Festuca californica 'Phil's Silver'

Also Known As

Blue Fescue

Plant type

perennial, grass / grass like

size

H: 3'
W: 3'

planting zones

7a-10a

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Festuca californica 'Phil's Silver' plant details

Festuca californica 'Phil's Silver' is a semi-evergreen perennial grass (or grassy in appearance) with blue and burgundy foliage. In spring tan flowers emerge. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - low water. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Festuca californica 'Phil's Silver'

Plant type: perennial grass (or grassy in appearance)
Plant family: poaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen blue and burgundy
Mature size: 3 FT wide, 3 FT tall
Flowers: tan blooms in spring

GROWING CONDITIONS for Festuca californica 'Phil's Silver'

USDA Zones: 7a - 10a
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A standout for its stiff silvery blades, this robust, cool season grass originated from seed that Cal Flora Nursery owner, Phil Van Soelen, collected near California's Sonoma coast. Anchored by burgundy sheaves, glaucous gray-green leaves become more lustrous as the weather warms, but remain evergreen in milder climates. Unfurling in airy, yet showy abundance, the graceful greenish panicles mature to a cozy golden hue some 2 or 3 ft. above a fairly compact, dense basal tuft of handsome long-lived foliage. Resplendent massed with shrubs such as Ceanothus, Cistus or Ribes, 'Phil's Silver' prefers good drainage, minimal to moderate summer water, and obliges an array of situations, such as coastal hillsides, wind, and drought in cooler areas.