How big does Blue fescue grow?

About 30 cm × 45 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 20–35 cm × 30–45 cm.

What soil does Blue fescue grow in?

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

Is Blue fescue hardy?

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

When does Blue fescue flower?

Flowering: June–July, green, purple.

How much water does Blue fescue need?

Water need: low. Drought tolerance: high.

How much does Blue fescue cost?

It sells for roughly €5 to €12 in local shops, depending on size.

Blue fescue

Festuca glauca

Blue fescue (Festuca glauca) is an ornamental grass that reaches 30 cm × 45 cm after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Sold in local shops from about €5.

Illustration of Blue 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 low, dome-shaped grass with needle-like blue-grey leaves for sunny, dry beds, rock gardens, edging and pots. The blue is strongest in full sun and lean, free-draining soil, and it will not put up with wet, heavy ground. It is short-lived: clumps die out in the centre after two or three years, so lift, divide and replant them in spring.

Watch out for

Clumps die out in the centre after 2-3 years, so plantings turn patchy unless divided regularly. It rots easily in wet, heavy soil, especially in winter. Foliage may brown in humid summer heat and in harsh winters; cut it back in early spring.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Low
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 30 cm × 45 cm
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D June–July, green, purple

Group	Ornamental grass
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	30 cm × 45 cm
Ultimate size	20–35 cm × 30–45 cm
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Semi-evergreen
Flowering	June–July, green, purple
Water need	Low
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	30 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
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
10.5 cm	approx. €5
15+ cm	approx. €5
15-25 cm	approx. €5
size not stated	approx. €12

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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