The blue fescue should not be missing in the planting plan for the creative rock garden. No other perennial harmonizes better with the stony force of dry stone walls, rocky steppes and gravel beds. The blue shimmering ornamental grass also impresses with its robust undemanding nature. These answers to frequently asked questions shed light on all relevant details about the decorative Festuca cinerea.

Due to its winter hardiness, the blue fescue is ideal for permanent garden design

Plant blue fescue correctly

Preferentially grown in a container, you can plant blue fescue throughout the growing season as long as it doesn't freeze. In a sunny spot, dig small pits 20 cm apart. It is beneficial for rooting if you enrich the excavation with compost or leaf compost. In case of doubt, the addition of sand and fine grit (€46.95) improves permeability. Place the ornamental grass only deep enough in the soil that the base is just above the surface. Finally, water and mulch with pebbles or grit.

care tips

The following care program provides convincing proof of why blue fescue is the ideal perennial for the low-maintenance garden:

  • Only water moderately if the drought persists
  • No fertilizing is required in the bed
  • Start fertilizing in the pot in March/April
  • Cut off wilted flower spikes in autumn
  • Either cut the clump of grass close to the ground in March or comb it out with your fingers

Winter protection is not necessary for outdoor plants as Festuca cinerea is fully hardy. In the pot, however, a light winter protection makes sense so that the root ball does not freeze through due to the exposed location. To do this, wrap the container in jute or foil and slide a block of wood underneath.
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Which location is suitable?

In the sunny location, the blaze of color of the blue fescue keeps what the name promises. Of course, if you settle the ornamental grass in the semi-shade, the previously steel-blue stalks will turn green over time. A protected and warm place is advantageous for a decorative winter time. Under these conditions, the sweet grass adorns the otherwise empty garden with its spherical tuft of grass until spring.

What soil does the plant need?

The blue fescue achieves its optimum in sandy-loamy and moderately dry soil. When choosing a location, avoid damp locations, because the ornamental grass does not meet expectations here. The meager conditions in the rock garden or heather bed perfectly meet the needs of the popular perennial.

When is flowering time?

In June and July, the yellowish-brown panicle flowers rise above the blue culms. At this time, the ornamental grass reaches its maximum growth height of 25-30 cm. Cut the withered stems down to the tuft of grass to maintain the harmonious, hemispherical silhouette through the winter.

Properly cut blue fescue

Blue fescue is hardy and semi-evergreen. Therefore, cut off only the withered panicle flowers in autumn to enjoy the strikingly shaped, steel-blue ornamental grass during the cold season. In early spring, cut the grass that has been drawn in close to the ground. If there is already fresh shoots, simply comb out the withered stalks with your hands.
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Water blue fescue

Under normal weather conditions, a blue fescue is content with rain. Only water the ornamental grass if the drought persists. Please note that the perennial does not like wet feet at all. Therefore, let the water slowly run out of the jug spout onto the root ball in order to recognize in good time when no more moisture is being absorbed.

Fertilize blue fescue properly

A Festuca cinerea only puts on its steel-blue foliage in poor, dry soil. Additional nutrients are out of place here. We only recommend starting fertilization in the spring in the form of liquid fertiliser, plant manure or worm tea in the narrowly limited substrate volume of a bucket. However, this only applies if you have not just repotted the ornamental grass in pre-fertilized soil.

hibernate

Blue fescue is completely hardy. The ornamental grass is not even impressed by the bitter frost. As a result, no precautions need to be taken outdoors. However, if the blue clump of grass is in the limelight in the pot, the root ball behind the rather thin container walls is vulnerable. Therefore, wrap a bucket with bubble wrap or jute ribbons and place it on a block of wood.

Propagating blue fescue

Dividing the root ball has proven to be an unbeatably simple method of propagation. To do this, dig out the nest you cut back in March/April, provided the ground has completely thawed. Place the root ball on a firm surface to cut into 2 or more segments. As long as a section has at least 3-4 leaves, it has the potential to become an adult blue fescue. It is important to note that you put the pieces just as deep in the ground as before.

Blue fescue in a pot

They are pretty to look at in the pot and compliment other perennials that also need lean, dry conditions. Use lean cactus, unit or propagation soil as a substrate and mix in sand or fine grit. A drainage made of pebbles or broken pottery prevents waterlogging at the bottom of the pot. Only water blue fescue in the pot when the substrate has dried well. At the start of the season, give a liquid fertilizer to stimulate growth. The withered panicle flowers are cut off in autumn as they affect the visual appearance. Cut the tuft of grass close to the ground in March or comb out the withered stalks with your fingers. Before the first frost, the pot is given a winter coat of jute or bubble wrap. A base made of wood or styrofoam is also useful.

Is blue fescue poisonous?

Blue fescue contains no harmful substances. The ornamental grass is therefore unreservedly suitable for the family garden. Don't worry if your cheeky cat or curious dog nibbles on the stalks.
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Beautiful varieties

  • Elijah Blue: Beautiful blue fescue with spherical habit and intensely bright blue culms; 10-25cm
  • Uchte: Cushion-forming ornamental grass whose steel-blue leaves adorn the garden throughout the winter; 10-25cm
  • Great Egret: Beautiful Festuca cinerea that sets impressive accents as a silvery-blue groundcover; 10-25cm
  • Blue Glow: This strain grows a little taller to showcase itself in rock gardens and large containers; 10-30cm
  • BergSILVER: Valuable hybrid with an elegant, hemispherical silhouette for beds, graves and tubs; 10-30cm

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Herbs