How big does Tufted fescue grow?

About 45 cm × 30 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 25–60 cm × 25–45 cm.

What soil does Tufted fescue grow in?

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

Is Tufted fescue hardy?

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

When does Tufted fescue flower?

Flowering: June–July, purple, green.

How much water does Tufted fescue need?

Water need: low. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Tufted fescue cost?

It sells for roughly HUF 1,200 to HUF 1,500 in local shops, depending on size.

Tufted fescue

Festuca amethystina

Tufted fescue (Festuca amethystina) is an ornamental grass that reaches 45 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 HUF 1,200.

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

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

Tufted fescue is a fine, hair-leaved, blue-green grass tuft topped in early summer by airy flower heads on violet stems. It belongs in a sunny edging, rock garden, gravel bed or pot, in lean, free-draining soil. It is short-lived: the centre of the clump dies out within a few years, so divide and replant it every two or three years, and keep it out of heavy, wet ground.

Watch out for

It is a short-lived grass: the centre of the clump dies out after two or three years, and then it has to be divided and replanted. It rots in heavy, wet soil, especially in winter. The foliage may brown in hot, humid summers (cut it back if that happens) and fades in hard winters, and rust can appear on the leaves. It self-seeds if you leave the flower heads on.

Key facts

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

Group	Ornamental grass
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	45 cm × 30 cm
Ultimate size	25–60 cm × 25–45 cm
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Semi-evergreen
Flowering	June–July, purple, green
Water need	Low
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	25 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about HUF 1,200

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. HUF 1,200 – HUF 1,500

Frequently asked questions

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

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