About
Festuca arundinacea, the tall fescue, is a vigorous, native, semi-evergreen grass forming sizeable clumps to 1.5 m tall with relatively broad, flat leaves. Fairly narrow, feathery flower sprays in green or purple-tinged loose panicles appear in summer. A food plant for several butterfly and moth caterpillars and the meadow grasshopper, important in meadow and wildlife plantings.
About the genus
Festuca, the fescues, are a large and varied genus of grasses, ranging from fine-leaved, compact mound-forming alpines to large, arching border grasses. Many have attractively coloured, often blue-green or silver-blue, fine-textured leaves and are grown as ornamental foliage plants in borders, rock gardens and containers.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeGrass Like
HabitTufted
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Prairie planting, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurasia
Care notes
CultivationFound in rough and grassy places on a wide range of soils, and also grown for hay. Thrives in sun or partial shade in moist but well-drained soil, but deep roots allow it to tolerate both drought and short-term waterlogging
PruningCan prune back in late winter to early spring to keep neat
PropagationPropagate by seed or by division
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a rust