Height:

8.0-10.0 Inches

Spread:

8.0-10.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

4,5,6,7,8

Flower Color:

Tan shades

Foliage Color:

Blue shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Low Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Poor Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Early Summer Midsummer

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant

Seasonal Interest:

Evergreen Fall Color

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Patio Container Eclectic

Other Features:

Border Plant Container Drought Tolerant Easy To Grow Edging Attractive Foliage Salt Tolerant Small Miniature

Origin:

Not Native to North America

The Festuca genus is at its best when given full sun and well-drained soil. Afternoon shade is recommended, however, in the warmest regions of the country. Festucas are valued for their clumping habit and are proven performers in areas with cooler climates. In mild areas they act evergreen, but in cooler areas they should be trimmed back almost to the base either before the onset of winter or in early spring.

If division is required, it is best performed in the spring so the divisions have time to root in before the onset of winter.

Growing Temperature:

55-65° F

Soil PH:

5.8-6.3

EC (What is EC?):

1.5-2.0 pour through method

Fertility:

Festuca have low fertility needs and can survive in very poor soils.  However, while it is actively growing it can use higher levels of Nitrogen.  If the foliage loses its blue color, an application of 100-200ppm Nitrogen fertilizer might be beneficial.

For Controlled Release or Slow Release Fertilizer, see your preferred supplier for recommended rates for incorporation or top dressing, as it varies by fertilizer.

Vernalization:

Not required.

Pests & Diseases:

Clumps may die out in spots, or die out completely. This problem is often caused by one or more of the following factors: high salt levels in the media, too much irrigaton, or poor physical properties of the media.

Potting & Timing:

It is important that plants have good contact with the potting medium. Try to avoid air pockets between the plant and the medium.  Watering in well after planting helps with this.

Moisture:

Too much water will stress plants out.

Planting Level:

At crown level.

PGRs/Pinching:

Not required.

Lighting:

Provide high light levels.

Other Comments:

Festuca works well in combination planters, edging in the border, or as accent plants. Foliage color is brightest in full sun, but plants will do fine in partial shade.

Awards

International Hardy Plant Union Outstanding Plant Award -- 1996

Download Large Benchcard

Download Small Benchcard