Festuca grass is a versatile and low-maintenance choice for your garden. Its fine, silver-blue blades bring a touch of elegance to your landscape while requiring minimal care, making it a practical and visually appealing addition.
Planting Calendar
Festuca can be planted throughout the year but grow best when planted in spring and autumn, giving it time to establish its roots before the heat of summer.
Prepare
Festuca is a striking clump forming grass that has silvery blue leaf blades, it is low maintenance and well suited for use as a boarder in garden beds, on banks, mass planted or it can be grown in a container.
Position
For the best colour of the leaf blades plant in full sun in a free draining soil rich in organic matter.
Soil
When planted into the ground Festuca prefer a free-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains Saturaid, which helps with moisture retention in the soil.
Plant
When planting into the ground, ensure the plants is well watered then, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plant’s root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together. Backfill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay. When planting into containers plant into Kings Container Mix, as this has water retention crystals in it, which will help in keeping the soil moist.
Care
Watering
Watering is essential especially in the first year of planting to allow the roots to get well established. Water slowly, allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than just allowing it to run off the top of the surface of the soil, aiming to keep the soil moist during hot periods. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting time, as this helps to channel water down to the roots where it is needed the most.
Feeding
For strong healthy roots and plants, apply monthly applications of Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster, from spring through to the end of autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health
Mulching
Mulching around plants can help conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed growth. Mulch around the base of the plants (making sure it is not in direct contact with the trunk or base of the plant) with Living Earth More than Mulch. Replenish mulch each spring.
Pruning
Remove dead blades of grass. Divide the clump every couple of year to keep it looking good.
General Care
When using sprays, chemicals or fertilisers always read the label and follow the instructions carefully. Apply sprays in the evening to avoid harming beneficial insects.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to plant Festuca?
The best time to plant Festuca is in spring or early autumn. This allows the plants to establish roots before the extreme heat of summer or the cold of winter.
What type of soil is best for Festuca?
When planted into the ground Festuca prefer a free-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains Saturaid, which helps with moisture retention in the soil.
How often should I water Festuca?
Watering is essential especially in the first year of planting to allow the roots to get well established. Water slowly, allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than just allowing it to run off the top of the surface of the soil, aiming to keep the soil moist during hot periods. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting time, as this helps to channel water down to the roots where it is needed the most.
How do I plant Festuca?
Plant Festuca in well-draining soil with full sun to partial shade. Space the plants about 30-45 cm apart to allow for growth. Water thoroughly after planting.
What is Festuca?
Festuca, commonly known as fescue, is a genus of perennial tufted grasses. They are popular in gardens for their fine texture and low maintenance requirements.