Festuca amethystina - Tufted Fescue, Hair Fescue

This is one of the finest textured fescues available with the hair-like foliage dancing in the slightest breeze. When grown from seed, colour ranges from bright green to shades of blue-green. The name comes from the amethyst colour of the flowers and their stems.

This species will self-sow freely, so be sure to scratch out any unwanted seedlings in early spring. Fully evergreen in mild climates and in colder areas with ample snow cover.

Description: cool season; clump forming
Foliage is blue-green; narrow blade width; 20-30 cm (8-12") tall;
Flowers in June; 30-45 cm (12-18") in height; purple

Ideal conditions: full sun to part shade; well-drained loamy soil; heat and drought tolerant

Coldest zone: 4, possibly colder (find your zone; further info on plant hardiness)

Partner with: Bergenia, Salix elaeagnos 'Angustifolia', Valeriana officianalis, Allium sphaerocephalus

Season of interest: particularly in June

Suggested uses: specimen, container, sunny border

Recommended plant spacing: 40-60 cm (16-24") why such a difference?

Drought tolerance rating: 2 (water to root depth once every 2 weeks); further info

Native to: central Europe

Pronounciation: Festuca (fes-TOO-kah) amethystina (am-ih-thes-TEEN-ah)

More ornamental grasses

Compare Festuca amethystina to our other grasses in this handy chart.