Festuca glauca Elijah Blue

Festuca glauca Elijah Blue

Why Buy Me?

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

Growing Conditions

Light:
Prefers full sun to partial shade. Best growth and vibrant blue foliage are achieved with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It can tolerate light shade, though the blue coloration may not be as intense.

Soil:
Thrives in well-drained, dry to moderately moist soil. It is tolerant of a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and even rocky soils, as long as they provide good drainage. Prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH, but it’s adaptable to most soil conditions.

Exposure:
Tolerates wind and exposure once established, making it suitable for coastal or exposed areas. In colder climates, providing some winter protection from harsh winds can help maintain its health.

Drought Tolerance:
Highly drought-tolerant once established, making it ideal for dry borders, rock gardens, or xeriscaping. This plant thrives with minimal watering after establishment, but it will need regular watering during the first few months of growth.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Plant in spring or early autumn when the soil is warm and moist, allowing roots to establish before extreme weather conditions.

Spacing:
Space 20–30 cm (8–12 inches) apart. It forms a compact, clumping mound that typically grows 25–30 cm (10–12 inches) tall and about 30–40 cm (12–16 inches) wide, making it perfect for smaller spaces, borders, and containers.

Watering & Fertilization:
Water regularly during the establishment period but reduce watering once the plant is established. This fescue is low-maintenance in terms of watering. Fertilize sparingly with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth. Over-fertilization can cause the plant to become leggy and lose its compact form.

Mulching & Pruning:
Mulch lightly around the base with gravel or organic mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Pruning is minimal; however, cutting back the old, dry foliage in late winter or early spring before the new growth emerges helps maintain a tidy appearance and encourages fresh growth. Trim back any damaged or browned foliage throughout the growing season to keep it looking neat.

Propagation:
Can be propagated by division in early spring or autumn. It can also be grown from seed, but plants grown from seed will take longer to establish compared to those propagated by division.

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
New growth appears as dense tufts of fine, blue-grey foliage. As the weather warms, the blue colour becomes more intense, and the plant begins to put on its best show.

Summer:
The vibrant blue-grey foliage remains attractive throughout the summer. Small, airy flower spikes may emerge, though the plant is primarily valued for its foliage rather than blooms.

Autumn:
The foliage continues to provide interest through autumn, potentially taking on a slight golden or tan hue as temperatures cool.

Winter:
Evergreen in mild climates, Festuca glauca 'Elijah Blue' provides texture and structure to winter gardens. In colder climates, the plant may die back but typically revives with fresh growth in spring.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
Attracts birds and beneficial insects, although it is not a major nectar source. Its fine-textured foliage provides some shelter for small wildlife in winter.

Garden Use:
Ideal for rock gardens, gravel gardens, borders, and as an edging plant. Its compact size and striking blue colour make it a popular choice for small gardens, containers, and as a ground cover. It also pairs well with other drought-tolerant plants and ornamental grasses.

Companion Plants:
Combines beautifully with other ornamental grasses like Carex, Pennisetum, or Deschampsia. It works well alongside drought-tolerant perennials such as Echinacea, Sedum, and Lavender. Also contrasts nicely with plants that have silver or purple foliage, such as Artemisia and Heuchera.

Transform your home and garden with the Festuca glauca Elijah Blue , 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.