UC Master Gardeners, Santa Clara County, CA
University of California
UC Master Gardeners, Santa Clara County, CA

Water Wise Plants

Festuca glauca

Pronunciation
fes-TOO-ka GLAW-ka
Common Name
Blue Fescue
Plant Type
Grass
Mature Size
1 ft high and 10 in. wide
Water Requirements
Moderate: water weekly until the root ball is wet
Sun/Shade Requirements
Full to half sun
Wildlife
Flower Color
Pale green turning to buff
Maintenance- Design- Planting Tips

Design use: Meadow

Blue fescue is a drought tolerant, evergreen bunchgrass with narrow blue-green leaves that form a mound. Flowers appear in summer on thin 1 ft. high spikes with seeds that easily self-sow.

This grass needs occasional water and good drainage. It tends to brown out in the middle and can be raked out in winter or divided and replanted. In a low water garden, these grasses seem to hold their blue green color better in the shade. Native to southern France, deer resistant, no fertilizer needed although compost can be used. Cool season plant.

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