White Flower Farm
Festuca glauca 'Elijah Blue'
Best low-maintenance choice for gardeners seeking year-round color and deer resistance.
Festuca glauca 'Elijah Blue', or Blue Fescue, is a striking ornamental grass prized for its year-round powder blue foliage. This perennial forms dense, spiky mounds, reaching about 10 inches tall, with 18-inch flower stalks appearing in June. It's a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant that thrives in full sun, making it perfect for rock gardens, borders, and ground cover. Prefers well-drained soil and offers excellent winter interest. This variety is also deer resistant, adding to its appeal for many garden settings.
$17.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
19
/ 2989
#19 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-35%
Below average
Lifespan
Perennial
/ Perennial
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking vibrant, year-round color and fine texture
- Xeriscaping enthusiasts needing low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants
- Homeowners living in areas with high deer and rabbit populations
Who should skip it
- Gardeners wanting low-maintenance plants that do not require frequent division
- Residents in humid climates prone to fungal issues and rot
- Busy gardeners looking to avoid seasonal cleanup and maintenance tasks
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Powder blue foliage provides a standout contrast in any garden bed.
Maintenance Ease
Requires minimal attention once established in well-drained soil.
Drought Tolerance
Handles dry spells with ease, making it a water-wise choice.
Deer Resistance
Reliably ignored by local wildlife, protecting your landscape investment.
Seasonal Versatility
Maintains structural beauty and color throughout the winter months.
Growth Adaptability
Thrives equally well in rock gardens, borders, or decorative containers.
Key Specs
Lifespan
Perennial
Mature Height
18 inches (including flower stalks)
Foliage Color
Powder blue
Sun Exposure Requirement
Full Sun
USDA Hardiness Zones
4 to 10
Planting Spacing
10 inches recommended
Soil Drainage Preference
Well-drained
Ships as
One Quart Pot
Features
- Striking powder blue foliage year-round
- Low maintenance and drought tolerant
- Deer resistant plant variety
- Provides excellent winter interest
- Clumping growth habit
- Suitable for container gardening
- Perennial lifespan
- Ornamental grass for garden appeal
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the Festuca glauca 'Elijah Blue' for its striking, true blue coloration and immediate textural impact in the garden. A major theme is the exceptional quality upon arrival; specimens are consistently described as robust, well rooted, and larger than expected, reflecting meticulous packaging that minimizes transplant shock. This initial health leads to excellent performance, with the grass establishing quickly and showing strong resilience in sunny, dry areas. While the premium pricing is noted, most buyers conclude that the superior quality, guaranteed success, and reliable low maintenance justify the investment. This ornamental grass is highly valued for delivering lasting, high impact beauty.
Know before you buy
Yes, Festuca glauca 'Elijah Blue' is an evergreen perennial in most climates, meaning it retains its signature powder blue color even during the winter months.
For a dense, uniform look, we recommend spacing your plants about 10 inches apart. This allows the clumping mounds to grow together without overcrowding.
This variety is quite hardy and thrives in USDA zones 4 through 10. It is well-suited for a wide range of climates, provided it is planted in well-drained soil.
Yes, 'Elijah Blue' is considered deer resistant. While no plant is entirely deer-proof, its texture and taste are generally unappealing to deer, making it a reliable choice for gardens prone to browsing.
Absolutely. Its compact, clumping growth habit makes it an excellent candidate for containers, provided the pot has adequate drainage to prevent the roots from sitting in water.
It is very low-maintenance. You only need to trim back any dead or brown foliage in early spring to encourage fresh, vibrant growth for the upcoming season.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
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$18