of season in zone 5, including some significant winter mulching. And it dislikes dry soils and appreciates acidic soil conditions. There is really only one recognized cultivar - 'Red Baron', aka 'Rubra'.

Definitely hardy in Zone 5 - I have been growing it in my garden just south of you (st. thomas) for the past 14 years with no problems.
My recommendation with this grass is to plant it in the spring/early summer to get it established. Fall bargins rarely survive the winter. It seems to be quite shallow rooted & does take some time to settle in.
I have never mulched or taken any other special care with it BUT, I do agree with garden gal - it doesn't like dry soils.
A.