Blue Fescue
Blue fescue is a small ornamental grass grown for its round shape and blue-colored leaves. Tan seedheads appear in early summer. Its blue color and small size can be a nice contrast to other plants.
Blue Fescue
Blue fescue is a small ornamental grass grown for its round shape and blue-colored leaves. Tan seedheads appear in early summer. Its blue color and small size can be a nice contrast to other plants.
Plant details
Botanic Name
Festuca ovina glauca
Pronunciation
fes-TOO-kuh GLAW-kuh
Mature Height
6 to 12 in.
Mature Spread
6 to 12 in.
Water usage
One Droplet: Water twice per month or less, once established.
Two Droplets: Water about once per week, once established.
Three Droplets: Water about twice per week, once established.
Flower Color
tan
Bloom time
June to July
Colorado Native
No
Natural Habitat
species is native to Europe
Light Requirements
sun
Cold Hardiness
USDA zones 4-8
Elevation Limit
hardy to 8,500 ft.
Performance
Blue fescue has not performed well at the Xeriscape Garden. It was planted in several low water areas, where it never thrived. We eventually removed the plants.
Throughout Colorado Springs, blue fescue often dies over the winter. A newer cultivar, 'Boulder Blue,' was planted in 2014. We hope this cultivar will be more vigorous and drought tolerant.
Maintenance
Blue fescue is a short-lived plant and requires frequent division (every 2-3 years). Divide clumps in early spring.