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Atlas Fescue

Atlas Fescue

FESTUCA mairei

For landscaping
Safe delivery guaranteed
Ships as 4"

For landscaping

The Atlas Fescue plants we currently have in stock are meant to be planted in the ground or a raised garden bed. They may be woody, going deciduous, or simply outgrowing their 4" pots. Got it
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Common Name(s)
Maire's Fescue, Atlas Fescue
Sunlight
Full Sun (6+ hrs) or Partial Sun / Shade (3-6 hrs)
Perennial Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Watering
Let dry
Max Height
2'–4'
Max Spread
Over 24"
Garden Design Role
Architectural
Bloom Season
Summer
Lifespan
Perennial
Growing Habit
Mounding, Clumping, Tufted
Drought Resistance
High drought resistance
Foliage Color
Green
Stem Color
Green, Purple/Black
Themes
Cool Blue, Pretty in Pink, Gothic
Genus
Festuca
Family
Poaceae
Ship Size
4"

Atlas Fescue (Festuca mairei) is a sophisticated and long-lived evergreen grass that brings a sense of calm and structure to the landscape. Native to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, this robust ornamental grass is prized for its tidy, fountain-like habit. It forms dense, arching mounds of fine-textured, grayish-green blades that remain vibrant throughout the year, unlike many other fescues that can struggle in summer heat.

As a resilient member of the Festuca genus, mairei is the larger, tougher cousin to the common Blue Fescue. It is exceptionally drought-tolerant once established and thrives in a variety of soil types, provided they are well-drained. In early summer, elegant tawny-colored flower spikes rise above the foliage, adding vertical movement and interest. Its clumping, non-invasive nature makes it a premier choice for modern meadow designs, slope stabilization, or as a rhythmic "filler" in drought-tolerant borders. This established 4" plant is a durable, low-maintenance solution for gardeners seeking year-round architectural beauty.

Why you’ll love it:

  • Year-Round Structure: A true evergreen grass that maintains its neat, mounded form through all four seasons.
  • Heat & Drought Tolerant: Much more resilient to summer humidity and heat than other fescue varieties.
  • Architectural Fountain Shape: Features long, arching blades that create a soft, elegant "fountain" effect in the garden.
  • Low Maintenance: Requires very little care; simply comb through the foliage in late winter to remove old blades.
  • Deer & Pest Resistant: Naturally unappealing to deer and rabbits, making it ideal for open or rural landscapes.

This healthy 4" live plant thrives in full sun to very light shade. It reaches a mature height and spread of 18–24", forming a substantial, impressive clump over time.

Atlas Fescue