About
Festuca rubra, red fescue, is a slowly spreading, long-lived perennial grass to around 30 cm tall forming open clumps of fine, bristly, mid-green, often red-veined, hair-like leaves. Erect flower spires to 30 cm tall with pale-brown groups of spikelets appear in summer. Widely used in wildflower meadow and lawn seed mixes and for naturalising on difficult dry or shaded soils.
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
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeGrass Like
HabitTufted
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildflower meadow
Care notes
CultivationGrow in poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun.. See ornamental grasses cultivation advice.
PruningComb out dead foliage and trim damaged parts of older leaves in spring, for turf or lawns, mow regularly when actively growing or leave unmown for a loose meadow-like appearance
PropagationPropagate by seed from autumn to spring or by division of clumps in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free