Festuca 'Cool As Ice'

Festuca glauca 'Cool As Ice': A Frosted Accent with Bold Garden Flair

Refined and refreshingly bright, Festuca 'Cool As Ice' lives up to its name with icy blue foliage that stays sharp and vivid even in the heat of summer. Its narrow, silvery-blue blades form a tight, spherical clump with a smooth, polished look that brings structure and contrast to sun-drenched plantings. Light tan flower spikes appear in early summer, hovering gently above the mound and adding soft texture without diminishing its crisp form.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 25–30 cm in bloom
• Spread: 30–40 cm, forming a symmetrical, rounded clump
• Flower Colour: Tan
• Flowering Period: Early to midsummer
• Foliage: Silvery-blue, fine-textured blades; semi-evergreen
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, dry to average soil; prefers lean conditions

Uses and Benefits: 'Cool As Ice' is perfect for modern borders, rock gardens, and low-maintenance designs where clarity and contrast are key. Its compact size and cool colouring make it a versatile accent among warmer tones and bold blooms, while its tidy habit and drought tolerance make it ideal for repeated use in rhythm-based layouts. Deer resistant and easy to grow, it offers year-round form with minimal input.

Companion Plants: Pair Festuca 'Cool As Ice' with the rich red foliage of Sedum 'Dragon's Blood', the airy golden flowers of Coreopsis 'Zagreb', and the deep purple spikes of Salvia 'May Night'. Together, they form a sun-loving, drought-tolerant trio with contrast, colour, and lasting appeal.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Avoid wet or overly rich conditions. In early spring, remove any brown or winter-damaged foliage to refresh the clump. Divide every few years to maintain density and remove any decline in the centre.

History: A refined cultivar of Festuca glauca, 'Cool As Ice' was selected for its exceptional foliage clarity and tidy, uniform growth. It continues the tradition of blue fescues as essential foliage accents in dry, modern, and minimalist plantings.

Final Thoughts: With its clean lines and icy glow, 'Cool As Ice' brings a cool breath of order to vibrant summer plantings. It's a subtle standout—crisp, elegant, and garden-ready, no matter the heat.