Festuca mairei (Atlas Fescue)
Atlas Fescue, Moroccan Fescue
A giant in the world of the Fescues, Festuca mairei (Atlas Fescue) is a long-lived evergreen clumping grass which forms fountain-like mounds up to 24-36 in. tall and wide (60-90 cm) with a rich khaki green foliage. Native to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, hence its common name, this handsome ornamental grass is mostly grown for its tidy foliage, which brings interest to the landscape all year around in warm winter areas. Its tiny flowers are inconspicuous.
- Aside from its foliage interest, it is drought tolerant once established (although regular waterings would be appreciated), virtually trouble-free and requires low maintenance. This plant doesn't need to be cut back.
- It thrives in full sun or part shade in well-drained soils with occasional watering. This plant is not fussy about soils and is heat tolerant.
- Hardy, this cool-season grass keeps its foliage in warm winter climates.
- This is a great candidate for beds, borders, rock gardens, edging, meadows, slopes or as a groundcover. It is considered as one of the best groundcovers for large areas.
- Remove damaged foliage for a neat planting.
Not sure which Festuca - Fescues to pick?
Compare All Festuca - Fescues
Buy Festuca mairei (Atlas Fescue)
Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 9 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Ornamental Grasses |
Plant Family | Festuca - Fescues |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 24" – 36" (60cm – 90cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
By Kathryn Roach, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 9 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Ornamental Grasses |
Plant Family | Festuca - Fescues |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 24" – 36" (60cm – 90cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |