Today we have in Agromática a grass, herbaceous with high resistance and relatively little care, the Fescue glauca, very suitable for a rockery garden for example or areas of stony substrate. It admits cutting, pruning, treading and adverse conditions although with some but that another.
The gender Festuca
It is a broad genus and contains more than 600 species of which, some are used forage its high performance. More than 10.000 kg / ha can be obtained from some species intended for forage cultivation. In this case, the Fescue glauca has ornamental interest. The example of species Festuca forage is Festuca arundinacea, although it is not a fodder that herbivores have special appreciation. It does not have a very good palatability in general. If it is cultivated, it is because of its high forage production and the possibility of obtaining it for a long period of time. In addition, this last species has been used as grass, of great hardness for more temperate and warmer climates. But we leave this for another time.
Another species with forage interest and better characteristics, although with lower production is the Festuca pratensis. The surname “pratensis” indicates its widespread use in meadows for extensive and not so extensive livestock.
Origin and distribution of Fescue glauca
It has its origin in Europe and naturally, it is found almost exclusively in the central and southern areas. It is widespread in France and the northern half of Spain.
Distribution of Fescue glauca. Extracted from GBIF.org
It is a plant that does not grow more than 30 cm both in height and width, with thin and elongated leaves forming pom-poms that can be organized as upholstery in some areas of the garden. The flower stems protrude from the vegetative pompom and can reach 40 or 50 cm from the ground.
It is very suitable for rock gardens and those that do not have irrigation. It resists trampling very well. The flowers are practically unattractive. If they are left it is to get seed but nothing else. It has a fairly rapid growth, so we can cover and upholster the desired area in a short time.
A curiosity about his name
There are numerous species of plants with the surname glauca. We can find the Echeveria glauca, Pilea glauca, Nicotiana glauca, Adenia glauca, Haworthia glauca… Are they alike in anything? Yes, in its bluish color and it is that glauco means blue. As a curious fact, the glaucoma disease is called yes because the pupil of the eye remains with a bluish greenish tone.
Varieties of Festuca glauca
The following stand out:
- Elijah blue: The most cultivated blue color lighter than others.
- Boulder Blue: Throw something silver and it resists drought better than the previous one.
- Blaufink: It is very compact. It forms more pompom than other varieties in addition to having the finest leaf.
- Harz: Less bluish than the previous ones. Strip more to grayish olive green.
Cultivation and care of Fescue glauca
It is a plant appreciated for its elegant bearing and for being visually very different from the others of the genus. Festuca mentioned before. It is also easy to care for. Let’s list them:
Exposure and temperatures
It is a plant resistant to many climatic conditions and supports the wind well. Its root system remains and can sprout the following year even if the aerial part appears to be dead or diseased.
In hot climates it may not grow too large and lose vigor due to excessive heat.
In cold climates, during the winter periods, the aerial part suffers and get tied up, losing much appeal. We could think of cutting the area part but the truth is that it protects the roots from the cold. Therefore, it is advisable to do it at the end of summer or beginning of spring.
In fact, its rusticity allows it to survive temperatures below -10ºC although the aerial part suffers.
Usually prefers bright and direct exposure sites although it can grow more or less well in semi-shade. The choice of site also depends a bit on the weather. In very hot weather, being somewhat protected from direct exposure will help you not suffer so much in summer.
Rockery garden with Festuca glauca. Photo of cultivar413
Irrigation
It does not require much irrigation except that provided by the rain and little else. In very dry climates with long periods of drought and very hot summers, it will be necessary one or two weekly irrigations in summer. In more temperate climates, weekly watering can also be provided to keep it green and the leaves from burning.
Substrate and subscriber
It can grow into a wide pH range but it prefers neutral to something acidic. It can withstand from 5,5 pH points. It is very common in rockeries and garden beds, to surround the root balls of Festuca glauca with a surface layer of pine bark (acid) or also with gravel or volcanic stones typical of this type of garden.
For young plants, it is good to nourish the soil with mulch or very mature compost, preferably acidic to favor their development and maintain adequate humidity. Although the plant is drought tolerant, there is an establishment period when it needs a little more attention.
Requires very good drainage and with some water retention. Hence the reason to cover the ground with gravel and much better with pine bark bark or mulch. This helps to keep moisture, the so-called effect mulching
Pruning the Fescue glauca
It supports pruning well and even appreciates it to rejuvenate.
Being a plant with ornamental interest in the vegetative part, it is recommended cut flower heads. With this we achieve two things:
- Saving nutrients and energy expenditure in producing flower and seed.
- Favor vegetative growth and density.
Of course, if we want the plant to develop freely on the desired surface, we can freely let it develop a flower and later a seed.
We must also cut old, dead or damaged leaves to maintain a healthy appearance.
Propagation
It is done by kill division and it is also good to do it from time to time. It can be done in the fall and spring. The root balls of Fescue glauca last about 4 years and therefore, the division every 3 years or propagation by seed must be done from time to time to keep the area healthy, with renewal and with the size it should have.
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Cover photo by: douneika
