A densely tufted evergreen grass with narrow blue-green to grey-blue foliage, panicles of purple-flushed flowers in summer. Height 60cm. Spread 40cm. Flowers April to June. Full sun, well-drained soil. Hardy.
Festuca amethystina is an elegant evergreen ornamental grass prized for its dense tufts of blue-green to grey-blue foliage and delicate purple-flushed flower panicles in summer. With its compact habit and striking colour, Festuca amethystina is ideal for borders, gravel gardens and modern planting schemes.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
Spring: Plant Festuca amethystina in spring when the soil begins to warm. This helps the roots establish quickly and encourages strong growth.
Autumn: Festuca can also be planted in early autumn, giving the plant time to settle and form roots before the next growing season.
Site Selection
Sunlight
Festuca amethystina thrives in full sun, where its foliage colour is most vibrant. It can tolerate light shade, but flowering and foliage tones are best with plenty of sunlight.
Soil
Festuca amethystina prefers well-drained soil and is especially suited to sandy, gritty, or rocky ground. To improve drainage, incorporate grit or coarse sand before planting. Avoid heavy, water-retentive soil, as this may hinder root health.
Planting Instructions
Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth. This gives Festuca space to develop its naturally fibrous root system.
Soil Preparation: Mix in gravel, grit, or organic matter to improve structure and drainage. Festuca amethystina performs best in nutrient-lean soil, so avoid heavy enrichment.
Planting: Position the plant so the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil. Backfill gently and firm the soil around the plant to eliminate air pockets.
Watering: Water Festuca amethystina after planting to settle the soil, ensuring it drains freely.
Watering Requirements
Growing Season: Festuca is drought-tolerant once established. Water only during extended dry spells, allowing the soil to dry between sessions.
Dormant Season: Reduce watering significantly; the plant requires very little moisture during winter dormancy.
Feeding
Spring: Apply a light, low-nitrogen feed in early spring if desired. Excess nutrients encourage floppy growth, so feed sparingly.
Mid-Summer: Festuca amethystina generally requires no additional feeding, but a very light application can be used if growth appears weak.
Pruning
Tidying: Instead of cutting back hard, gently comb out dead foliage by hand in late winter or early spring. Festuca dislikes hard pruning, which can damage new growth.
Flower Stems: Remove spent flower panicles to maintain a neat appearance.
Mulching
Spring: Mulch lightly with gravel or fine grit rather than organic mulch. Festuca amethystina prefers dry, open conditions and performs best without heavy moisture-retaining mulches.
Winter: A thin gravel mulch helps keep the crown dry and prevents excess moisture around the roots.
Supporting the Plant
Festuca amethystina forms a neat, upright clump and does not require staking. Its naturally architectural form holds well throughout the year.
Final Tips
Festuca amethystina is a low-maintenance grass offering year-round structure and colour. By planting Festuca amethystina in full sun with well-drained soil and maintaining light, occasional care, you will enjoy its graceful form and soft summer flowers for many seasons. Add Festuca to borders, rockeries or gravel gardens for effortless beauty and long-lasting visual impact.
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