Festuca idahoensis 'Siskiyou Blue'
- Idaho Blue Fescue
Idaho fescue is native to the short-grass prairie habitat. It can be
used in a xeriscape design along with Buffalo grass and Blue grama.
Adding junipers, Rabbit brush and Sage, enhances such a design without
compromising low maintenance. Many types of fescues need frequent dividing,
however Idaho fescue is an exception and can survive years with no maintenance.
An excellent plant for all regions of the arid West. It has a formal
upright appearance that is quite effective in a mass planting.
Remove seedheads to prevent self-sowing.
Description: cool season; clump forming
Foliage is a strong blue color; narrow; 25-35 cm (10-14") in height
Flowers in May through June; 35-45 cm (14-18") tall; smaller and more
arching than the species
Ideal conditions: full sun to light shade; average
to poor soil; drought tolerant; dislikes moist fertile soil
Coldest zone: 4 (find
your zone; further info on plant hardiness)
Season of interest: year-round in warmer climates
Suggested uses: specimen, container, sunny borders
or rock garden
Partner with: Bouteloua
gracilis, Carex flacca, Salix
irrorata, Salix purpurea 'Nana',
Sedum 'Matrona', Eryngium bourgattii
Recommended plant spacing: 20-40 cm (8-16") why
such a difference?
Drought tolerance rating: 2 (water to root depth once
every 2 weeks); further info
Pronounciation: Festuca (fes-TOO-kah) idahoensis (eye-da-hoh-EN-sis)
More ornamental grasses
Compare Festuca idahoensis 'Siskiyou Blue' to our other grasses
in this handy chart.
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