Festuca laevigata
Festuca laevigata · Poaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant festuca laevigata: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Poaceae (grasses)
- Foliage
- Evergreen, blue-gray
- Flowering
- June to July
- Mature size
- 30–60 cm in height
- Growth
- Slow to moderate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to −25 °C)
- Origin
- Mountains of western North America
- Soil type
- Well-drained, dry to moderately moist
Care
Light
Festuca laevigata appreciates full sun for optimal blue coloring. It tolerates partial shade but develops a less compact habit. Avoid heavily shaded areas that promote etiolation.
Soil and drainage
This grass requires well-drained, light, and rather dry soil. It adapts to poor and rocky soils. Improve drainage in heavy soil by adding gravel or sand.
Watering
Water regularly in the first year to establish the root system. Once established, it tolerates drought and needs little additional water. In very dry climates, occasional summer watering is sufficient.
Pruning and maintenance
Comb or lightly prune the grass in early spring to remove dead foliage and reveal new growth. Avoid harsh pruning, which weakens the clump. Annual combing is usually sufficient.
Fertilizing
Festuca laevigata doesn't require regular fertilizer. A light application of compost in spring is enough. Excess nitrogen weakens the structure and promotes disease.
Diseases and pests
Very resistant to disease in optimal drainage conditions. Standing moisture can promote root rot. Maintain good air circulation and avoid excessive watering.
Did you know?
Festuca laevigata, called 'smooth fescue,' is a highly prized ornamental grass among Japanese and contemporary zen garden landscapers for its delicate blue-gray hue. It grows naturally on rocky escarpments and alpine meadows of Colorado and California, where its deep, dense root system stabilizes slopes.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Tufted hair grassDeschampsia cespitosa
- Wavy hair-grassAvenella flexuosa
- Purple moor-grassMolinia caerulea
- Reed canary-grassPhalaris arundinacea
- Common quaking grassBriza media
- Creeping soft-grassHolcus mollis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.