How big does Atlas fescue grow?

About 80 cm × 90 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 60–90 cm × 60–90 cm.

What soil does Atlas fescue grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy, calcareous.

Is Atlas fescue hardy?

Hardy down to -18 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H6). In the colder parts of the country (Central Bohemian Region, Hradec Králové Region, Karlovy Vary Region, Liberec Region, Moravian-Silesian Region, Olomouc Region, Pardubice Region, Plzeň Region, South Bohemian Region, Ústí nad Labem Region, Vysočina Region, Zlín Region) it may not survive winter without protection.

How much water does Atlas fescue need?

Water need: low. Drought tolerance: high.

Atlas fescue

Festuca mairei

Atlas fescue (Festuca mairei) is an ornamental grass that reaches 80 cm × 90 cm after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -18 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Sold in local shops from about CZK 120.

Illustration of Atlas fescue — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A giant among fescues: its narrow grey-green leaves form an arching, fountain-like tussock 60 to 80 cm high that stays green in winter, with slender flower heads leaning over it in early summer. It is long-lived, copes well with heat and drought and belongs in a sunny, free-draining spot. Do not cut it to the ground: in spring simply comb out the dead leaves with gloved hands or a rake.

Watch out for

Winter hardiness is borderline in Central Europe: sources quote anything from -18 to -34 °C, and it dislikes hard, wet winters and standing water, when the clump can brown or rot out. It is shorter-lived where neighbours crowd and overgrow it.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Low
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 80 cm × 90 cm
Hardiness: down to -18 °C
Foliage: Evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D June–July, green

All details

Group	Ornamental grass
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	80 cm × 90 cm
Ultimate size	60–90 cm × 60–90 cm
Hardiness	down to -18 °C (USDA 6, RHS H6)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	June–July, green
Water need	Low
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	70 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about CZK 120

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. CZK 120

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 17, 2026 · How our data is made

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