grass

Maire's Fescue

Festuca mairei

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

30 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North Africa and Mediterranean

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

A clumping, evergreen grass that forms dense tufts. Notable for its fine-textured foliage and drought resistance.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Festuca mairei's fine, blue-gray foliage adds texture and color year-round, creating a calming, silvery backdrop.

Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, ideal for xeriscaping and erosion control.

Provides habitat for beneficial insects and supports local biodiversity.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select well-draining soil with moderate fertility.
Tuck grass seeds lightly into the soil surface in early spring.
Mist seeds regularly to keep moist for germination, which takes 2-3 weeks.
Transplant seedlings when they are 3 inches tall into full sun.
Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep roots, especially during dry spells.
Apply a light mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

Grow Festuca mairei in full sun with well-draining soil for best results.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply during prolonged dry periods 💧
Prune dead or damaged blades in early spring ✂️
Fertilize once in spring with balanced fertilizer 🌱
Mulch annually to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
Divide clumps every 3-4 years to rejuvenate

Don't

Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
Do not mow too low, keep blades at 2-3 inches height
Refrain from planting in heavy clay soil without amendment
Don't ignore pest signs early, address promptly 🐜
Avoid excessive fertilizing which can cause legginess

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Mulch
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Silver-foliaged groundcoverBorder accent in drought-tolerant gardens

Companion Plants

Sedum Lavender Echinacea Coreopsis Artemisia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Maire's Fescue questions

What zones can Maire's Fescue grow in?

Maire's Fescue is hardy in USDA Zones 4–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Maire's Fescue deer resistant?

Yes — Maire's Fescue is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Maire's Fescue bloom?

Maire's Fescue typically blooms in late spring through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Maire's Fescue need full sun?

Maire's Fescue does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Maire's Fescue drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Maire's Fescue handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.