Festuca arundinacea was used during the 1930s for land reclamation during the dust bowl. Other species are highly valued for low-traffic lawns or bowling greens.
Festuca are perennial tufted grasses and are found all over the world. Fescue pollen is a significant contributor to hay fever. It is sometimes used for lawns or even as cattle feed.
| Plant Types: | Grass, Perennial |
| Light: | Full Sun |
| Height: | 2 feet |
| Width: | 1 foot 4 inches |
| Zones: | 2a to 8b |
| Leaf Color: | Blue, Silvery |
| Special Features: | Attractive foliage, Deer resistant, Naturalizing |
| Shape: | Rounded |
| Fertilizer: | Water Soluble All Purpose Houseplant Food |
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Propagate by division. Plants self-sow and can be grown from seed, but cultivars should be propagated by division. For clumping varieties, plant 1' apart.
Afternoon shade helps them cope with humid, hot summers. Otherwise full sun is best for leaf color.
Moist, well-drained soil. Good drainage is essential in places with wet summers.
Turfgrass varieties need about 1-3 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet in fertilizer.
Divide (and replant) every 2-3 years to sustain a good foliage hue. In early spring, cut leaves back to promote new, clean growth. Turfgrass varieties can be mosed to 2-3".
Festuca is susceptible to net blotch, ergot, powdery mildew, eye spot, summer blight, smut, brown patch, rust, and leaf spot.