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Festuca glauca
Blue Fescue
Festuca glauca
Festuca glauca, commonly known as Blue Fescue, is a cool-season ornamental grass prized for its striking blue-gray foliage. It forms neat, compact tufts and provides excellent textural contrast in gardens. It is relatively low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established, making it a popular choice for xeriscaping and rock gardens. It is a short lived perennial and will likely need to be divided to promote long term health.
CategoryDetails
Plant TypePerennial plant
Estimated Plant Lifespan5 years lifespan
Sun Requirements6+ hours direct sunlight (Full Sun)
Pollination

Method: wind

Watering Requirements

Method: top water

Frequency: Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry.

Notes: Avoid overwatering, especially during the winter months, as this can lead to root rot. Established plants are drought-tolerant.

Humidity Requirements

Level: low

Care InstructionsComb through the foliage in late winter or early spring to remove dead or brown blades and maintain a tidy appearance. Divide clumps every 2-3 years to maintain vigor.
Temperature Range

Min: -29°C

Max: 32°C

Alternative NamesFestuca veneris, glaucous fescue

Cultivars

Lavandula angustifolia
Common Lavender
Lavandula angustifolia
Lavender's silver-gray foliage and purple flowers create a beautiful color combination with Blue Fescue. Both plants thrive in well-drained soil and full sun.
Elymus repens
Quack Grass
Elymus repens

Quackgrass is an aggressive, rhizomatous grass that can quickly outcompete Festuca glauca for nutrients and space.

Poa pratensis
Smooth Meadow-grass
Poa pratensis

Kentucky Bluegrass can spread aggressively and may overshadow and outcompete Festuca glauca, especially in moist, fertile soils.

Aphids

Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can cause yellowing, distorted growth, and honeydew production, potentially leading to sooty mold.

Rust

Rust is a fungal disease that appears as orange or reddish-brown pustules on the leaves, weakening the plant and affecting its aesthetic appeal.

Steps:

    • Carefully dig up the mature Festuca glauca plant in early spring or fall.
    • Gently separate the clump into smaller sections, ensuring each section has healthy roots and foliage.
    • Replant the divisions in well-drained soil at the same depth as the original plant.
    • Water thoroughly after replanting and keep the soil consistently moist until the plants are established.

Neem Oil

Effective for controlling aphids and other pests.

Compost Tea

Can improve soil health and plant vigor, making the plant more resistant to diseases like rust.