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.