Crop Rotation Group
Miscellaneous
|
|
Soil
Fertile, well-drained soil.
|
Position
Full sun.
|
Frost tolerant
Established plants of blue fescue are winter hardy to -30°F (-34°C).
|
Feeding
None needed.
|
Companions
-
|
Spacing
Single Plants: 7" (20cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 7" (20cm) with 7" (20cm) row gap (minimum)
|
Sow and Plant
Variations in foliage color occur when blue fescue is grown from seed, but not when plants are vegetatively propagated. Set out container-grown plants from spring to early summer, setting them slightly high in their planting holes. Young plants need water their first year, but after that blue fescue becomes very drought tolerant. Dig, divide and replant every two to three years to maintain plant vigor.
Our Garden Planning Tool can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
|
Notes
Native to Europe, blue fescue is a well-behaved clump-forming grass with remarkably fine, blue-green texture. Blue fescue makes a great accent plant, whether in a managed bed or tall container. It is also a good ground cover for windswept hillsides. In early spring, mow or clip off old growth to make way for new leaves. In humid climates, clumps often die out in the middle or on one side after their third year.
|
Harvesting
Blue fescue produces seed heads in midsummer, which some gardeners love while others do not. Lop them off if you wish, especially after they become ragged.
|
Troubleshooting
Too much water and fertilizer can make blue fescue develop problems with root rot. Deer and other animals may browse the foliage in spring.
|