How big does Bearskin fescue grow?

About 20 cm × 30 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 10–20 cm × 20–30 cm.

What soil does Bearskin fescue grow in?

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

Is Bearskin fescue hardy?

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Bearskin fescue flower?

Flowering: May–August, green, yellow.

How much water does Bearskin fescue need?

Water need: low. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Bearskin fescue cost?

It sells for roughly €5 to €8 in local shops, depending on size.

Bearskin fescue

Festuca gautieri

Bearskin fescue (Festuca gautieri) is an ornamental grass that reaches 20 cm × 30 cm after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about €5.

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

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

Bearskin fescue makes dense, bright green cushions of needle-fine, prickly leaves that stay green all winter, which suits it to rock gardens, gravel beds, green roofs and pots. It wants lean, loose, sharply drained soil and dislikes limy, heavy or rich ground. Go easy on water and fertiliser, and divide clumps in spring once they go bare in the middle.

Watch out for

It is not as easy as it looks: the cushions brown and go bare from the centre with age, especially with standing water, winter wet, overwatering, overfeeding or crowding. When that happens, divide and replant the clumps in early spring. Frost and wind do no harm as long as the soil is dry in winter, but wet winter soil can kill it. It prefers neutral to acid soil, so on the often limy, heavy garden soils of Central Europe plant it in a gritty, sandy mix. In hot summers a spot with light shade at midday is safer than full exposure. It is short-lived and needs renewing every few years.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Low
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 20 cm × 30 cm
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–August, green, yellow

Group	Ornamental grass
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	20 cm × 30 cm
Ultimate size	10–20 cm × 20–30 cm
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Sandy, Average garden soil, Acidic
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	May–August, green, yellow
Water need	Low
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	30 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €5

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
10-15 cm	approx. €5
20-30 cm	approx. €8
size not stated	approx. €5

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

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