Festuca 'Elijah Blue'

Festuca glauca 'Elijah Blue': A Classic Cushion of Sky-Toned Calm

Cool, compact, and unmistakably blue, Festuca 'Elijah Blue' remains a go-to ornamental grass for its icy foliage and tidy, low-growing form. Its fine, needle-like blades form a dense, dome-shaped mound that keeps its powder-blue colour well into summer. In early summer, slender tan flower stalks rise just above the foliage, adding a soft haze of texture without disturbing the plant’s crisp silhouette. Ideal for edging, rock gardens, and sun-filled borders, this fescue brings order and clarity to bold seasonal combinations.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 20–30 cm in bloom
• Spread: 25–35 cm, forming a symmetrical clump
• Flower Colour: Soft tan
• Flowering Period: Early to midsummer
• Foliage: Fine, powder-blue blades; semi-evergreen and heat tolerant
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, dry to average soil; avoid heavy or wet conditions

Uses and Benefits: 'Elijah Blue' is ideal for planting en masse, dotting along borders, or contrasting with hot-coloured perennials. Its compact habit and distinctive hue provide a cool counterpoint to brighter, more exuberant plants, while its drought tolerance and tidy growth make it a dependable feature in low-maintenance designs. Deer resistant and low fuss, it's equally at home in modern gardens and informal mixed plantings.

Companion Plants: Let 'Elijah Blue' anchor the scene beside the golden foliage of Sedum 'Angelina', the bright yellow blooms of Coreopsis 'Early Sunrise', and the upright violet spires of Salvia 'Caradonna'. This trio plays light and colour against structure, creating a sun-drenched combination full of rhythm and seasonal impact.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with excellent drainage. Remove any winter-damaged foliage in early spring to maintain a clean appearance. Avoid overly rich soil and excessive watering. Divide every few years in spring to keep clumps tight and fresh.

History: A longstanding favourite among blue fescues, 'Elijah Blue' was selected for its exceptional foliage colour and compact habit. It remains one of the most widely grown ornamental grasses for small-scale, drought-tolerant plantings and garden design with a modern edge.

Final Thoughts: With its frosty hue and sculpted form, 'Elijah Blue' offers a calm, cooling presence in the summer garden. It’s a quiet classic—neat, resilient, and always in good form.