Sheep Fescue
Festuca ovina (Sheep Fescue) is a low-growing, cool-season grass forming a densely tufted mound of narrow, stiff, semi-erect, green or gray-green leaves. In late spring to early summer, narrow and dense flowering panicles emerge on stiff, naked stalks well above the tuft of leaves. Sheep Fescue is slow-growing, most of its growth is produced in the spring and again in the fall if moisture is available. Summer growth is minimal and dependent on precipitation or irrigation. Native to Europe, this perennial grass has excellent cold tolerance, good drought tolerance, and moderate shade tolerance. It can withstand fire in the autumn but requires 2 -3 years to recover fully. Long-lived, it does not spread vegetatively by runners but spreads primarily via seed distribution. It is excellent for stabilization of disturbed soils, erosion, and weed control thanks to its extensive root system. Easy to grow and low maintenance, Sheep Fescue performs well as a groundcover and is useful in informal grassland on poor soils.
Hardiness |
4 - 8 |
---|---|
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 | 10" - 1' (25cm - 30cm) |
Spread | 10" - 1' (25cm - 30cm) |
Spacing | 12" - 18" (30cm - 50cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Semi-Evergreen |
Tolerance | Drought |
Garden Uses | Ground Covers |
Garden Styles | Prairie and Meadow |
Hardiness |
4 - 8 |
---|---|
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 | 10" - 1' (25cm - 30cm) |
Spread | 10" - 1' (25cm - 30cm) |
Spacing | 12" - 18" (30cm - 50cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Semi-Evergreen |
Tolerance | Drought |
Garden Uses | Ground Covers |
Garden Styles | Prairie and Meadow |
How many Festuca ovina (Sheep Fescue) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Festuca ovina (Sheep Fescue) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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