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Festuca glauca

Blue fescue

Common names: Blue sheep fescue

Blue fescue

Photo: Opioła Jerzy (Poland) · CC BY 2.5 · Source

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Description

Blue fescue (Festuca glauca) is a small ornamental grass with dense, steel‑blue hemispherical tufts of fine blades. It originates from dry, sunny habitats and is well suited for rock gardens, raised beds, or containers. From June to July it produces delicate, slightly pendulous flower spikes that accentuate its blue hue. Varieties such as "Elijah Blue" and "Intense Blue" are noted for their particularly vivid blue tones.

Care instructions

Plant in full sun on a warm, well‑drained, slightly sandy or loamy soil; avoid water‑logged or stagnant spots. Water newly planted clumps regularly, then the plant tolerates longer dry periods without extra watering. In early spring (late February to early March, week 9–10) trim the clumps back to finger‑thick to encourage fresh, saturated blue foliage. Divide every three to four years to prevent the center from becoming hollow. On heavy, wet soils, add a handful of sand or gravel to the planting hole to improve drainage.

Soil & site

Soil pH

4.0pH 6–7.88.0

Soil type

well-drained, sandy, lean, dry

LightFull sun
HardinessHardy

Feeding

Light feeder

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