Description
Festuca gautieri is a compact, evergreen, mound‑forming grass prized for its neat, domed habit and fine, needle‑like foliage. Often used in rock gardens, gravel gardens and modern architectural planting, it delivers year‑round structure with minimal maintenance. Its ability to thrive in low‑nutrient, well‑drained soils makes it ideal for sustainable, peat‑free production and climate‑resilient landscapes.
Key Features:
Propagation method: Seeds.
Substrate: Jiffy propagation Mix.
Plug Size: 4.5cm.
Production system: Grown without artificial light or heating for hardened plants.
Height: 15–25 cm.
Spread: 20–30 cm, forming tight, rounded hummocks.
Flower Colour: Yellow‑green panicles held just above the foliage.
Foliage: Fine, stiff, bright green needles forming a dense, domed cushion.
Flowering Period: Late spring to early summer.
Hardiness: Fully hardy in the UK (H7).
Growth Habit & Ecology:
Festuca gautieri forms a distinctive, perfectly rounded mound of evergreen foliage. Its fine texture and architectural shape make it a favourite for contemporary planting schemes, alpine gardens and green roofs. Although not a native species, its dense structure provides shelter for insects and contributes to micro‑habitat diversity.
Because it thrives in dry, sunny conditions and poor soils, it is an excellent choice for climate‑resilient landscapes, xeriscaping and low‑maintenance commercial schemes.
Plant Care:
Plant in full sun for best colour and form.
Well‑drained, low‑fertility soils, Suitable for chalk, sand, gravel and rocky substrates & avoid heavy, waterlogged soils.
Trim lightly in early spring to remove winter scorch.
Do not over‑fertilise — it prefers lean soils.
Divide clumps every 3–4 years if needed.
Ideal for containers, gravel gardens, alpine beds and modern borders.
Pollinator Value:
Wind‑pollinated, but provides shelter for small insects.
Dense mounds create micro‑habitats within dry gardens.
Sensory Value:
Fine, tactile foliage adds texture and visual softness.
Evergreen domes provide year‑round structure.
Works beautifully in sensory, architectural and minimalist designs.
Ecological Value:
Excellent for drought‑resilient planting.
Supports micro‑fauna in dry, rocky habitats.
Helps stabilise soil in gravel and alpine settings.
Suitable for green roofs and low‑input landscapes.
Commercial Notes:
Festuca gautieri is ideal for:
Retail lines focused on architectural grasses.
Drought‑tolerant and climate‑resilient ranges.
Alpine and rock‑garden collections.
Modern landscaping, gravel gardens and green roofs
FESTUCA gautieri are supplied as strong, well-rooted, hardy plug plants ready for potting into pots up-to 2lt formats.
