Providing the best steely blue foliage of all the shorter grasses, this undemanding ornamental look fantastic when drifted through a gravel garden. It works well in patio pots. Prefers well drained soil. Height 30cm. Spread 60cm. Hardy.
Festuca glauca ‘Intense Blue’ is a compact, evergreen ornamental grass prized for its vivid steel-blue foliage and tidy, rounded habit. Its striking colour and fine texture make Festuca glauca ‘Intense Blue’ ideal for gravel gardens, borders, containers, and contemporary planting schemes.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
Spring: Plant Festuca glauca ‘Intense Blue’ in spring to allow the root system to establish well ahead of the growing season.
Autumn: Festuca can also be planted in early autumn so it can settle before new growth begins the following year.
Site Selection
Sunlight
Festuca glauca ‘Intense Blue’ thrives in full sun, where its foliage develops the strongest blue tones. Although it tolerates light shade, vibrant colouring is best achieved in sunny positions.
Soil
Plant in well-drained soil. It performs especially well in sandy, rocky, or gritty conditions and prefers soils that are not overly rich. Adding gravel or coarse sand improves drainage and keeps the crown dry.
Planting Instructions
Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and equal in depth. This gives the plant room to form its natural clump.
Soil Preparation: Blend grit or gravel into the soil to enhance drainage. Festuca does not require heavy fertilisation.
Planting: Set the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil. Backfill gently and firm lightly around the plant.
Watering: Water after planting to settle the soil, ensuring excess moisture drains away freely.
Watering Requirements
Growing Season: Festuca glauca ‘Intense Blue’ is drought-tolerant once established. Water sparingly and only during prolonged dry periods.
Dormant Season: Reduce watering to a minimum; the plant prefers dry conditions during winter dormancy.
Feeding
Spring: Apply a small amount of balanced fertiliser if needed, but avoid excessive feeding as it can diminish the intense blue colour.
Mid-Summer: Festuca usually requires no additional feeding; growth should remain compact and neat.
Pruning
Tidying: Gently comb out dead or faded foliage in late winter or early spring. Avoid hard cutting, as Festuca responds best to light grooming.
Flower Stems: Remove spent seed heads if a tidier appearance is desired.
Mulching
Spring: Use grit or fine gravel around the base instead of organic mulch to maintain sharp drainage.
Winter: A thin gravel mulch helps keep the crown dry and prevents moisture accumulation around Festuca glauca ‘Intense Blue’.
Supporting the Plant
Festuca glauca ‘Intense Blue’ forms a tight, compact mound and does not require staking, even in exposed positions.
Final Tips
Festuca glauca ‘Intense Blue’ is a low-maintenance grass that brings long-lasting colour and structure to any garden. By planting Festuca glauca ‘Intense Blue’ in full sun with well-drained soil and maintaining minimal care, you will enjoy its striking blue foliage year-round. Whether used in borders, gravel gardens or containers, this Festuca adds texture, contrast and effortless elegance to modern and traditional planting schemes alike.
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Adam Jones (verified owner) –
Very healthy happy plant, couldn’t be happier