Festuca filiformis

The Festuca filiformis, also known as Capillary-leaved Fescue or Capillary Fescue, is a small, dense perennial grass that forms a well-behaved tuft but has a slightly bristly habit. It is soft green, taking on a lovely golden hue in autumn. Its loose greenish-blue spikes bloom above the foliage in the second half of summer before turning golden themselves. This species, native to steppes and heathlands with acidic tendencies, is very hardy and tolerant of drought and poor soils. Originating from Western Europe, it is perfectly adapted to our climate and ideal for ground cover in challenging areas.

The Festuca filiformis, also known as Sheep Fescue, is a small grass of the Poaceae family and is very common in acidic heathlands and poor soils. It is often grazed by sheep and goats, which explains the origin of its vernacular name. It is an unremarkable species but useful for replacing grass on difficult soils. This clump-forming herbaceous perennial plant has a short lifespan, like many fescues. It grows in small tufts of very fine, cylindrical and linear leaves with a spring-green colour. When mature, it will measure 25 cm (10in) in all directions and 35 cm (14in) when flowering, with a relatively rapid growth. The foliage is evergreen. Long, light panicles appear in August, bearing bluish spikelets that turn bronze-gold in autumn. The seeds form at the end of summer. They are dispersed by the wind, greatly ensuring the species' perpetuity in gardens and nature.

Hardy is well below -15 °C (5°F). Festuca filiformis is a perfect plant for dry gardens and areas with poor and rocky soil. It is used as ground cover in low borders or rockeries. It creates beautiful contrasts with blue fescues and remains decorative for most of the year. It accompanies flowering and light perennials, such as linarias, penstemons, field daisies, and scabious, as well as annual poppies and Love-in-a-Mist. Plant it alongside spring bulbs that will not smother but whose yellowing foliage it will hide in summer.