Position – Full sun
Soil – Well-drained
Flowering Period – Summer
Hardiness – Fully hardy
Festuca are herbaceous or evergreen grasses that are native to mainland Europe. Upright, linear and often coloured leaves display an abundance of brown-green flowers that form thin, cone-like structures during the summer. Festuca are best suited to flower beds and borders within courtyard, cottage and informal garden settings. They will also make a great statement feature within pots and containers on a patio. You should expect to see Festuca grow to an approximate height and spread of 20-30cm (8-12”).
Festuca are best planted in well-drained soil of sand, loam and chalk within an acidic, alkaline or neutral PH balance. Planting should be undertaken during autumn for establishment in the summer. Ensure the planting hole is dug deep enough and wide enough to accommodate the size of your grass, whilst leaving sufficient space between companion plants. Festuca will require a sunny position to thrive to optimum effect.
Festuca will not require a regular feeding schedule. Although fertilisation will create a profusion of lush foliage, it may cause detriment to the flowers. An application of balanced fertiliser during the spring should prove adequate. During the winter, it is recommended that you comb Festuca with your fingers to remove dead foliage. Water well until they are established so that the soil is moist to the touch.
It is possible to propagate Festuca by seed sown in pots or by division during the spring.
