Festuca glauca ‘Elijah Blue’: The Bluish Tussock with Graphic Charm
The Festuca glauca ‘Elijah Blue’, also known as blue fescue, is a compact and highly ornamental perennial grass, famous for its exceptionally intense silvery-blue foliage. Its rounded tussock habit and fine texture make it a true botanical gem for borders, rockeries, contemporary beds, or planters. Resistant, graphic, and easy to cultivate, it brings a touch of light and modernity to all gardens.
A compact and luminous grass
The Festuca glauca ‘Elijah Blue’ forms a dense and regular tussock of steel-blue, thread-like leaves, reaching 20 to 25 cm in height (up to 30 cm when in flower). In summer, it produces fine, silvery inflorescences with straw-like reflections, which sway gracefully in the wind, adding lightness and movement. It fits equally well in dry beds as in contemporary gardens or rockeries, where its bluish hue creates superb contrasts.
Cultivation and care
Easy to cultivate, Festuca glauca ‘Elijah Blue’ appreciates full sun exposure and a light, dry to moderately dry, well-drained soil. It tolerates drought and poor soils very well, making it ideal for difficult situations. Avoid soils that are too heavy or wet, which can cause the heart of the tussock to rot. In spring, remove dry leaves to revive the foliage color. Very hardy, it resists temperatures down to -25 °C without protection.
Key features
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Color: Silvery-blue foliage; silvery-beige flowers in summer
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Type: Ornamental perennial grass
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Exposure: Full sun
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Watering: Low to moderate, well-drained soil
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Flowering: Summer (June to August)
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Height: 20 to 30 cm
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Width: 25 to 30 cm
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Use: Borders, rockeries, dry beds, containers, green roofs
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Resistance: Very hardy, drought tolerant
The plus of Festuca glauca ‘Elijah Blue’
Compact, luminous, and with a unique blue hue, Festuca glauca ‘Elijah Blue’ elegantly and simply structures beds. Its evergreen foliage, resistance to difficult conditions, and low maintenance make it a safe bet for contemporary, dry, or naturalistic gardens.
