Festuca glauca - Elijah Blue

Cool, compact, and intensely silvery blue, Festuca glauca ‘Elijah Blue’ is one of the best blue fescue grasses for adding year-round color and fine texture to the garden. Its narrow blades form tidy clumps about 8–12 inches tall, creating a crisp accent for edging, rock gardens, containers, gravel plantings, and dry garden borders.

‘Elijah Blue’ is most convincing when repeated: a small procession along a path, a cool blue ribbon at the front of a bed, or several tufts punctuating a larger planting. The fine blades move lightly in the breeze and remain useful after neighboring flowers have finished. Its compact scale also makes it easy to tuck into pots without overwhelming the other plants.

This evergreen ornamental grass is especially handsome in cooler and coastal climates, where the foliage color tends to remain crisp and bright. Pair it with silver foliage, succulents, lavender, yarrow, California poppies, or warm-colored flowers that make the blue stand out. Full sun and good drainage help maintain its tight form; overly wet or heavy soil can shorten its life.

Space plants about 12 inches apart for a denser effect, and shear away tired growth in late winter when needed. Deer tend to pass it by, while gardeners get a small, durable fountain of blue foliage in every season. Explore more Festuca and fescue grasses.