Non-native ornamental grass
Elijah Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca ‘Elijah Blue’) is an ornamental grass that stands out for its distinctive and attractive appearance. Overall, Elijah Blue Fescue is a beautiful, easy-to-care-for plant that adds a unique and refreshing element to garden landscapes.
Foliage: The grass features narrow, thread-like leaves that are a striking, silvery-blue color. The foliage forms a dense, tufted mound that provides a striking contrast to other plants.
Size: It typically grows to about 6 to 12 inches in height and width, making it an ideal plant for low borders or as a ground cover. The clump-forming habit gives it a neat, compact appearance.
Growth Habit: The plant has a rounded, mound-like shape and a dense growth pattern. It creates a tidy, textured look that can complement a wide range of garden styles.
Flowers/Seed Heads: In summer, Elijah Blue Fescue produces small, inconspicuous flower spikes that rise slightly above the foliage. These are usually tan or beige and add a bit of vertical interest, although they are not the main attraction.
Texture: The fine, needle-like texture of the leaves adds a delicate, airy quality to garden designs. The cool blue color also imparts a modern, sophisticated look.
Sun and Soil Requirements: It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. It is quite drought-tolerant once established but benefits from regular watering in very dry conditions.
Hardiness: Elijah Blue Fescue is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8, making it versatile for various climates. It can handle a range of conditions but will perform best with adequate sunlight and well-drained soil.
Maintenance: This grass is low-maintenance. It usually only needs an occasional trim to remove dead or damaged leaves and to maintain its shape. In spring, it can be beneficial to cut back the old foliage to encourage fresh growth.