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Create Stunning Landscapes With Cool As Ice Blue Fescue from McKay Nursery
Our experts at McKay Nursery are ready to provide you with plants that fit perfectly into your gardening plans, which includes our Cool as Ice Blue Fescue ornamental grass. This low-maintenance grass is perfect for edging and mass plantings, bringing year-round interest and resilience to your landscape. Looking to incorporate blue ornamental grass into your garden? Order from us at McKay Nursery today! If you need additional information or help with your purchases, contact us at [email protected] or call 920-478-2121.
- Sun, Part Sun/Shade
Mature Plant Size (H x W):
8-12" x 8-12" 
Bloom Season:
Summer
- Attracts Birds
- Deer Resistant
- Salt Tolerant
- Native
- Winter Interest
- Low Maintenance
- Stone Mulch
- Walnut Toxicity Resistant
Planting & Care for Blue Fescue Grass
Preparation
- Blue Fescue is a cool season, with clump-forming grass. It's a hardy, low-tufted cool season grass with a powdery, silver-blue coloration.
- Thin blades are gracefully arched, but only attain a height of 4-8" or so and 6-10" when blooming.
- Remember to trim back foliage late in March or early April each year to keep them looking well-cut.
- Be sure to plant in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soils.
- Drought tolerant once established.
- Thrives in hardiness zone 4.
Opening Plant Material
- Containers: Completely saturate all container plants by putting them in a larger water container until bubbling stops. Remove the plant, then dig a hole no deeper than the depth of the container, ensuring it’s wider on the sides by an additional 6” or more.
Planting Containers
- Dig a hole no deeper than the depth of the container and 6" or wider on the sides.
Slide the plant from the pot by tapping on the bottom of the pot. - With a shovel or knife, trim the bottom 2" off the root ball for plants in plastic containers.
- Rotate the plant to the proper position. Never lift or move plants by the tops.
Place the root ball in the hole. - Adjust the plant height so the root crown is slightly higher than the ground.
Notice where the base of the trunk flares out from the tree. This is called the root flare. This root flare should show when the tree is planted. Add soil under the ball so the root flare is exposed if necessary. - Place fertilizer packets into the bottom of the hole (if purchased). *Use Our Recommended Fertilizer.
- Backfill the hole with soil, ensuring the top of the root ball is visible and slightly higher than the soil around it.
- Firm the soil around the plant. Water well to settle soil around the root ball.
- See our link below, “Planting & Handling Help,” for a downloadable planting guide with illustrations.
Pruning - After Planting
- Containers: Although it’s not essential after planting, light pruning can help shape a Blue Fescue ornamental grass. Doing so removes any broken branches from shipping or thins out a heavily branched plant to assist in the transplanting process and the appearance of your new planting.
Pruning - Through-out the Season
- Cut back late in March if possible before new growth begins.
- See our instructional video on pruning ornamental grasses in the landscape on our “videos” tab.
Watering - After Planting
- Plants typically take approximately 6 weeks to establish new roots in your soil. During this period, water plants as often as every 2-4 days at the start and at least a minimum of once per week.
- Beyond the six-week establishment period, water once per week unless rain occurs.
- Remember to check soil moisture by sticking your finger into the soil around 3”.
Watering - Through-out the Season
- After the first season, plants should only be watered during extended periods without rain.
- How do you know if your plants need water? The easiest way to tell is to touch the soil around the roots. If it is moist, there is no need to water. If it’s dry, give it a good soak with the hose end (no nozzle), watering the soil only, not the leaves.
- Same as after planting, stick your finger into the soil around 3” to check soil moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best growing zones for Blue Fescue ornamental grass?
When do Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca) ornamental grasses get their blue color?
How do I propagate Blue Fescue ornamental grass?
Keep in mind that Blue Fescue ornamental grass rarely lives past three to five years unless it’s divided.
What are the common pests of Blue ornamental grass?
Can I grow Blue ornamental grass indoors?
Planting & Handling Help
Download our Planting and Handling Guide below to plan for a successful arrival and install of your plants. Be sure to water all plants as soon as they arrive and every day until you’re ready to plant. Keep any bare root bundles in a shady, cool spot with the roots covered at all times.
Learn More
Watch our videos on handling bare root plants, how your order is prepared for shipment and more.
Plant Sizing
What is the difference between Containers, Grow Bags, Bare Root, and Balled & Burlap (B&B)?
Shipping Times
Our FedEx and local shipping times depend on two factors, one is by the region and the second is the type of product being shipped. For example, small fruits are only shipped in spring, but majority of our perennials are shipped from spring until fall. Keep in mind the dates below act as a general guide. Due to unpredictable weather, staffing, inventory and industry demands these timelines can change. Therefore, we cannot guarantee any of these times.
Shipping Dates by Region*
Northern Cold Region: April 22nd - November 7th
Northern Region: April 15th - November 7th
Middle Region: April 1st - November 7th
Southern Region: March 15th - November 7th
Local Delivery (small radius from Waterloo, WI): April 22nd - November 7th
Shipping Dates by Season*
Spring Shipping: Region Start Date (above) - May
Fall Shipping: September - November
Due to unpredictable weather, these times may vary. Some varieties are exceptions due to heat and plant health reasons. Enter your shipping zip code at the top of this page and be sure to check the shipping information on each product before you add it to your cart. If the product is too large or restricted in your state, you will not be able to checkout with that item in your cart.