Blue Fescue
Festuca glauca
A compact ornamental grass that forms perfect blue-silver tufts, adding cool-toned color and fine texture to rock gardens, borders, and contemporary landscapes. This drought-tolerant Mediterranean native maintains its striking blue color year-round and produces delicate flower spikes that add movement and interest to the garden.
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
4–9
USDA hardiness
Height
6-12 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Blue Fescue in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 grass →Zone Map
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Blue Fescue · Zones 4–9
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day), Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Drainage: Good Drainage. Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Division, Seed.
Harvesting
Type: Caryopsis.
Bloom time: Spring, Summer
History & Origin
Origin: North East Spain to North West Italy and Southern France
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Black Walnut, Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Pollution, Poor Soil
- +Attracts: Butterflies
- +Low maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Lavender
Similar drought tolerance and well-draining soil needs, creates attractive contrast
Sedum
Shares preference for poor, dry soils and provides complementary texture
Russian Sage
Both thrive in dry conditions and create beautiful textural combinations
Black-eyed Susan
Drought-tolerant perennial that provides color contrast to blue-gray foliage
Catmint
Similar growing conditions and helps repel rodents that might damage grass
Allium
Bulbs won't compete with shallow grass roots and provide seasonal interest
Yucca
Shares extremely low water needs and creates dramatic architectural contrast
Coral Bells
Tolerates similar conditions and provides colorful foliage complement
Keep Apart
Mint
Aggressive spreader that will overtake and crowd out ornamental grass
Hostas
Requires moist, rich soil conditions opposite to blue fescue's dry preferences
Astilbe
Needs consistently moist soil and shade, incompatible with blue fescue's dry, sunny needs
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good disease resistance in well-drained soils
Common Pests
Generally pest-free, deer and rabbit resistant
Diseases
Crown rot in wet soils, rust in humid conditions