Overview

Festuca glauca 'Intense Blue' is a grass in the genus Festuca, part of the Poaceae family. Festuca glauca 'Intense Blue' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens, ground cover and containers. It is native to Europe.

About

Festuca glauca, commonly known as blue fescue, is a species of flowering plant in the grass family, Poaceae. It is a commonly cultivated evergreen or semi-evergreen herbaceous perennial.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0Festuca glauca

About the genus

Festuca (fescue) is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the grass family Poaceae. They are evergreen, herbaceous, or perennial, tufted grasses with a height range of 10–200 cm (4–79 in) and a cosmopolitan distribution, occurring on every continent except Antarctica. The genus is closely related to ryegrass (Lolium), and recent evidence from phylogenetic studies using DNA sequencing of plant mitochondrial DNA shows that the genus lacks monophyly.

Wikipedia contributors, "Festuca", CC BY-SA 4.0Festuca

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Festuca

Sunlight
full sun, partial shade
Soil type
well-drained
Soil pH
neutral, alkaline
Soil moisture
dry,moist
Exposure
full sun
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Festuca glauca 'Intense Blue' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Grass
Suggested uses
borders, rock gardens, ground cover, containers
Native to
Europe

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Festuca glauca 'Intense Blue'

Cultivation
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Avoid wet soils.
Pruning
Cut back old foliage in early spring to encourage fresh growth.
Propagation
Division in spring or seed

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Festuca glauca 'Intense Blue'?

Prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Avoid wet soils.

Where is the best place to plant Festuca glauca 'Intense Blue'?

Festuca glauca 'Intense Blue' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits full sun positions.

What soil does Festuca glauca 'Intense Blue' need?

Festuca glauca 'Intense Blue' grows best in well-drained soil. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays dry to moist.

How do I prune Festuca glauca 'Intense Blue'?

Cut back old foliage in early spring to encourage fresh growth.

Is Festuca glauca 'Intense Blue' hardy in the UK?

Festuca glauca 'Intense Blue' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Festuca glauca 'Intense Blue'?

Division in spring or seed.

More in the Festuca genus

Browse all Festuca