Molate Red Fescue

Molate Red Fescue

1 Gallon
$17.90
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Molate Red Fescue
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Molate Red Fescue

Festuca rubra 'Molate'

Silvery-blue foliage spreads into soft, rolling groundcover with excellent shade tolerance and mowing versatility.

$17.90
Container sizeSize guide 1 Gallon

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Description

Molate Red Fescue is a semi-evergreen perennial grass valued for its sweeping, fine-textured, silvery-blue foliage and naturally spreading growth habit. Its graceful leaves form soft, rolling clumps that gradually blend into a flowing, meadow-like groundcover. New growth begins in late winter, earlier than is typical for the species. In summer, tall flower stems emerge above the foliage, producing delicate flowerheads that mature to warm amber-tan. Native to North America and Eurasia, including California, this adaptable grass tolerates more shade than many other fescues. Growing approximately 12–18 inches tall with a variable spread, it is ideal for naturalistic lawns, meadow plantings, slopes, and informal groundcovers. It accepts mowing to 1–2 inches and prefers moderate to regular watering.

Quick Facts

  • Foliage & Flowers: Semi-evergreen, fine-textured silvery-blue leaves; summer flowerheads mature to amber-tan.
  • Mature Height: 12–18 in. when unmowed; tolerates mowing to 1–2 in.
  • Mature Spread: Variable; gradually spreads into rolling clumps.
  • Growth Rate: New growth begins in late winter; overall spreading rate varies.
  • Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5–10; Sunset Zones A2, A3, 1–10, 14–24.
  • Light Requirement: Full sun, partial sun, filtered sun, or partial shade.
  • Core Benefits: Silvery-blue foliage, spreading groundcover habit, greater shade tolerance than many fescues, early seasonal growth, and mowing tolerance.
  • Best Uses: Naturalistic lawns, meadow gardens, informal groundcovers, slopes, and mass plantings.

Faqs

Q: Does Molate Red Fescue spread underground?

A: Yes. As a spreading red fescue, it can expand through short underground rhizomes, gradually forming connected patches rather than remaining in isolated clumps.

Q: Can Molate Red Fescue be used as a lawn?

A: Yes. It can create a soft, naturalistic lawn and tolerates mowing as low as 1–2 inches. Its appearance is generally more informal than a conventional turf lawn.

Q: Can Molate Red Fescue grow in shade?

A: Yes. It tolerates more shade than many other fescues and grows in full sun to partial shade. Moderate to regular watering helps maintain healthy growth.

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

Local delivery across the Bay Area — and beyond.

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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1 Gallon

1 Gallon

A practical starting size for perennials, grasses, groundcovers, vines and young shrubs. Lightweight, easy to plant and well suited for projects that need multiple plants.

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Gallon describes the container size, not a guaranteed plant height. Individual plants vary. Contact our nursery for current measurements.

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