Elijah Blue Blue Fescue

Festuca glauca 'Elijah Blue' is a compact, tufted fescue valued for fine, silvery-blue leaves that form a neat cushion. From late spring into summer, narrow blue-green flower plumes rise above the foliage and fade to golden brown. ## Landscape Use Place it at the front of a sunny border, along an edge, or in a gravel or rock garden where the cool foliage contrasts with darker leaves and flowers. It also works in a patio container. The foliage commonly reaches roughly 9–12 inches, making the compact mound useful at the front of a sunny border or along a path. ## Growing Conditions Full sun brings out the strongest blue color. Use well-drained soil; the Royal Horticultural Society lists chalk, loam, and sand as suitable soil types and advises against heavy moisture. Blue fescue is a cool-season grass, so its foliage is most vivid in spring and fall and may become greener or brown in winter depending on climate. ## Maintenance In spring, comb out dead leaves and trim only damaged foliage. The clumps can thin in the center, so divide them about every three years and replant vigorous outer sections. See the cultivar profile from the [Royal Horticultural Society](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/104179/festuca-glauca-elijah-blue/details) and growing guidance from [University of Wisconsin Extension](https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/blue-fescue-festuca-ovina-glauca/).