Festuca

( fes - TOO - kah )

At-A-Glance Information

This well-known genus of perennial grasses includes species that do best in sun (but can tolerate some shade) and need moderate to regular water in the garden. These ornamental staples have colorful foliage and relatively showy flowers for their size. Some species are used for lawns, others for container accents, and still others for erosion control or interest in mixed beds and borders. Take care when planting these grasses in the landscape, as they are toxic to livestock.

Festuca Species and Varietals

Festuca is a genus in the plant family Poaceae and includes between 400 and 640 distinct species. The best growing zones for Festuca vary depending on the species cultivated. For more information, see the species descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Festuca amethystina (Tufted Fescue, Large Blue Fescue, Hair Fescue, Amethyst Fescue, Fineleaf Sheep Fescue, Rainbow Fescue)
This species of Fescue is suited well to USDA hardiness zones 4-8 or Sunset growing zones 2-10 and 14-24. They are native to the Alps and southern Europe. These grasses reach 1.5 feet tall and 10 inches wide, and has fine-textured, threadlike leaves that are differing shades of blue depending on the variety. Flowers bloom in late spring and early summertime and are violet-tinged, held above the foliage.

Festuca arundinacea (Tall Fescue, Kentucky Fescue, Reed Fescue, Alta Fescue, Coarse Fescue)
This species of Fescue grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3-9 or Sunset growing zones A1-A3, 1-10, and 14-24 and is native to Europe and northern areas of Asia. They have naturalized themselves in certain parts of North America, and are used for moderately low water-use lawns. Must be planted close together to create a turf, as they do not spread. Mow to 2-3 inches tall. This species is also great for erosion control and banked areas. This species is considered invasive in the United States (Midwest, Southeast, and California).

Festuca californica (California Fescue)
This species is best in USDA hardiness zones 4-11 or Sunset zones zones 4-9 and 14-24, and is native to the Coast Ranges from Northern California to Oregon. It forms a loose clump of blue-grey or blue-green leaves 2-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. Flower spikes start green, turn purple and age to yellow. This grass is long-lived and can tolerate summer drought in cooler zones. Varieties include 'Horse Mountain Green' (dark green leaves on top with chalk blue undersides), 'Scott Mountain' (with intense blue-grey foliage), and 'Serpentine Blue' (also with vibrant blue-grey foliage).

Festuca glauca (Festuca cinerea) (Common Blue Fescue, Blue Fescue, Blue Fescue Grass, Grey Fescue, Elijah Blue)
Common Blue Fescue grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4-8 or Sunset growing zones 1-24 and is native to Europe. It forms a foot tall, 10-inch wide clump of blue-grey to silver-white fine leaves. Flowers bloom in summertime. Varieties are listed and described below.

'Beyond Blue'
A more intense blue variation of 'Elijah Blue' that keeps better color.

'Boulder Blue'
Very narrow leaves that are an intense sliver-blue.

'Elijah Blue'
Forms an 8-12 inch tall clump of silver-blue leaves. A tough, long-lived variety.

'Golden Toupee'
Reaches 8 inches tall and has fine-textured chartreuse foliage. This variety does best in light shade.

Festuca idahoensis (Idaho Fescue, Blue Bunchgrass, Bluebunch Fescue)
Native to British Columbia to Alberta, south to central California and Colorado, this species is best in USDA hardiness zones 4-10 or Sunset growing zones 1-10 and 14-24. Foliage is blue-green to silvery blue. Clumps are about 14 inches tall and 10 inches wide at maturity. This species can tolerate winter wet periods. Great for slope erosion control. A popular variety is 'Siskiyou Blue', which has blue leaves and can tolerate a good amount of shade.

Festuca mairei (Atlas Fescue, Maire's Fescue, Mare's Bunch Grass)
Grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4-10 or Sunset growing zones 2-11 and 14-24, and is native to Morocco. Individua plants reach up to 2-3 feet tall and just as wide, with pale yellow to grey-green leaves. Flower spikes form in early summertime. This species is evergreen in mild-winter areas, and is heat tolerant and can tolerate some drought but looks better with regular waterings. Great for erosion control or as a large-scale groundcover, and also great as a specimen.

Fescue rubra (Red Fescue, Creeping Red Fescue)
This species of Fescue grows well in USDA hardiness zones 1-7 or Sunset growing zones A2, A3, 1-10 and 14-24. It is native to Europe and North America, and forms clumps of dark green blades. It is often used in lawn blends with other lawn grasses, but can be used alone. Shade-tolerant and not fussy about soil, but does need moderate amounts of water to perform well. Water-wise varieties include 'Jughandle' (with grey-green leaves to 6 inches tall) and 'Patrick's Point' (to a foot tall). This species has been labeled as invasive in Hawai'i and Maryland in the United States.

Caring for Festuca

Take care when planting these grasses in the landscape, as they are toxic to livestock. Plant Fescue in a space in the landscape that receives partial shade or full sun; ideally, they appreciate around 6 hours of sun to grow well. Sun exposure requirements vary depending on the species grown, however, so make sure to check the plant label before choosing a planting site. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients, and has a pH of between 5.0 and 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, most species perform well in consistently moist soils. Some species can handle summertime drought conditions in cooler zones; check the descriptions above for more information.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season, and remove spent flower spikes to neaten up the appearance of plants and encourage reblooms. Festuca can also be used as a lawn grass and mowed to a height of 2-3 inches. If growing Fescue in a cramped space like a narrow border, make sure to divide plants every few years to ensure ongoing health. For instructions on how to successfully divide a Festuca plant, see the Propagation section below. Fescues typically survive in the landscape for between 3 and 5 years.

Propagation

Festuca, or Fescue, can be propagated either by dividing existing plants or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the division method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your Fescue, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Festuca by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Harvest your seeds. They are held on spiked inflorescences above the foliage. Once they have dried out and begun to split open, harvest the seeds. Cut them off of the plant, placing them in a paper bag. Harvest as many as you can, and place the paper bag in a dry, cool, dark area. They will begin to split open and release the seeds contained inside. Once they have been released, take them out of the bag and put them in a container so you can work with them.
Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 7-14 days from sowing.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.

Propagating Festuca by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil, compost, and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in spring or fall (after the plant has entered dormancy and been cut to the ground, but before it has begun its new spring growth), and needs to be done every four to five years regardless of whether you have the goal of propagating the plants for best performance. To propagate by division, follow these steps:

Gather your materials. Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the rhizome roots. Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
Start to tease apart the roots with your fingers. Once the roots are untangled, separate your plant into segments, ensuring that each one has at least one thick rhizome section with two or three buds.
Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divided rhizomes about an inch under the soil surface and water thoroughly.
Apply a thick layer of mulch over the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it grow.

Problems and Pests

Certain species are considered invasive in some regions; see the species descriptions above for more information. Check with local authorities before planting. Festuca, or Fescue, plants are susceptible to developing problems with the following pests and diseases in the landscape: