Festuca glauca Play pronunciation

Blue fescue is a semi-evergreen, clumping, low-growing, short-lived, cool-season, perennial, ornamental grass. It has a dome-shaped habit with fine, needle-like, blue-gray blades that project upward and outward. It matures to a height of 9 to 12 inches and spreads from 12 to 18 inches. In late spring to early summer, green, purple-tinged flowers appear in terminal panicles, and seed heads follow. It is native to Spain and as far as north and northwestern Italy, and is a member of the grass family (Poaceae). The genus name Festuca is derived from Latin and means "stalk" or "straw." The specific epithet glauca is Latin and means bluish-green.

This ornamental grass prefers full sun but will tolerate some partial shade. Thrives in medium-moist to dry, well-drained soils. It is drought and poor-soil-tolerant, but is intolerant of wet or poorly drained soils. In mild climates, the grass may retain its bluish-gray color over winter, but in colder climates or during severe winter weather, the grass will show signs of browning. The grass also tends to decline in hot, humid summer months. Clumps tend to die and require division every two to three years, and are either replaced or replanted. The best method of propagation is by division. The grass may be propagated by seed, but there may be variations in the leaf blade color.

Blue fescue is grown for its blue-gray foliage and may be used as a semi-green ground cover or accent plant. It is most attractive in the spring and fall, and it blends well with other ornamental grasses.

Insects, Disease, and Other Plant Problems:  No significant insect or disease problems. Short-lived ornamental grass that does not tolerate hot or humid conditions. Deer and rabbits are known to graze the foliage.