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Blue Fescue Grass

Festuca glauca, commonly known as blue fescue, is a compact ornamental grass valued for its striking blue-gray foliage and fine texture.
Festuca glauca, commonly known as blue fescue, is a compact ornamental grass valued for its striking blue-gray foliage and fine texture. Native to Europe, this clump-forming grass thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, making it an ideal choice for rock gardens, borders, or as a ground cover. In early summer, Festuca glauca produces slender flower spikes that rise above the foliage, adding visual interest to the landscape. Drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, this low-maintenance grass requires little to no watering once established, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add color and texture to dry or challenging garden spaces.

Plant Features

Graceful Garden Texture
Festuca glauca is recognized for its striking blue-gray foliage and fine texture. The grass forms compact, neat mounds that provide a soft and graceful element to garden landscapes. In early summer, slender flower spikes emerge, rising above the foliage and adding an extra layer of visual interest. The fine-textured leaves and the contrast between the blue-gray color and the greenery around it enhance the plant’s ornamental appeal, making it a standout feature in any garden setting.
Enhances Dry Landscapes
Festuca glauca thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, making it well-suited for various garden settings. This drought-tolerant and deer-resistant grass is ideal for rock gardens, borders, or as ground cover, where it can establish itself with minimal watering once mature. Its tolerance for dry, sandy soils also makes it a suitable choice for coastal gardens or Mediterranean-inspired landscapes. Gardeners appreciate its ability to add texture and color to challenging garden spaces, including rocky or dry areas.
Versatile in Garden Design
Festuca glauca is utilized extensively in garden design due to its compact growth and striking foliage. It serves effectively as ground cover, controlling erosion on slopes and fitting well into xeriscaping projects where water conservation is essential. As an edging plant, it provides a tidy appearance along pathways and garden borders. Additionally, blue fescue can be divided in the spring or early fall to propagate new plants, making it a practical choice for gardeners looking to expand their landscape or create uniformity in design. Its low-maintenance nature and appealing texture make it a favorite for container planting and mass plantings.
Plant Care
Care Instructions and Tips
Thrives in full sun, where it develops the best color and form. Can tolerate very light shade.
Drought-tolerant once established. Water moderately until established, then only during prolonged dry spells.
Prefers well-drained soil. It is not particular about soil type or pH but performs best in poorer soils without a lot of added nutrients.
Requires little maintenance. Cut back in early spring before new growth starts to tidy up the plant and encourage lush, new foliage.
Produces small, blue-green flowers in late spring to early summer, which mature into tan seed heads.

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