Festuca 'Boulder Blue'

Boulder Blue Fescue Grass

Festuca glauca ‘Boulder Blue’ is a compact, cool-season ornamental grass valued for its intense silvery-blue foliage and neat, mounded form. Fine, needle-like leaves emerge bright blue in spring, maintain strong color through the growing season, and may take on slightly tan tones in late summer, while slender flower spikes rise above the foliage in early summer and age to a soft buff color. Its small size and striking color make it ideal for edging and contrast plantings.

Type: Perennial ornamental grass

Mature Size:
Width: 10–14 in
Height: 8–12 in (to 12–18 in in flower)
(10-year size: slowly expanding clumps)

USDA Zones: 4a–8b
Form: Low, dense, mounded, clump-forming
Light: Full sun (best color and form)
Soil: Well-drained soils; prefers lean, sandy or gravelly soils
Water: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established

Wildlife: Provides minor cover; generally not browsed by deer


Features & Landscape Uses


Intense blue foliage for strong contrast



Compact size for edging, rock gardens, and containers



Fine texture complements bold plantings



Excellent for dry, well-drained sites




Care
Low-maintenance. Plant in full sun and well-drained soil—avoid wet or heavy soils, especially in winter. Comb or trim in early spring to remove old foliage. Divide every few years to maintain vigor, as clumps may decline in the center over time.

Plant type

Ornamental Grass

Height

8-12''

Width

10-12''

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Full Sun

Bloom time

Summer

Leaf color

Dodger Blue, Lavender Blue

Fall color

Cream

Soil

Sandy, Well Drained

Shape

Clump, Mounded

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

Yes