Also known as Fescue · 665 saves
Festuca
Festuca, the genus most gardeners know as fescue. We track 13 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 10 most-saved Festuca varieties
Browse all 13 Festuca varieties →
5 species of Festuca
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Festuca in Sow
Save the Festuca you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Festuca
Whats common across all Festuca varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 13 most-grown of them.
The Festuca year
- DivideMarch and April100% of varieties
Divide every 2-3 years when the center of the clump dies out
- Spring CleanupMarch and April77% of varieties
Gently comb through the foliage with gloved hands to remove dead blades.
- Check for PestsJune and July62% of varieties
Inspect the dense foliage base for spider mites and aphids during hot, dry spells.
- PlantMarch, April, May, September, October and November38% of varieties
Plant in spring or fall in well-drained soil
- PruneMarch31% of varieties
Cut back old foliage hard (to 2-3 inches) before new growth begins
Do
- Water moderately during dry periods 🌱
- Prune dead or damaged foliage in spring
- Fertilize with a balanced slow-release fertilizer annually
- Mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
- Plant in full sun to maintain the most intense blue foliage color.
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not fertilize in late fall
- Avoid heavy clay soils without proper drainage
- Do not cut back in late summer to prevent stress
What goes wrong with Festuca
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and stippling on the needle-like leaves during hot, dry periods. | Increase air circulation and spray the foliage with water or a miticide to reduce populations. |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and stippling on the foliage during hot, dry weather. | Increase humidity around the plant and spray with insecticidal soap. |
| Rust fungi | Orange or brown pustules on leaves | Apply a fungicide and remove affected foliage |
| Powdery mildew | White, powdery fungal growth on the foliage during damp, humid conditions. | Space plants properly to maximize air circulation and avoid overhead watering. |
| Root rot | Wilting and discolored roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Rust | Orange pustules on leaves | Use organic sulfur fungicide and improve air circulation |
Making more Festuca
Division
- Dig up mature clumps in early spring or fall
- Separate into smaller sections with roots attached
- Replant immediately at same depth
- Water thoroughly after planting
Seed
- Tuck seeds into prepared soil in early spring
- Water gently and keep moist for germination
- Expect sprouting within 2-3 weeks
Festuca questions
How many types of Festuca are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 13 distinct Festuca varieties. The most popular — ranked by 665 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Festuca grow in?
Across its varieties, Festuca covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Festuca bloom?
Most Festuca varieties bloom in early summer, late spring, early summer, mid-summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Festuca should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.