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Festuca mairei (Atlas Fescue)

Atlas Fescue, Moroccan Fescue

Festuca Mairei, Atlas Fescue, Evergreen Grass, Meadow Grass,

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.

 

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 Poaceae
Genus Festuca
Common names Fescue
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)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Festuca californica (California Fescue)
Festuca ovina (Sheep Fescue)
Festuca rubra (Red Fescue)
Festuca idahoensis (Idaho Fescue)
Festuca glauca ‘Beyond Blue’ (Blue Fescue)
Festuca glauca ‘Blaufuchs’ (Blue Fescue)

Recommended Companion Plants

Origanum ‘Rosenkuppel’ (Ornamental Oregano)
Geranium ‘Patricia’ (Cranesbill)
Sedum ‘Matrona’ (Stonecrop)
Salvia nemorosa ‘Amethyst’ (Sage)
Phlomis russeliana (Jerusalem Sage)
Echinacea pallida (Pale Purple Coneflower)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Native Plant Alternatives to Festuca rubra (Red Fescue)
Great Ornamental Grasses for your Winter Garden
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.
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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 Poaceae
Genus Festuca
Common names Fescue
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)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Festuca (Fescue)
Guides with
Festuca (Fescue)
Not sure which Festuca (Fescue) to pick?
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