All About Blue Fescue ‘Beyond Blue’

Beyond Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca) is a highly sought-after ornamental grass known for its exceptionally vibrant blue foliage and compact, mound-forming habit. This no-fuss, low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant thrives in sunny locations and well-drained soil, making it suitable for various garden settings. Its compact and tidy form ensures it will not overrun everything around it! In late spring and early summer, blonde seed heads appear on tall stems, adding visual interest.

Plan for Success
Full Sun
Blue Fescue ‘Beyond Blue’ prefers full sun (6+ hours daily) for the most intense blue foliage color. It can tolerate some partial shade, but the blue may not be as vibrant.

Hardiness Zone 3-9
Blue fescue thrives in hardiness zones 4-8. This means it can tolerate winter temperatures as low as -30°F

Bare Root vs Potted
Bare root perennials often provide better value, a wider selection, and potentially healthier plants than potted ones. They typically establish more quickly, grow faster, and are easier to plant.

When to Plant
Planting bare root ornamental grasses in the fall gives them time to develop a strong root system before winter, resulting in healthier growth and more vibrant displays in spring. The cooler temperatures and increased rainfall of fall create ideal conditions for root establishment.

Plant your bare root grass within a week of bringing it home. If you are unable to plant within a week and need to push out planting up to 2 weeks, keep the roots moist, but not saturated. You can wrap them in a paper towel or burlap and secure them with twine. Store in a cool, dark place (unheated shed or garage).

How to Plant

Before planting, hydrate the roots by submerging them in water for at least an hour to ensure they are hydrated.

1. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the roots and the same depth in a well-drained, shade location.
2. Place the roots in the hole with the top of the root crown slightly higher than the surrounding soil.
3. Build a water-retaining berm around the hole to retain moisture.
4. Backfill the hole halfway with soil and water thoroughly to eliminate any pockets of air around the roots.
5. Continue backfilling with soil until the soil is level.
6. Water deeply.

Where to Plant

Blue Fescue ‘Beyond Blue’ is versatile and fits beautifully in a variety of landscapes. Choose a sunny, well-draining location. Once established, this variety is drought tolerant and prefers low moisture.

Use as an accent plant in smaller gardens. It is ideal for creating a sophisticated edge along borders and walkways. Can be used as a low-maintenance ground cover for smaller gardens. It grows well in containers — its full and cascading foliage makes a great ‘spiller’ and ‘filler.’

What to Expect
 

Spring Planted Fescue Grasses
When planting bare root grass, you can expect a somewhat slow start, but with proper care, it will establish well and grow into a healthy, attractive plant. You may see no foliage or just a few brownish ones because it is dormant. This is normal! Focus on the roots and potential rather than the top of the plant.

The roots will be exposed and may look dry. Soaking them before planting is helpful. In the first 2 weeks after planting, you won’t be able to see it, but the roots will begin to wake up. Within 3-6 weeks, you may see new green shoots start to emerge, especially if the weather is warm. Growth is slow and modest at first, so be patient. By one full season, you will see grass about 8” tall and 8” wide. Over the years, it will gradually get larger and reach its full potential by the 3rd growing season at 12-18” tall and 18” wide.

Fall Planted Fescue Grasses
When planted in the fall, these grasses benefit from cooler temperatures and moist soil, allowing their roots to establish before winter. While top growth may not be immediately vigorous, the root system will develop underground, setting the stage for strong, healthy growth in spring. After going dormant for the winter, growth begins in early spring and will be gradual as the temperatures rise but will become steady as the season progresses. 
 

How to Care for Blue Fescue ‘Beyond Blue’
Blue Fescue ‘Beyond Blue’  is a low maintenance plant. Once established, it’s drought-tolerant so avoid over-watering. ‘Beyond Blue’ does not require fertilizing if grown in healthy soil. If fertilizing is needed, use a slow-release fertilizer in the spring. Apply a layer of mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture.

Divide every 2-3 years in early spring to prevent the center from dying out and plant vigor. ‘Beyond Blue’ is an evergreen, so pruning is not necessary — simply remove dead foliage to allow room for new growth.