Blue Fescue Grass

Blue fescue is a compact, cool-season ornamental grass with fine blue-gray leaves arranged in rounded clumps. Festuca glauca is grown for its cool foliage color and neat texture; individual forms can differ in color, flowering, and mature size. ## Garden use and conditions The species profile from [North Carolina State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/festuca-glauca/common-name/blue-fescue/) describes mounds about 9–12 inches tall and 12–18 inches wide, with green to purple-tinged flower panicles in late spring or early summer. It recommends full sun, some tolerance of partial shade, and medium-moist to dry, well-drained soil. Use the clumps along a path, at the front of a border, in a rock garden, or as a small groundcover. Blue fescue tolerates dry conditions after establishment, but does not thrive in waterlogged soil. The same source cautions that plants may brown in severe winters or decline during hot, humid summers. ## Establishment Water new plants until roots are established, then avoid frequent shallow watering. Good drainage is more important than rich soil. ## Maintenance In spring, comb away dead foliage and divide clumps every few years if the center thins. Replace older plants when they lose their rounded shape.