Festuca O. 'Elija Blue'

Blue Fescue, Elijah's Blue Fescue

Festuca ovina ‘Elijah Blue’ is a compact, cool-season ornamental grass valued for its striking silvery-blue foliage and neat, mounded habit. Fine, needle-like leaves emerge bright blue in spring, maintain strong color through summer, and may develop tan tones in late season, while slender flower spikes rise above the foliage in early summer and age to a soft buff color. Its vivid color and tidy form make it a popular choice for edging and dry landscapes.

Type: Perennial ornamental grass

Mature Size:
Width: 10–12 in
Height: 8–10 in (to 12–15 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; very drought tolerant once established

Wildlife: Provides minor cover; generally not browsed by deer


Features & Landscape Uses


Bright blue foliage for strong contrast



Compact size ideal for edging and rock gardens



Fine texture complements bold plants



Excellent for dry, well-drained sites




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

Plant type

Ornamental Grass

Height

8 "-10"

Width

8"-12"

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Summer, Summer

Soil

Light, Sandy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Border, Mass Planting

Shape

Clump, Low Mounding

Drought tolerant

No