Festuca glauca 'Blaufuchs' - Blue Fox Fescue

'Blue Fox' fescue doesn't display that solid bright blue foliage found in F. glauca 'Elijah Blue' or F. glauca 'Select'. However, the more quiet beauty of its blue-green leaves is an asset in the natural garden. Like many fescues, it can be used where drought tolerant plants are required and combines easily with sedums and dry herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage, oregano). In humid areas good air circulation is a must, so don't crowd them with other plants.

F. glauca 'Blue Fox' holds its colour throughout the winter and doesn't need to be cut back in spring. A leaf rake will quickly rid the plant of any damaged foliage. This fescue is extra hardy and adaptable. F. 'Blue Fox' has been around for over 20 years.

Description: cool season; clump forming
Foliage is dark blue-green; narrow blade width; 15-20 cm (6-8) tall
Flowers in May-June; 25-30 cm (10-12") in height

Ideal conditions: full sun to light shade; good air circulation in humid climates; good drainage; drought tolerant but will look its best with regular water; fertilizer seldom needed

Coldest zone: 3-7 (find your zone; further info on plant hardiness)

Partner with: rock garden plants, Sedums, other Fescues, Allium senescens ssp montanum, Artemisia stelleriana 'Morris Strain'

Season of interest: year-round in mild climates

Plant and divide: mid spring and early fall; clip off any flower stalks

Suggested uses: a must for a rock garden, on a mound or bank where the air flows freely around the clumps

Form: clumping mounds

Recommended plant spacing: 30-60 cm (12-24"); leaves should not touch when full grown; why such a difference?

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

Native to: Europe

Pronounciation: Festuca (fes-TOO-kah) glauca (GLAU-kah)

More ornamental grasses

Compare Festuca glauca 'Blaufuchs' to our other grasses in this handy chart.