Glaucous bluegrass
Poa glauca · Poaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant glaucous bluegrass: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, bluish-gray
- Blooming
- Summer (June to August)
- Adult size
- 15 to 30 cm tall
- Growth
- Slow to moderate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (-40°C and below)
- Origin
- Arctic and alpine regions of the north
- Soil type
- Well-drained, rocky, low fertility
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
Care
Light exposure
Bluegrass thrives in full sun, where its blue tint is most pronounced. It also tolerates partial shade, particularly in warm regions. Avoid dense shade, which weakens the plant and causes it to lose its characteristic color.
Soil and drainage
This grass requires very well-drained, rocky or sandy soil, as it dislikes stagnant moisture. It adapts well to poor and stony soils, typical of alpine and arctic regions. Adding gravel or sand promotes drainage and prevents root diseases.
Watering
Once established, bluegrass is very drought-tolerant thanks to its deep root system. Water moderately during the first year after planting. In dry climates, occasional summer watering is sufficient; avoid excess moisture, which causes rot.
Fertilizer
This grass needs no fertilizer under natural conditions. Enriched soils may actually promote weak growth and increased disease susceptibility. Let it make use of the soil's natural resources as is.
Pruning and maintenance
Bluegrass requires no regular pruning. Simply remove dead or damaged foliage in spring. For ornamental purposes, you can lightly cut back the clump in late winter to encourage a compact form.
Diseases and pests
This alpine grass is generally very hardy against diseases. Main risks occur in wet soil (root rot). If the plant declines, check drainage and reduce watering. Pests are rare and cause no serious damage.
Did you know?
Bluegrass is a pioneer grass of arctic and alpine territories: it colonizes rock crevices and scree slopes before other plants can establish themselves. Its characteristic blue-gray tint comes from a fine waxy layer (pruine) on the leaves, which protects it from intense UV radiation in polar and mountain regions.
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
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- Reed canary-grassPhalaris arundinacea
- Common quaking grassBriza media
- Creeping soft-grassHolcus mollis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.