Festuca glauca 'Elijah Blue'
Common Name(s):
Blue fescue
Elijah Blue fescue
Synonym:
Festuca cinerea
Blue Sheep fescue
Flower:
Green
Blooms :
Jun
to:
Jul
Infignificant, small
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
NO
Family:
Poaceae
Grass
Foliage:
Blue-grey
Glaucous, meedle-like, blue-grey
Fall Color?
YES
Leaves stay green till hard frost
Semi-Evergreen
Photo by:
Heading 6
Keeps its icy-blue mounded foliage
Oregon Native?
NO
West State Native?
NO
Origins:
Europe
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
4
Water Needs:
D
Sun Needs:
Full Sun
Deer Resistant?
YES
Firewise?
YES
Height:
.75-1'
Spread:
.5-.75'
Growth Rate:
Slow
Native Habitat:
Dry areas
Soil:
Average to medium dry soils
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
High
Fertilizer:
Compost or balanced slow-release fertilizer, apply early spring
Mulch:
1-2" layer of gravel or stone
Tend to die back in center and need to be divided every 2-3 years in spring, prune late winter/early spring to 2-3", deadhead in summer, only water during prolonged dry spells,
Long Term:
Winter:
Apply mulch if not done in fall, make sure there is good drainage
Spring:
Cut foliage back in early springs to 3-4" to tidy clumps, divide if needed, give light application of fertilizer
Summer:
Cut back in hot humid summers, water weekly, ensure full sun,
Fall:
Drastically reduce watering, remove dead foliage or debis from center of clump, divide if needed
General Care Comments:
Give full sun, excellent drainage, keep on the dry side to prevent rots
Common Problems
Short lifespan and lack of tolerance for wet conditions
Diseases:
Rust, croown rot, root rot, summer patch, powdery mildew
Insects:
Aphids, weevils
Environmental Problems:
Intolerance to wet soils
Pests:
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