Festuca
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At-A-Glance InformationThis well-known genus of perennial grasses do best in sun (but can tolerate some shade) and need moderate to regular water. These ornamental staples have colorful leaves and relatively showy flowers for their size. Some species are used for lawns, others for container accents, and still others for erosion control. All species can withstand drought conditions and also tolerate frost well, but require good drainage.
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Festuca Species and Varietals
The best growing zones for Festuca vary depending on the species. For more information, see the species descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Festuca amethystina This species of Fescue grows well in zones 2-10 and 14-24 and are native to the Alps and southern Europe. These 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) This species of Fescue grows well in 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, though it is considered invasive in California. |
Festuca californica (California Fescue) This species is best in 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)
Common Blue Fescue grows well in 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.
Common Blue Fescue grows well in 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.
Festuca idahoensis Native to British Columbia to Alberta, south to central California and Colorado, this species is best in zones 1-10 and 14-24. Foliage is blue-green to silvery blue. Clump is about 14 inches tall and 10 inches wide. 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) Grows well in zones 2-11 and 14-24, and is native to Morocco. Reaches 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 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). |
Caring for Festuca
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 321, Festuca
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