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Description
Festuca Glauca Elijah Blue, commonly known as Blue Fescue, is a species of ornamental grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. This evergreen perennial grass is native to France and Italy and grows up to 10 inches in height and 12 inches in width. It is a popular choice among gardeners and landscapers due to its attractive blue-gray foliage and its ability to add texture and interest to garden beds, borders, and containers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Festuca |
Appearance
Festuca Glauca Elijah Blue has narrow, fine-textured leaves that are 6 to 10 inches long and 0.1 inches wide. The leaves are blue-gray in color and form dense tufts. The grass produces upright flower spikes that are 12 to 15 inches tall and have a greenish-blue color. The flowers appear in early summer and give way to light brown seed heads.
Care Guide
Festuca Glauca Elijah Blue is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some care tips:- Water: Water the plant regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, the plant is drought-tolerant and can survive with minimal watering.- Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilization, but you can apply a slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote growth.- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. It can grow in poor soil conditions, but it performs best in fertile soil.- Sunlight: The plant requires full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but its color may fade.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Festuca Glauca Elijah Blue is generally pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to crown rot and leaf spot. Overwatering can also lead to root rot. To prevent these problems, make sure to provide adequate drainage and avoid overhead watering.
Habitat
Festuca Glauca Elijah Blue is native to France and Italy, where it grows in rocky, mountainous areas. It can grow in a wide range of soil types and is tolerant of drought and cold temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Festuca Glauca Elijah Blue be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant is well-suited for container gardening and can be grown in pots or hanging baskets.
Q: Can Festuca Glauca Elijah Blue be used as a groundcover?
A: Yes, the plant forms dense tufts and can be used as a groundcover in small areas.
Q: Does Festuca Glauca Elijah Blue require pruning?
A: No, the plant does not require pruning. However, you can trim back the foliage in early spring to remove any dead or damaged leaves.
Q: How often should I water Festuca Glauca Elijah Blue?
A: Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season. Once established, the plant can survive with minimal watering.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Festuca Glauca Elijah Blue:- Festuca Glauca Beyond Blue- Festuca ovina glauca- Festuca amethystina- Festuca cinerea- Festuca idahoensis
References
– “Festuca Glauca Elijah Blue.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a139- “Festuca Glauca Elijah Blue.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/88732/Festuca-glauca-Elijah-Blue/Details- “Blue Fescue.” The Spruce. https://www.thespruce.com/blue-fescue-plant-profile-4843867
