blue ornamental grass

How do you take care of blue Festuca grass?

This plant prefers relatively dry soil that is well-drained. It does not tolerate wet, soggy conditions. This plant has average moisture needs. Water weekly during hot summer months to keep it green and growing; short periods of drought will stunt, but not kill the plant.

Do you cut back Blue Grass?

Pruning it isn't required, because blue fescue quickly reaches its mature size, and simply keeping it in its natural shape is how it looks nicest.

Should I trim blue fescue grass?

In climates where blue fescue is evergreen, you don't need to cut them back in the spring. Everywhere else, the plants should be sheared back to a few inches from the ground to allow plenty of room for fresh new foliage to grow. Blue fescue can be a fairly short-lived perennial.

Does Elijah Blue fescue spread?

Elijah Blue Fescue will grow to be about 8 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 12 inches. Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 8 years. This plant does best in full sun to partial shade.

Why is my ornamental grass turning brown?

If the tips of your ornamental grasses are browning, over-watering may be the cause. Always allow soil around the plants to dry out between watering. Brown tips on ornamental grasses can also be caused by over-fertilizing. ... If the grass was root-bound in the pot, it will have a hard time absorbing water from the soil.

Does fescue die in the summer?

Fescue grows best at moderate temperatures and prefers spring and fall where it performs ideally. When summer comes, even well-irrigated tall fescue often is beset with both heat damage and a fungus called “brown spot,” causing death of some fescue, which then needs reseeding.

What happens if you don't Cut back ornamental grasses?

This is for emergencies only, though. They don't appreciate harsh pruning and this could weaken or even kill them if you repeat it annually. The majority of commonly grown ornamental grasses, however, are deciduous. Their foliage dies and turns brown in the fall, but often remains standing.

Do ornamental grasses die in winter?

Most ornamental grasses develop tall seed heads late in the summer that naturally persist through the winter. When temperatures start to drop the plant will die back, leaving the dried foliage, stalks, and seed heads. ... Many people enjoy the colors and movement that these elements provide in winter.

How do you rejuvenate ornamental grass?

Fertilize the grass after dividing or cutting back in spring. Apply 1/4 cup of a 10-10-10 fertilizer per plant. Sprinkle the fertilizer in a ring around the grass, at least six inches out from the base of the grass clump. Water thoroughly after fertilizing so the nutrients leech into the root zone.

Why is my blue fescue dying?

Caring for blue fescue ornamental grass isn't difficult. Blue fescue grass needs average moisture, and will require supplemental water in summer. The plant may die back if the soils are too heavy and full of clay, so amend the area prior to planting with plenty of compost.

Is blue fescue grass poisonous to dogs?

Almost all ornamental grasses are safe for dogs and other pets, except for pampas and grass palm. Switchgrass and tall fescue are less likely to be poisonous to dogs, cats or humans than to horses or cattle, but eating either of them might cause stomach upset. ...

How often should I water blue fescue?

Water as needed to keep the soil evenly moist but not saturated until the plant displays new growth, indicating that the grass has rooted. Thereafter, allow the soil to dry slightly between each watering, providing about 1 1/2 inch of water per week.

Can blue fescue grow in shade?

Blue fescue grows best in full sun, preferring moist, well-drained soil but is tolerant of a wide range of conditions. The blue color will not develop as well in partial shade, however. It can be short-lived in wet soils and in areas with high humidity and temperatures.

Can you split blue fescue?

The blue fescue plants die out in the middle, and you should divide the plants every two to three years to keep the grass clump growing. ... Divide the plant into smaller clumps by cutting the root sections apart with a sharp knife. Cut the division so there are at least two to three grass stems with each section.

Do rabbits eat blue fescue grass?

Rabbits will eat Blue Fescue and some others. We can avoid planting what deer or rabbits prefer to eat, but their favourites might already be growing in your garden.

Why is my ornamental grass dying?

Ornamental grasses are trouble-free plants that add texture and motion to the landscape. If you notice the centers dying in ornamental grass, it just means the plant is getting older and a little tired. A dead center in ornamental grass is typical when plants have been around for a while.

Does ornamental grass grow back every year?

Most ornamental grasses are perennial plants, coming back year after year. 1 But a few are grown as annuals that last for just one growing season, especially in cold northern climates.

Will watering dead grass bring it back?

If the plants pull out from the ground easily, they're probably dead. If the roots hold fast when pulled, the plants are dormant. You will also see the difference when you start to water or when rain returns as moisture will revive brown grass. However, it will not bring dead grass plants back to life.

Can I mix tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass?

Tall fescue is one of the grasses to consider for home lawns. Because of its upright growth and wide blade, it doesn't blend well with Kentucky bluegrass so it should make up at least 90% of the grass mixture. Tall fescue requires more frequent mowing and is most successful when grown from seed in early August.

How often should you water fescue grass in the summer?

Water deeply 2-3 times per week, rather than daily. Water as early in the morning as you can, when possible. If you can't push a 6” screwdriver into your lawn, you're not watering enough. You will need to water more in the heat, especially if you have a fescue lawn.