Producing Festuca ‘Elijah Blue’
It’s a classic for a reason. Probably the most well-known ornamental fescue, ‘Elijah Blue’ sports silvery-blue foliage that forms a small, dense mound. Puffy, buff-toned flower spikes reach a foot above the foliage. The plant stays a foot or under and spreads even less.
‘Elijah Blue’ prefers full to partial sun. It will tolerate a light shade, but you’ll see the best foliage color in sunnier spots. It is hardy in Zones 4 to 8 and provides lovely winter color in milder areas – harsher winters may cause considerable browning.
This fescue is ideal for edges, borders or accents. Great for rock gardens and pairs well with other ornamental grasses. Plant just 8 to 10 inches apart for the best effect and to prevent weeds from sneaking in between plants.
Quick Culture Tips
Plant one 50-cell liner per 1 gallon pot for finished plants in eight to 10 weeks for spring sales. Pot with good root/soil contact – ensure pots have no air pockets.
Media: Choose a well-draining commercial media. ‘Blue Elijah’ prefers loose soil.
Temperature: Maintain greenhouse temperatures at 65 to 75° F during the day and 55 to 65° F at night.
pH: Aim for soil pH levels approximately 5.8 to 6.2.
EC: Soil electrical conductivity (EC) should be between 1.8 and 2.2 mS/cm using the 2:1 extraction method.
Fertilizer: Provide a constant liquid feed at medium levels of 150 to 200 ppm nitrogen in a balanced fertilizer.
Moisture: Grow plants on the dry side.
Pest and Disease: Drench with fungicide after transplant as a preventive measure. Scout and monitor regularly. With good ventilation and sanitation, typically ‘Blue Elijah’ experiences no significant pest or disease issues.
Learn more about Festuca glauca ‘Elijah Blue’ and Emerald Coast Growers’ whole collection of perennials, ornamental grasses and succulents at ecgrowers.com.