Atlas Fescue

Atlas Fescue, Maire's Fescue

1 Gallon
$16.00
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Atlas Fescue

Atlas Fescue, Maire's Fescue

Festuca mairei

A robust, drought-tolerant grass with a large, fountain-like form, fine-textured olive-green foliage, and tall, airy amber flower heads.

$16.00
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Description

Festuca mairei, commonly known as Atlas Fescue or Maire's Fescue, is a robust, semi-evergreen grass prized for its large, fountain-like form, fine-textured foliage, and tall, airy flower heads. Native to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, this cool-season bunchgrass forms a dense, upright to arching clump of narrow, olive-green to yellow-gray-green leaves that provide year-round texture. In late spring through summer, it produces tall, slender flower stalks rising well above the foliage, bearing delicate, airy panicles that transition from gray-green to warm amber and buff tones, extending ornamental interest into fall. Exceptionally drought-tolerant once established, heat tolerant, and adaptable to a range of well-drained soils, it is an outstanding choice for mass plantings, slopes, meadows, borders, rock gardens, and as a bold accent in water-wise and Mediterranean landscapes.

Quick Facts

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  • Light: Full sun (essential for best form and flowering)

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  • Foliage & Flowers: Large, fountain-like, dense clump of narrow, arching, olive-green to yellow-gray-green leaves; tall, slender, airy flower stalks with gray-green to amber-buff panicles, blooming in late spring through summer .
  • Mature Height: 2-3 ft
  • Mature Spread: 2-3 ft
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Hardiness Zones: USDA 4-10 ; Sunset 2-11, 14-24
  • Core Benefits: Large, fountain-like form, fine-textured foliage, tall airy flower heads, exceptionally drought tolerant, heat tolerant, adaptable to various well-drained soils.
  • Best Uses: Mass plantings, slopes (erosion control), meadows, borders, rock gardens, water-wise landscapes, Mediterranean gardens, large containers, accent specimens.

Faqs

Q: How large does Atlas Fescue get?
A: It forms a large, fountain-like clump, typically reaching 2-3 feet in both height and spread, with flower stalks rising above the foliage.

Q: Is it drought tolerant?
A: Yes, once established, it is exceptionally drought and heat tolerant. Water regularly during its first year, then little to no supplemental water is needed. It thrives in well-drained soils.

Q: How much sun does it need?
A: For the best form and most abundant flowering, plant in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily). It will not perform well in shade.

Q: Is it evergreen?
A: It is semi-evergreen, retaining much of its foliage in mild winters but may go dormant in colder climates.

Q: Is it a cool-season grass?
A: Yes, it is a cool-season grass, meaning its main growth occurs in spring and fall. It may go partially dormant in hot summer conditions but will green up again when cooler weather returns.

Q: How does it compare to Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca)?
A: Atlas Fescue is much larger (2-3 ft vs. 6-12 inches), has olive-green to yellow-gray-green foliage (vs. blue-gray), and produces taller, airier flower heads. It is also more heat and drought tolerant.

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San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

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