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Volga fescue

Festuca valesiaca · Poaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

Ideal time to plant volga fescue: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.

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ID card

Foliage
Evergreen, fine and glaucous
Flowering
June to July, discrete spikelets
Adult size
20-40 cm tall, 30-50 cm spread
Growth
Slow to moderate
Hardiness
Very hardy (-20°C and below)
Origin
Mountainous regions of central and southern Europe
Soil type
Well-drained, dry, poor, calcareous
Exposure
Full sun

Care

Watering

Valais fescue is very tolerant of drought once established. At planting time, water regularly for the first 4-6 weeks. After that, watering should be exceptional, reserved for periods of prolonged drought. This grass prefers dry to moderately moist soil.

Exposure

Place Valais fescue in full sun so it expresses all its vigor and characteristic glaucous color. It tolerates very sunny and windy situations, even at altitude. Light shade is possible but slows growth.

Soil Preparation and Maintenance

This grass requires well-drained soil and dreads waterlogging. Favor poor, calcareous or neutral substrate, and avoid excessive organic amendments. In heavy or wet soil, add sand or gravel to improve drainage.

Pruning and Cutting

Gently comb the clump in spring (April) with a comb or scarifier to remove dead leaves and open up the heart of the plant. Avoid close mowing which would weaken the grass. Minimal maintenance is sufficient, as fescue has slow and compact growth.

Fertilization

Valais fescue requires no fertilizer, it adapts to poor soils. Excess nitrogen promotes soft growth and reduces its robustness. A light organic fertilizer application in spring may be sufficient if the soil is very depleted.

Diseases and Pests

This grass is remarkably resistant to diseases and pests. It may suffer from damping off in very humid conditions. In waterlogged soil, root rot can occur. Improve drainage to prevent these problems.

Did you know?

Valais fescue is a classic mountain grass of the alpine and subalpine meadows of Valais (Switzerland) and the Jura. It is highly appreciated by contemporary landscape designers for its distinctive blue-gray foliage and extreme hardiness, making it a valuable ally for dry gardens and vegetated roofs at altitude.

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.

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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.