Festuca amethystina

Festuca amethystina

Why Buy Me?

• Drought tolerant
• Lovely foliage colour
• Group with other grasses for maximum effect

Growing Conditions

Light:
Prefers full sun for the best growth and colour. It will tolerate light shade but may become less compact and produce fewer flowers.

Soil:
Thrives in well-drained, dry to moderately moist soil. Prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH. It is tolerant of poor soils, including sandy or rocky conditions, as long as drainage is good. Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils.

Exposure:
It is best grown in sheltered positions, although it can tolerate some exposure to wind once established. In colder climates, a little extra protection may be needed during winter.

Drought Tolerance:
Highly drought-tolerant once established, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping or low-maintenance gardens. It requires very little water once its root system has been established.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Plant in late spring or early autumn when the soil is still warm and moist. Spring is ideal for new growth, while autumn allows roots to establish before winter.

Spacing:
Space 30–45 cm (12–18 inches) apart to allow for growth and expansion. It forms a clump, growing 20–30 cm (8–12 inches) in height and about 30 cm (12 inches) in width.

Watering & Fertilization:
Water regularly during establishment but reduce watering once the plant is established. Fertilizing is generally unnecessary, but a light feeding of a slow-release fertilizer in early spring can encourage stronger growth. Over-fertilization may lead to overly soft, floppy growth.

Mulching & Pruning:
Mulch with a light layer of gravel or organic mulch to help suppress weeds and retain moisture in drier climates. Pruning is minimal; however, cutting back the foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth begins will help maintain a tidy appearance.

Propagation:
Best propagated by division in early spring. It can also be grown from seed, but plants grown from seed may take a longer time to establish compared to those propagated by division.

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
New growth emerges with a blue-green colour. The foliage forms a compact mound with delicate flowering spikes emerging in late spring to early summer.

Summer:
During summer, Festuca amethystina maintains its compact form, with the amethyst-coloured tips of the leaves becoming more noticeable. Flower spikes appear, typically in shades of blue to purple, giving a slight shimmer effect.

Autumn:
Foliage remains attractive throughout the fall, with the blue-green foliage transitioning to a more golden or reddish hue, depending on the season's conditions.

Winter:
Evergreen in milder climates, retaining its foliage and providing structure to the garden through winter. In colder areas, it may die back slightly but will usually regenerate in spring.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
Festuca amethystina attracts birds and insects to the garden, though its fine-textured foliage does not provide significant shelter for larger wildlife. It is not considered a significant pollinator plant but can provide some visual interest for pollinators.

Garden Use:
Ideal for rock gardens, gravel gardens, or ornamental grass plantings. Its small size makes it suitable for the front of borders or as an edging plant. It also works well in mixed plantings and containers, where its fine texture contrasts with bolder plants.

Companion Plants:
Combines beautifully with other ornamental grasses like Deschampsia or Calamagrostis, as well as with drought-tolerant plants like Lavender, Echinacea, and Sedum. It pairs well with plants that have a similar tolerance for dry conditions, such as Salvia or Achillea

Transform your home and garden with the Festuca amethystina , a must-have for any season. Order online now for quick and easy shopping, or drop by your local Thompson's Branch to explore it up close and get personalised recommendations.