Rough Draft 1.0 9/1/2021
Intro
Elijah Blue grass isn’t the genre of music here… it’s an ornamental grass that is an icy green with a bluish and purple tinge. Elijah Blue fescue (grass) full grown will be about 8 inches tall , with a spread of 12 inches. Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground. I’ve heard that under ideal conditions it can be expected to live for approximately 8 years. We have all 4 seasons where we live. The summers can be hot and the winters cold. We’ve had our bluegrass for going on 10 years. With our experience it can last longer than 8 years. I truly enjoy this grass because it really does stay in it’s space and has cut little grass like feathers that bloom in the spring.
Growing Conditions
Sun, Soil, and Water
Elijah blue fescue thrives in full sunlight, it will tolerate shade but will not flower as well. This plant prefers being planted in well draining soil and can tolerate dry spells with minimal watering. Usually doesn’t need to be watered in rainy spring and fall seasons. It’s okay during cold winter months to not be concerned about watering, and only if high temperatures are truly cold. During hot summer months your plant may need to be watered at least once per week. Watering works with trial and error sometimes. During constant hot summer conditions I’ve watered my Elijah blue grass within well draining soil during the morning almost daily and it seems to perk up nicely, The roots need dry conditions for ultimate growth, make sure it doesn’t sit in any wet or soggy soil dips or conditions.
Care for your Elijah
Spring and Fall
We have noticed that it has new growth in the spring, it does die back in the winter but no worries this is why its a semi evergreen grass.. Zones 4 – 11 seem to be the best zones to grow this great bordering plant. It’s a joy in the spring when you noticed the new shoots emerging for the new growing season. Keep an eye on the weather because if its a dry spring or summer it may need more watering by hand or sprinklers as needed.
Propagation
Dividing and Replanting
Timing Propagation
With very dry summers. A good rule of thumb is to divide this plant every two to three years to improve its appearance and refresh its root system. The key when dividing and transplanting is to care for its roots .As a cool-season grass, fescue performs best when divided in spring or autumn. Keeping the roots moist before and after transplanting decreases stress while providing the moisture it needs during the rooting process. Water the grass well in prepared well draining soil after it’s placed in its new home
Division and Planting Process
Moisture loss and root damage often cause divisions to fail, so it is important l to prepare the “Elijah Blue” fescue ahead of time to ease the division and planting process. Water the plant to a 4-inch depth the night before dividing it. The root ball is fairly compact but still subject to damage, so measure out 3 inches around the plant and dig down to a depth of 4 inches to preserve as much of the root ball as possible. Gently pry and pull the plant from the base. The center of the clump should be cut out and the outer edges sliced into two to four divisions or parts, each with an equal share of foliage and roots. Caring for all of the roots plant in prepared spots as deep as the length of the roots, usually about 4-inches. Press the soil firmly around the plant once filled and water well.
Conclusion
There are about six different bluegrass varieties. For new gardeners blue fescue is a great bordering plant to start with because it is very hardy and easy to water. Have fun finding the blue grass that grows well in your climate and use your new grass as a centerpiece or border in your yard or garden.
Resource Links
http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c760
https://www.thespruce.com/blue-fescue-grass-21
https://homeguides.sfgate.com/elijah-blue-fescue-propagation-86814.html