Blue Fescue, also known as Festuca glauca, is a versatile and hardy ornamental grass that is often used in gardens and landscapes. One of its notable characteristics is its resistance to deer browsing. This means that deer are less likely to feed on or damage Blue Fescue compared to other plants.
As an avid gardener and landscaping expert, I have personally witnessed the deer resistance of Blue Fescue in my own garden. Living in an area with a significant deer population, I have struggled to find plants that can withstand their voracious appetites. However, Blue Fescue has proven to be quite resilient.
Deer are known to have a preference for certain plants, particularly those with soft foliage or tasty flowers. However, Blue Fescue has needle-like, fine-textured leaves that are less appealing to deer. They seem to prefer plants with broader, softer leaves that provide more sustenance. I have observed deer grazing on nearby plants while completely avoiding the Blue Fescue.
In addition to its deer resistance, Blue Fescue also possesses other desirable qualities that make it a popular choice in gardens. It is highly adaptable to various growing conditions, including cold and hot climates, as well as both dry and humid environments. This makes it suitable for a wide range of regions and climates.
Furthermore, Blue Fescue is known for its tolerance to poor soils. It can thrive even in sandy or rocky soil that may not be suitable for other plants. This makes it a great option for areas with less fertile soil or where other plants struggle to grow.
Another advantage of Blue Fescue is its low water requirement. It is drought-tolerant and can survive with minimal watering once established. This is particularly beneficial in regions with limited water resources or in situations where water conservation is important.
In terms of size, Blue Fescue typically grows to a height of 9-12 inches (22-30 cm) and spreads to about 18 inches (45 cm) in width. Its compact growth habit and attractive blue-green foliage make it a valuable addition to garden borders, rock gardens, or as a groundcover.
To summarize, Blue Fescue is indeed deer resistant, making it a great choice for gardens or landscapes where deer browsing is a concern. Its needle-like leaves are less appealing to deer compared to plants with softer foliage. Additionally, Blue Fescue’s ability to tolerate various growing conditions, including cold, heat, humidity, low water, and poor soils, further enhances its desirability as a versatile and low-maintenance ornamental grass.
