(Blue Fescue, Field Fescue)

The genus Festuca comprises over 300 species and even more cultivated varieties. These may have annual or perennial life cycles, and spreading or bunched habits, depending on the given species. Fescues are broadly distributed across the globe, but most exist in North Temperate regions. Many species are grown as ornamental grasses for the lawn and garden, or for agricultural purposes, but many more exist as common weeds.

Fescues require full to part sun and can tolerate a wide range of soil types,...

(Amethystina Fescue)

Tufted fescue is a perennial, ornamental grass with intense blue-green color. It is short, clumping and native to central and eastern Europe including the Alps. Leaves are very fine in texture, linear to thread shaped and furrowed at the base. The flowers are produced on flexible, zigzag branched spikelets and are purplish in color. The flower spikes are held well above the foliage and produced in summer.

Tufted fescue is a cool-season grass and can be short-lived. It prefers full sun to part sun...

(Tall Fescue)

A tall-growing, clumping forming perennial grass, tall fescue is a durable turfgrass in regions with cool to moderate temperatures. With tough blade-leaves and a fine texture, it makes a good lawn on playgrounds and athletic fields. This deep-rooted grass is native to Europe and northern temperate Asia. For a thick turf, numerous plants must comprise the lawn, as it does not spread from roots or running stems.

Tall fescue develops a bunching habit of short rhizome roots. The deep extent of the...

(Field Fescue)

Native to southwestern Europe, this fescue species is a densely-clumping perennial with curved, green, narrow leaves. In size and shape it resembles Festuca ovina which many gardeners use as a small ornamental grass in beds and borders. Festuca arvernensis is adapted to hot, dry conditions.

Fescues require full to part sun and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but most prefer average, slightly acidic soil with good drainage. Ornamental species, like the evergreen blue fescue (Festuca glauca)...

(Hard Fescue)

This species is a perennial spreading grass of short stature notable for its long thin leaves. It forms patches, spreading by underground stems. Native to southern Europe, it flowers in summer.

This fescue requires full to part sun and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but prefers average, slightly acidic soil with good drainage. It can be used in sunny borders, containers or rock gardens and looks best when planted in masses.

(Blue Fescue)

Forming low bristling domes of showy evergreen foliage, this clumping, cool-season grass hails from Europe. It slowly forms a rounded hummock of somewhat stiff, fine-textured leaves that are usually blue- or gray-green, with some forms approaching silver. Their texture contrasts beautifully with that of coarse leaves and large stones. In midsummer this little blue fescue bears plumy clusters of fine beige to gray, purple-tinted flowers on erect stems. They create a soft and breezy look. Some gardeners...

(Blue Fescue)

Versatile and pretty, blue fescue is an evergreen ornamental bunch grass that originates from North Temperate regions across the globe. It is best known for its dense bunches of fine, erect blades that are blue-green to gray-green, depending on the selection. In the summer it puts forth drooping panicles of grassy flowers from upright stems.

For best growth, plant blue fescue in full sun and average soil with very good drainage. It is drought tolerant once established and may suffer from root...

(Blue Fescue, Blue Silver Fescue)

Versatile and pretty, 'Blue Silver' is an evergreen ornamental bunch grass known for its neat mounded habit of medium height and fine blades of intense silver blue-green. In the summer it puts forth erect stems of blue-green grassy flowers that mature to a soft tan color.

For best growth, plant blue fescue in full sun and average soil with very good drainage. It is drought tolerant once established and may suffer from root rot if subjected to too much moisture, particularly in winter. Central...

(Blue Fescue, Boulder Blue Fescue)

Versatile and pretty, blue fescue is an evergreen ornamental bunch grass that originates from North Temperate regions across the globe. The cultivar 'Boulder Blue' is a large selection known for its fine, upright blades of intense blue-gray. In the summer it puts forth erect stems of blue-green grassy flowers that mature to a soft tan color.

For best growth, plant blue fescue in full sun and average soil with very good drainage. It is drought tolerant once established and may suffer from root...

(Blue Fescue, Elijah's Blue Fescue)

Versatile and pretty, 'Elijah Blue' is by far one of the most popular blue fescues on the market. This evergreen ornamental bunch grass is a dwarf selection known for its neat mounded habit and fine blades of intense blue-green. In the summer it puts forth erect stems of blue-green grassy flowers that mature to a soft tan color.

For best growth, plant blue fescue in full sun and average soil with very good drainage. It is drought tolerant once established and may suffer from root rot if subjected...