Festuca cinerea Festina

Festuca cinerea Festina

Why Buy Me?

• Evergreen
• Lovely foliage colour
• Group with other grasses for maximum effect

Growing Conditions

Light:
Prefers full sun to partial shade. While it thrives in sunny spots, it can tolerate light shade, though its growth may be less vigorous and its colouration might be duller in shadier conditions.

Soil:
Requires well-drained soil. It thrives in slightly acidic to neutral pH soils but can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils. It is not suited to heavy, waterlogged soils.

Exposure:
Best grown in sheltered areas, though it is relatively tolerant of wind once established. In cold regions, providing some winter protection or growing near a warm wall can help it thrive.

Drought Tolerance:
Highly drought-tolerant once established, making it ideal for xeriscaping, gravel gardens, or dry borders. It requires very little supplemental watering once its root system is established.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Plant in late spring or early autumn, when the soil is still warm and moisture levels are adequate. Spring planting is ideal for faster growth and establishment.

Spacing:
Space 30–45 cm (12–18 inches) apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth. It forms a dense, clump-forming mound that grows up to 25 cm (10 inches) in height and 30 cm (12 inches) in width.

Watering & Fertilization:
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish the plant. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering. Apply a slow-release fertilizer in early spring for stronger growth, but avoid overfeeding, as this can lead to weak, leggy growth.

Mulching & Pruning:
Mulch lightly with gravel or organic material in spring to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Pruning is minimal, but cutting back the old foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth appears will help keep the plant tidy and encourage fresh growth.

Propagation:
Festuca cinerea 'Festina' can be propagated by division in early spring or autumn. The plant can also be grown from seed, though this may take longer to establish.

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
New growth emerges as fine, green or bluish foliage that forms a compact mound. The plant remains neat and tidy through the season, with fresh growth continuing to push upwards.

Summer:
During summer, the foliage retains its cool green or bluish-grey colour, making it an attractive contrast to other summer bloomers. The plant may send up small, airy flower spikes, but it is grown more for its foliage.

Autumn:
The foliage maintains its appearance into autumn, possibly becoming a more golden or reddish hue, especially with cooler weather. The plant remains attractive well into the cooler months.

Winter:
In milder climates, Festuca cinerea 'Festina' remains evergreen, offering structural interest with its fine-textured foliage. In colder climates, it may die back a bit but will regenerate in the spring.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
While Festuca cinerea 'Festina' does not attract significant pollinators, its fine-textured foliage provides excellent shelter for small insects and birds, particularly in the winter months.

Garden Use:
Ideal for rock gardens, gravel gardens, and dry, sunny borders. Its compact size makes it perfect for use as an edging plant or in containers. It works well in mixed borders, providing texture and contrast against flowering perennials and shrubs.

Companion Plants:
Pairs well with other ornamental grasses like Deschampsia or Carex, as well as with drought-tolerant plants like Lavender, Sedum, Echinacea, and Salvia. It also complements plants with contrasting foliage, such as Heuchera and Artemisia.

Transform your home and garden with the Festuca cinerea Festina , 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.