Festuca glauca ‘Elijah Blue’ (30)ct Flat

Description

Product Description

Festuca glauca ‘Elijah Blue’ (30)ct FlatCommon Name: Blue Fescue.

Festuca glauca ‘Elijah Blue’ has soft powdery blue, finely-textured, semi-evergreen foliage. In late spring to early summer, light green flowers with a purple tinge appear on terminal panicles, typically bring total clump height to 10 to 14 inches.

Festuca is easily grown in dry to medium, well-drained soil. Tolerant of light shade, the best foliage color is in full sun, however, in southern zones afternoon shade maybe recommended. Cut back foliage in early spring to 3 to 4 inches to foster new growth. Flower stems can be shear off after bloom. This cultivar does not reliably come true from wheat-like seed heads produced on flower stalks. If clumps die out in the center division is required. Divide the spring so the divisions have time to root in before the onset of winter.

International Hardy Plant Union Outstanding Plant Award 1996.

Zones 4 to 8;Full Sun to part shade.Mature size 8 to 10 inch height, spreads 8 to 10 inches.Growth Rate: Moderate; semi-evergreen clumping with a rounded habit,Easy to grow.

Attributes: border plants, containers, drought tolerant, edging, mass planting, and salt tolerant. Deer resistant. An excellent choice for rock gardens and in containers.

Festuca glauca ‘Elijah Blue’ is a popular ornamental grass prized for its striking blue foliage and mounding habit. Here is a summary of its key features:

Appearance

• Powder Blue Foliage: ‘Elijah Blue’ is known for its eye-catching, silvery-blue, needle-like leaves, which form a dense, rounded tuft. The blue color is most intense in the cooler months of spring and fall.
• Subtle Blooms: In summer, it sends up airy plumes of light green flowers with a hint of blue or purple. While the blooms are not the main attraction, they add a delicate touch to the plant.
• Compact Size: This fescue typically grows to about 6-12 inches tall and wide, making it a great choice for smaller spaces or as a border plant.

Growing Conditions

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily) for the best color development. It can tolerate some light shade, especially in hot climates.
• Soil: Thrives in well-drained soil. It is tolerant of poor, sandy soils, and dislikes heavy, wet soil.
• Hardiness Zones: Suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4-8.

Care

• Low Maintenance: ‘Elijah Blue’ is a low-maintenance plant.
• Drought Tolerant: Once established, it is very drought tolerant.
• Divide in Spring: To maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding, divide the clumps every 2-3 years in spring.
• Comb Out Dead Foliage: In early spring, you can comb out any dead or brown foliage with your fingers or a rake to tidy up the plant.

Uses

• Borders and Edging: Its compact size and striking color make it ideal for edging walkways or flower beds.
• Rock Gardens: Its drought tolerance and textural contrast make it a good fit for rock gardens.
• Containers: Can be grown in containers to add a touch of blue to patios and balconies.
• Mass Plantings: Creates a beautiful sea of blue when planted in groups.
• Xeriscaping: Its low water requirements make it suitable for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.

Additional Information

• Cool-Season Grass: ‘Elijah Blue’ is a cool-season grass, meaning it grows most actively in the spring and fall.
• May Brown in Summer: In hot, humid climates, the foliage may brown in the summer. Provide some afternoon shade and ensure good drainage to help prevent this.
• Non-Invasive: This fescue is not considered invasive and stays in a neat clump.

If you are looking for a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant with stunning blue foliage, Festuca glauca ‘Elijah Blue’ is an excellent choice! It adds a touch of color and texture to any garden and is versatile enough for various landscape applications.

Thirty (30) plants per flat (or tray). Approximate Plug Measurements: 4.25 inches deep x 2 inches wide.

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