Blue fescue

Year-round

Blue fescue is a compact, clumping ornamental grass from southern Europe, so it is an introduced plant here rather than a native one. It stays about 9 to 12 inches tall with silvery-blue evergreen foliage, and is hardy in zones 4a through 8b.

• Give it full sun, or up to a few hours of shade, and poor to average soil with sharp drainage.
• Water sparingly once established. It tolerates dry soil but not wet or poorly drained ground.
• Divide the clumps every 2 to 3 years when the centers decline.
• It is short-lived and does not like hot, humid conditions, so site it where air moves freely.

Its small, tidy mounds suit front-yard edging and borders with very little upkeep.

Fall

Fall is a good time to plant or divide blue fescue while the soil is still warm.

• Plant in very well-drained soil.
• Keep new plants lightly moist until established.
• Skip heavy fertilizer, since poor soil suits it.

Winter

Blue fescue keeps its foliage through winter and needs little care.

• Hold back on watering when the ground is wet.
• Make sure drainage is good so crowns do not sit in water.
• Leave the evergreen foliage in place.

Spring

Spring is the time to tidy and divide blue fescue before flowers form.

• Comb out dead leaves from the clump.
• Divide and replant tired clumps now if the centers have thinned.
• Water new divisions until they root, then ease off.

Summer

Late spring to early summer brings green, purple-tinted flower panicles.

• Water only when the soil has been dry for an extended stretch.
• Avoid overhead watering and wet mulch against the crowns.
• Shear off spent flower stalks if you prefer a tidy mound.